Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Dabba Cartel : Ladies, what’s for lunch?
Dabba Cartel is a gripping and unconventional crime drama series on Netflix that intricately weaves the gritty underworld of Mumbai with the surprising twist of an iconic part of the city’s cultural fabric—the dabbawalla lunch box industry. Set in the Mumbai suburb of Thane, the show follows a group of middle-class women who, by accident and circumstance, find themselves running a high-stakes drug cartel under the guise of their traditional lunch delivery business. At the heart of the story is a powerhouse performance by Shabana Azmi, who plays Sheila/Kashi Bai, the tough-as-nails matriarch of the family. Through Azmi’s portrayal, Sheila becomes the emotional core of the series, navigating a world of violence and betrayal. Her stillness, her immovable presence, and her indomitable spirit reflect a woman who has lived through hardship and emerged stronger.
Azmi’s performance anchors the show, conveying a depth of complexity with minimal movement or dialogue, showcasing her mastery of the craft. As Ba, Sheila’s character is defined by her penetrating eyes, tattoos, and a stolid body draped in a traditional Gujarati saree.
Sheila’s daughter-in-law, Raji (Shalini Pandey), comes from a smaller town and represents the struggles many face in their pursuit of independence and autonomy. Raji’s evolution from a simple caterer to a key member of this criminal enterprise is one of the most compelling aspects of the series. Despite her success, a pregnant Raji is emotionally torn, as she wishes to support her husband’s dream of migrating to Germany but doesn’t want to become entrenched in crime.
A mix of wit and high stakes drama
A couple of memorable dialogues from the series have stayed with me. In one powerful moment, Sheila tells Raji, “You cannot dispel fear by running away!” This line encapsulates the heart of the series—courage and survival in the face of overwhelming danger. Another memorable exchange occurs when Raji, in the midst of figuring out how to evenly mix two lethal drugs, tells the chemist: “Just like biryani, one layer of rice, followed by one layer of vegetables, followed by another layer of rice, and so forth for even distribution.” This line is both quirky and darkly humorous, underlining Raji’s methodical yet inventive approach to a grim task. These moments of wit, mixed with the high stakes of their criminal involvement, give the series a unique tone.
Brooding entrepreneur, ambitious bai
The show features Jyothika as Varuna Panikar, a former pharmaceutical executive-turned-fashion boutique owner. After the birth of her child, Varuna is forced to put her career ambitions aside, and she represents the many women trapped between domesticity and thwarted career dreams. She faces a growing sense of dissatisfaction with her role as a part-time homemaker. Varuna’s character is a reflection of many women who struggle to find their identity beyond the confines of societal expectations.
Getting under Varuna’s skin is Mala, played by Nimisha Sajayan (The Great Indian Kitchen), who once worked as Varuna’s domestic help. Mala’s character is filled with ambition, and she strives for a better life for her daughter, all while grappling with the tension between her domestic worker’s life and her guilt over being drawn into the criminal world. This class disparity is explored through Mala’s relationship with Varuna, whose apparent unhappiness is a mystery to the maid. Mala’s jealousy and confusion about Varuna’s brooding nature add a layer of complexity to the show, highlighting how the seemingly perfect lives of the upper class often conceal unspoken unhappiness and emotional turmoil.
The show’s intrigue is further amplified by secondary characters like Moushami, portrayed by Lillete Dubey, Sheila’s long-time friend. Lilly lives in constant paranoia due to her dealings with a drug dealer. Her character provides an interesting contrast to the more grounded and pragmatic women in the show, creating an atmosphere of tension that underscores the danger the women are embroiled in.
Solid performances uplift series
Another key performer is Gajraj Rao, who plays Ajit Pathak, the dogged federal drugs inspector investigating a banned opioid that may have killed a woman. While at first, I didn’t recognize him, his portrayal of an unglamorous but keen-minded government employee, paired with the quiet intensity in his expressions during a meal with the junior female police officer, SI Preeti (Sai Tamhankar), reminded me of his incredible acting prowess. Their contrasting personalities—his methodical seriousness and her more intuitive approach—add depth to their relationship.
Dabba Cartel doesn’t quite match the finesse or ruthlessness of an Aarya in terms of tone. Instead, the show’s mix of dark humor and menacing crime drama draws comparisons to Narcos, but with a distinctly Indian flavor. It borrows pages from the playbook of Narcos and The Godfather, particularly in the introduction of Sunil Grover as Chacko Kurian, a sociopathic drug lord. Grover’s performance as the cold, calculating, and ruthless Chacko adds a layer of terror and unpredictability to the show, making his brief appearance all the more chilling.
Characters-driven narrative
At its core, Dabba Cartel is a thrilling crime drama, but what sets it apart is the character-driven narrative. The women, initially brought together by their simple lunch delivery business, find themselves ensnared in a dangerous drug operation. They must navigate the complexities of their criminal involvement while maintaining a facade of normalcy. This duality—between the ordinary and the illicit—forms the heart of the series’ tension and suspense, creating a taut narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Co-created by Shibani Akhtar and directed by Hitesh Bhatia, Dabba Cartel is a tense, twisty ride full of stellar performances. While some of its plotlines may not reach their full potential, the rich characters, layered storytelling, and the perfectly believable setting in Mumbai’s complexly overcrowded underbelly make it a captivating watch. The show explores how ordinary, law-abiding citizens can unexpectedly become ensnared in crime.
If the final episode is any indication, a second season is very likely.
Alos read Dabba Cartel‘s lead star Shabana Azmi’s interview with Snigdha Sen of India Currents.