Dabba Cartel (2025) Web Series NetMirror

Dabba Cartel, the 2025 web series directed by Hitesh Bhatia, brings together a powerhouse cast led by Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Shalini Pandey, Nimisha Sajayan, and Anjali Anand. Set in the heart of Mumbai, this gritty crime drama explores the lives of five women caught between survival and ambition. The series blends strong storytelling with powerful female characters in a high-stakes world.

Telling a story that’s both thrilling and deeply human, the show dives into the transformation of everyday women who find themselves leading a secret life. With layered characters, emotional tension, and unexpected twists, Dabba Cartel offers something fresh in the Indian streaming space.

Dabba Cartel Casting

Storyline

The show follows five middle-class women running a small tiffin business in Thane. But beneath the surface, their food delivery service hides a much darker secret, they’re running a drug cartel.

Raji, a talented cook and housewife, is the glue of the group. Mala is a quiet domestic worker who finds herself pulled into the operation. Sheila, Raji’s mother-in-law, holds a mysterious past. Varuna, a former corporate worker, brings sharp thinking to the group. And then there’s Shahida, a street-smart broker who helps them navigate Mumbai’s underbelly.

As the women climb deeper into the world of crime, their personal lives begin to crack. The tension builds with every episode, mixing suspense with moments of real emotion and inner conflict.

Cast Performances

The cast really drives the series. Shabana Azmi is outstanding as Sheila, strong, layered, and totally gripping. She owns every scene she’s in. Jyotika brings quiet fire to Varuna’s role. Her character’s backstory adds emotional weight that feels very real. Nimisha Sajayan plays Mala with such honesty, you can feel her fear and strength at the same time.

Shalini Pandey and Anjali Anand round out the team perfectly. Together, these five create a chemistry that makes the cartel’s bond feel believable. Each woman brings her own energy, and that mix keeps things interesting.

Direction & Look

Hitesh Bhatia does a solid job balancing the show’s emotional moments with crime-thriller tension. He never lets the story get too slow, but also gives space for the characters to breathe.

The camera work captures Mumbai in all its moods, chaotic streets, quiet kitchens, shady alleyways. It’s not flashy, but it feels real, which fits the story. The tiffin delivery scenes are cleverly used to show how easily crime can hide in plain sight.

What Critics Are Saying

Critics have had mixed feelings. Some praised the show’s strong premise and lead performances. The storyline was called “ambitious” and “unusual for a crime series led by women.”

But not everyone was sold. A few reviewers felt the plot lost steam in the middle and became too predictable by the end. Still, most agreed that the show tries something different, and for that alone, it’s worth checking out.

What Viewers Think

A lot of people watching at home are loving the series. Many viewers have called it “fresh,” “well-acted,” and “surprisingly emotional.” Shabana Azmi especially is getting tons of praise. Fans say she steals the show every time she’s on screen.

On the flip side, some were expecting more edge or faster pacing. A few found the middle episodes a bit slow or repetitive. But even those reviews often mention that the characters and performances kept them watching.

Final Thoughts

Dabba Cartel isn’t your typical crime thriller. It focuses on five ordinary women in extraordinary situations, and that’s where its heart lies. The show tells a story about power, choices, and what people will do to survive, not with guns blazing, but with quiet strength and fierce determination.

If you’re into character-driven stories with a twist of crime and emotion, this one’s worth your time. It may not be perfect, but it’s bold, different, and leaves a strong impression.