A Bold Crime Drama That Falls Short of Its Potential.
Shabana Azmi is no stranger to playing the matriarch of a high-stakes underworld. From her fiery portrayal in Shyam Benegal’s Mandi (1983) to her latest outing in Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, Azmi remains a powerhouse presence, her steely glare and sharp wit as potent as ever. The series, directed by Hitesh Bhatia and produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, attempts to blend crime, dark humor, and female camaraderie into a heady concoction. But does it succeed?

The premise is enticing: a group of middle-class women in Thane run a seemingly innocuous home-cooked tiffin service that moonlights as a drug cartel. At the helm is the wily and calculating Sheila (Azmi), a retired criminal who discovers that her daughter-in-law, Raji (Shalini Pandey), has been making an extra buck on the side. Instead of stopping her, Sheila takes charge, shifting their trade from marijuana to the more lucrative molly. What follows is a chaotic dance of ambition, deceit, and survival as these women navigate a world of corrupt pharmaceutical moguls, ruthless enforcement officers, and their own disintegrating personal lives.

The most compelling aspect of Dabba Cartel is its portrayal of women carving a space in a male-dominated criminal enterprise. Jyotika as Varuna, a struggling entrepreneur caught in a failing marriage, and Nimisha Sajayan as Mala, a hustling housemaid with big dreams, add depth to the ensemble. Their interactions brim with energy, balancing sharp humor with moments of genuine vulnerability. Nimisha Sajayan, in particular, shines with a performance that is both gritty and endearing.

However, the men in this world are disappointingly one-note. Jisshu Sengupta’s Shankar, a pharmaceutical executive entangled in an opioid cover-up, is a textbook example of toxic masculinity, constantly undermining his wife while grappling with his own insecurities.

Gajraj Rao delivers yet another commendable performance! He portrays an FDSCO officer committed to ethics, diligently adhering to the rule book while investigating the pharmaceutical company. He seamlessly fits into the role, bringing authenticity to his character. From his body language to his dialogue delivery, he effortlessly captures the nuances, making his portrayal both convincing and engaging. Sunil Grover’s presence enhances the final episode, highlighting his versatility beyond comedy.

Lost in the Chaos
While Dabba Cartel aims for the slick storytelling of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, it often loses its way. The series packs too many plot threads – flailing marriages, corporate conspiracies, police investigations, and cartel rivalries – without fully developing them. The setting of Thane, with its bustling middle-class neighborhoods, provides a refreshing backdrop, but the show’s detours to Pune, Amritsar, and Delhi dilute its localized charm.

The humor, a crucial element in crime dramedies, is inconsistent. While there are moments of brilliance – Mala’s desperate aspirations, the absurdity of Sheila’s negotiations – the script often falls into predictable tropes. Compared to Netflix’s Darlings (2022), which seamlessly blended humor with tension, Dabba Cartel feels less refined.

A Missed Opportunity?
Despite its flaws, Dabba Cartel offers glimpses of what could have been a stellar series. Shabana Azmi’s character, in particular, has a fascinating backstory linked to an old crime boss named ‘Sultan Mirza,’ evoking nostalgia for the golden era of parallel cinema. Yet, the show doesn’t quite capitalize on her formidable presence, resorting instead to a more surface-level exploration of her past.

The writing, though serviceable, lacks the sharpness needed for a story of this caliber. The pacing, too, wavers; some episodes build gripping tension, while others meander, making the seven-episode format feel both rushed and stretched.

Verdict: Worth a Watch, but Not Groundbreaking
Dabba Cartel is an ambitious attempt at redefining Indian crime dramas with a strong female-led narrative. It has moments of brilliance, especially in its performances, but falters in execution. For those craving a crime thriller with a unique premise and a stellar cast, it’s an engaging watch. However, if you’re looking for the finesse of Paatal Lok or the razor-sharp wit of Darlings, this one might leave you wanting more.

Rating: 3.5/5