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‘Dabba Cartel’ announcement: Shabana Azmi Jyotika cook up a racket


A gripping new narrative is set to captivate audiences worldwide as Netflix rolls out the first look of its enthralling drama thriller series ‘Dabba Cartel’ at the Next on Netflix event held in Mumbai.

‘Dabba Cartel’ weaves the tale of five unremarkable women catapulted from their daily lives into the heart of darkness – dealing drugs through the innocuous facade of a lunchbox (dabba) delivery service. The series encapsulates their ascent into the criminal underworld, as they extend their secret drug-peddling syndicate. As the empire grows, they grapple with the moral ambiguities of their trade, fragile alliances, relentless law enforcement pursuit, and their personal ethical battles, putting everything they cherish in jeopardy.

The anticipation is high for ‘Dabba Cartel’, which boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring the formidable Shabana Azmi and Jyotika in the lead roles. They are supported by the talented Shalini Pandey, Sai Tamhankar, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, with Gajraj Rao and Jisshu Sengupta adding to the powerhouse lineup. ‘Dabba Cartel’ is a slice of life yet a high-stakes drama that promises audiences a look at the power dynamics within the underbelly of organized crime, all viewed through the lens of strong, complex female characters.

Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment and helmed by director Hitesh Bhatia, this show is particularly notable as it marks the first collaboration between the esteemed production house and the streaming giant Netflix. The filmmakers are enthusiastic about showcasing their project on an international platform, believing that the compelling storyline of ‘Dabba Cartel’ will resonate with viewers across the globe, as they accompany the characters through a suspense-laden journey fraught with secrets and alliances no one sees coming.

In a profound statement, the team behind the series articulated their excitement for the project, emphasizing the dual joys of bringing such a nuanced story to a global audience and doing so in partnership with Netflix. They expressed confidence that ‘Dabba Cartel’ would engage and intrigue viewers, maintaining a tight grip on their attention from start to finish. They extended an invitation to audiences to join in what is expected to be an exhilarating ride of suspense and surprises.

Set in a quiet colony of Thane, the show promises to depict realism with a gritty twist, as it navigates the complexities of life’s shades of gray, when ordinary women undertake extraordinary ventures in worlds hitherto foreign to them. With the realities of their newfound enterprise dawning upon them, these women must weigh the scales of morality against their desperation, ambition, and the ties that bind them, both within their own group and their families.

As Netflix continues to expand its rich catalogue with diverse international content, ‘Dabba Cartel’ stands out as an Indian series with significant potential, appealing to both local viewers with its culturally resonant themes and to an international audience looking for well-crafted stories from different parts of the world.

Although a release date for ‘Dabba Cartel’ has yet to be announced, the fervor is growing for what promises to be a bold and unique addition to the roster of globally acclaimed series on Netflix. The show is expected to premiere soon on the streaming service, and it is poised to be a series that could very well redefine the landscape of Indian thriller narratives on global platforms.