Dabba Cartel Review: Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, and Shalini Pandey lead a thrilling descent into crime and the dark side of the pharma industry

Dabba Cartel Movie Review

The opioid crisis in the U.S. has given rise to several remarkable series in recent years, drawing both attention and acclaim. ‘Dopesick’ and ‘Painkiller’ stand out as the most impactful among them.

The creators of ‘Dabba Cartel’ seem to have drawn significant inspiration from these shows, taking it a step further by weaving in elements from ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘Pill,’ and ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.’ The result is an intriguing blend of influences that, fortunately, works seamlessly, delivering a gripping and binge-worthy experience.

A web of crime, greed and survival

The series follows Raji (Shalini Pandey), a middle-class housewife from Thane, who runs a tiffin business with the help of Mala (Nimisha Sajayan), her domestic help. To earn extra money, they discreetly sell packets of herbal Viagra to select customers. When Mala’s lover introduces her to drugs, the prospect of bigger profits becomes tempting. Raji, too, sees an opportunity—one that could help her save for a relocation to Germany, a prestigious transfer her husband, Hari (Bhupendra Jadawat), is expecting from his pharma company. Gradually, the two women find themselves deeper in the world of narcotics, shifting from herbal Viagra to marijuana and eventually MDMA.

Observing from a distance is Ba (Shabana Azmi), Raji’s mother-in-law, who has a criminal past. But when Raji clashes with Amol Chavan, a local drug lord, Ba steps in—only to be drawn into the business herself. Soon, Shahida (Anjali Anand) and Varuna (Jyothika) also become part of their expanding operation.

Running parallel to this is the story of VivaLife, one of five Indian pharmaceutical companies licensed to manufacture opioids exclusively for export. When Ajit Pathak (Gajraj Rao), an employee at FDSCO, suspects that their product, Modella, is being diverted for illicit drug production, he begins an investigation. He finds an unexpected ally in Preeti (Sai Tamhankar), a rookie sub-inspector eager to prove herself. But neither of them realizes just how dangerous the path ahead will be.

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Ordinary lives, extraordinary crimes

‘Dabba Cartel’ moves at a relentless pace, pulling you in despite its implausibilities. The makers deserve credit for crafting a multi-layered narrative with numerous characters, ensuring each one gets their moment to shine. Led by a strong female cast, the series delves into their resilience and determination to survive in a ruthless world where betrayal lurks at every corner. This crime drama offers an engrossing look into the drug trade, revealing how seemingly ordinary people can be entangled in its vast and intricate web.

Stellar performances elevate the thrill

Beyond its gripping plot, ‘Dabba Cartel’ shines with outstanding performances. Shabana Azmi commands the screen as Ba, exuding a menacing presence reminiscent of her role in ‘Godmother’ (1999). Her confrontation with Amol Chavan, the local drug lord, is a masterclass in intensity. Shalini Pandey delivers a remarkably convincing performance as Aji, while Jyotika excels as Varuna, a former professional now running a boutique, bringing depth to her character.

Jisshu Sengupta perfectly embodies Shankar, a high-ranking executive at VivaLife with a sinister edge. But it's Nimisha Sajayan as Mala, Gajraj Rao as Ajit Pathak, the diligent FDSCO officer, and Sai Tamhankar as Preeti, the ambitious rookie cop, who truly steal the show. Rao and Tamhankar’s portrayals feel authentic, mirroring the understated realism of government employees. Without revealing spoilers, keep an eye out for Sunil Grover, who steps away from his usual image in an unexpected way.

A well woven tale of relationship

The series delves into various relationships, adding depth to its narrative. The bond between Shabana Azmi and Lillete Dubey’s characters is one of unwavering devotion, while Gajraj Rao and Sai Tamhankar share a dynamic built on mutual respect—an experienced officer on the brink of retirement treating a newcomer almost as an equal. These subtle yet significant interactions enrich the larger story.

Set in Thane, the series vividly captures the city's hustle and bustle, from its cooperative housing societies to its relentless rains. Credit goes to cinematographer Eeshit Narain for bringing the city to life on screen. However, it’s director Hitesh Bhatia’s masterful storytelling that truly stands out. Despite juggling multiple storylines, he keeps the narrative seamless and engaging, ensuring every plot thread connects effortlessly.

What works and what doesn’t

This series skilfully makes an implausible plot feel convincing. Despite multiple storylines, they are all seamlessly interconnected. One standout sequence follows Ajit Pathak as he travels to Amritsar to speak with the husband of a drug victim. His attempt to persuade the man using Gandhian methods initially seems ineffective. But when Pathak later asks why he finally agreed to help, the man’s response—“Aaj tak maine zindagi mein kisi sarkari employee ko overtime karte nahi dekha”—is a moment of brilliance that deserves a nod to the writer.

Verdict

This show delves into the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry, exposing its unethical practices and the calculated ways it manipulates the system. The execution makes for a gripping watch, keeping viewers invested. The ensemble cast fully immerses themselves in their roles, drawing the audience into their world. Blending crime drama with a female-led narrative, the series may not be flawless, but it packs enough punch to keep the fireworks going.