Dabba Cartel

Web Series: the new incarnation in the realm of Celluloid art provides larger opportunity to narrate a story in detail. However, the objective should be exploring new ideas. But if filmmakers feel that the length of a Web Series provides leverage to test the patience of the viewers, it is nothing but barking at the wrong trees.

Under this light, the new Bollywood Web Series Dabba Cartel released on 28th February, 2025 can be discussed. The Web Series certainly has some good important points. But this is also true that the Web Series is unnecessarily lenghy and at certain points looks dull andmonotonous. With 7 Episodes, its length is more than 6 hours. The duration could have been minimized.

Anyway, the story deals with both need and aspirations of 5 women belonging to different socio-economic category of urban India. Actually, 2 main plots run together here. One is about home delivery of food by three women initially. Another one is: the pharma business run by their male counterparts. But as greed begins to take them in grip, they begin narcotic production and sale. Thus all take the path of sin and get accustomed with committing crime. The story also narrates another plot; strives of one female police officer and a senior official of the narcotic control to crack the crime and bring them to justice. This is really appreciating that the story ends with a sense of nihilism when all 3 plots get mingled and proves that crime never pays.

The Web Series uses a brilliant metaphor at the end. Here blood and bloodsoaked hands and clothes and the frustration while cleansing them by all the women is really brilliant. It refers many things; bloodsoaked hands of Macbeth, holy blood, foetus and others manifesting creation and destruction.

The direction is good. The casting is really good. Shabana Azmi is brilliant as always. Jyothika, Shalini, Nimisha, Gajraj Rao and Jishu Sengupta, all have performed really well. A must watch Web Series. But have patience to enjoy it.

From a Western woman's perspective, and as an American who spent time in India 20 years ago, I REALLY enjoyed this series. It reminded me of Breaking Bad, but not quite of course. I thought the acting was excellent and the story-line shocking and compelling. I loved the female cast. Highly recommend. I can't wait for season 2!

I think this series presents a window into Indian life and culture that Westerners will find intriguing. I especially enjoyed the mother-in-law's character. Although there is some violence and sexual innuendo, it is not as much as seen in Western shows which I really appreciate.

Good series with bad ending. Seems like the makers ran out of ideas how to end the story. The inclusion of Sunil Grover's character towards the end was forced and didn't add the zing to the story. Another female lead character was terminated without enough cause. The story took an abrupt turn towards the end. With some questions unanswered, it seems the makers have left the door open for season 2.

Apart from the story, action, screenplay, acting, dialogues etc are good and worth watching. One time watch, if you have nothing more interesting to Another thing, too many unnecessary abuses. In order to add reality and credibility to the story, the writer has added many abuses at different places. Some seemed forced. The message would've been conveyed without them.

Totally addictive storyline with all female lead. First of its kind.

Theme is old with all the new ways of drug selling. Slightly inspired from Breaking Bad. But the narration is good and kudos to the actors for their fabulous work. Specially Shabana Azmi once again proved what class of acting she was known for.

Like every good series, each episode's ending makes you want to know about the next moment as the story keeps you glued to the screen while maintaining the suspense.

The web series masterfully blends vintage theme with modern twist, creating a gripping narrative that's both nostalgic and fresh. While the Breaking Bad inspiration is evident, the show's unique voice and perspective shine through. The cast delivers outstanding performances, but Shabana Azmi steals the show with her incredible range and depth. Her presence elevates every scene, and her character's complexities are a joy to watch.

The pacing is expertly handled, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves you craving more. The suspense is skillfully maintained, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. The PLOT TWISTS!

Overall, this web series is a MUST WATCH for fans of crime dramas and suspenseful storytelling. With its talented cast, clever writing, and addictive pacing, it's a wild ride that'll keep you hooked until the very end!

Anwar Says: Dabba Cartel,Crime centred around women, an intriguing subject , and of course with manipulative partners. Here you'll watch desperation and frustration and hardly any violence. Web-series is good in parts and at some stages looks unnecessarily dragged .

All the women characters have given stellar performances and Shabana Azmi is the coolest. Gajrao Rao as honest Government Officer is excellent, Sunil Grover is visible in the last episode. Technically, the series is solid , particularly the cinematography. Creators Shibani Akhtar and Gaurav Kapur have been able to run two parallel stories together and making them meet as and when needed.

Another story has been built up for a second season and hope it would be more gripping.

Watch this season for Shabana and Gajraj Rao.

#Netflix #anwarsays #womenoriented #CriminalWomen #ShabanaAzmi #GajrajRao #ShibaniAkhtar #mithai #Drugtrafficking #dabbawala.