Dabba Cartel: Netflix Crime Drama Fails to Deliver on Its Big Promises
Netflix latest crime thriller, Dabba Cartel, directed by Hitesh Mehta, had all the right ingredients for a gripping drama—an all-women lead cast, a unique concept, and a Mumbai-based backdrop that adds local flavor. However, despite its potential, the series struggles to maintain its impact, leaving audiences underwhelmed.
A Promising Premise That Loses Its Grip
The story follows five ordinary women who run a dabba (tiffin) service in Mumbai, only to transform it into a full-fledged drug cartel. With Shabana Azmi leading the pack, alongside Jyothika, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, and Shalini Pandey, the show kicks off with intrigue. Each character has her own struggles, aspirations, and reasons for getting into the illegal trade.
But while the premise is engaging, the execution falters. The first two episodes set up an intense and thrilling storyline, but as the show progresses, it loses direction. The narrative becomes cluttered with multiple subplots—ranging from a pharmaceutical scam to personal betrayals—making it difficult to stay invested.
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Strong Cast, Weak Execution
Despite a stellar cast, Dabba Cartel doesn’t make full use of its talent. Shabana Azmi is compelling as the silent leader, but the other characters lack depth. Jyothika and Nimisha Sajayan deliver powerful performances, yet their arcs feel rushed. Meanwhile, Gajraj Rao, Sai Tamhankar, and Jisshu Sengupta add interesting elements to the story, but their roles remain underdeveloped.
One of the biggest letdowns is the predictable storyline. What could have been a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping crime drama turns into a repetitive cycle of conflicts and betrayals that the audience sees coming from a mile away.
A Missed Opportunity
The show attempts to integrate Mumbai’s rich dabba culture into its plot, drawing comparisons to The Lunchbox (2013), but it fails to capture the same magic. Instead of using the dabba as a powerful storytelling tool, it becomes just another prop in a story that overcomplicates itself.
The final episode, which is the longest at over an hour, was meant to deliver a shocking climax. However, instead of leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, it drags on, making the ending feel forced rather than impactful.
Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?
While Dabba Cartel had the potential to be Netflix next big crime thriller, it falls short due to its cluttered script and lack of emotional depth. If you enjoy crime dramas with a strong female cast, it might still be worth a one-time watch. However, don’t expect the same level of intensity and storytelling finesse seen in top-tier crime series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
