The Indian web series industry has been booming, offering audiences fresh narratives and captivating storytelling. Among the latest releases, Dabba Cartel (Season 1) stands out as a gripping crime drama that intertwines ambition, power, friendship, and betrayal. Set in the rich backdrop of 1960s Mumbai, the series revolves around five housewives who secretly run a high-stakes cartel.

Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, Dabba Cartel premiered on February 28, 2025, and features a stellar cast, including Jayant Gadekar, Mansi Sehgal, and Jyothika. With an IMDb rating of 7.1/10, this crime drama has gained attention for its engaging storyline and strong character performances. This comprehensive review explores the series’ plot, performances, cinematography, music, themes, and overall impact.

Plot Overview

The story follows five seemingly ordinary housewives living in Mumbai during the 1960s. Behind their traditional roles, they operate a secret cartel, smuggling illicit goods under the disguise of a dabba (lunchbox) service. What begins as a small, covert operation quickly escalates into a high-stakes empire, attracting the attention of law enforcement and rival cartels.

As the women navigate their double lives, they must balance their ambitions with personal relationships, loyalty with betrayal, and survival with morality.

The narrative is layered with intrigue, suspense, and emotionally charged moments, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. Each episode delves deeper into the characters’ motivations, secrets, and the challenges of being women in a male-dominated underworld.

Cast & Performances

Jayant Gadekar as Inspector Rao

Jayant Gadekar plays the relentless cop determined to expose the cartel. His performance is gripping, showcasing a mix of intelligence and emotional turmoil as he gets entangled in the women’s complex world.

Mansi Sehgal as Rukmini

Mansi Sehgal portrays Rukmini, the mastermind behind the cartel. Her transformation from a simple homemaker to a ruthless strategist is remarkable. She brings depth and nuance to her character, making her one of the most compelling figures in the series.

Jyothika as Meera

Jyothika shines as Meera, a woman torn between her loyalty to the cartel and her personal moral dilemmas. Her performance is both powerful and heart-wrenching, adding emotional weight to the story.

The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, ensuring that every character adds value to the overarching plot.

Direction & Cinematography

Hitesh Bhatia crafts a visually stunning world of 1960s Mumbai, blending nostalgic aesthetics with the gritty underbelly of crime. The period setting is meticulously recreated with authentic costumes, vintage props, and detailed set designs.

The cinematography is another highlight, with moody lighting, tight close-ups, and wide shots that enhance the suspense. The use of contrasting colors symbolizes the duality of the women’s lives — their mundane household roles versus their dangerous underworld dealings.

Writing & Screenplay

The script is sharp, engaging, and filled with unpredictable twists. Each episode introduces new challenges and deepens the stakes, keeping viewers hooked. The dialogues are well-written, with authentic period-specific language and hard-hitting lines that reflect the era’s social and political atmosphere.

The screenplay balances tense moments with lighter, emotional scenes, allowing for character development while maintaining the story’s fast pace. The show also tackles themes of feminism, societal expectations, and the price of ambition, adding depth to its crime-thriller roots.

Music & Background Score

The soundtrack blends retro Bollywood-inspired music with suspenseful orchestral compositions, setting the perfect tone for each scene. The background score enhances the tension, particularly in high-stakes moments, while also capturing the vibrancy of Mumbai’s nightlife and the secret world of the cartel.

Themes & Symbolism

Female Empowerment

At its core, Dabba Cartel is a story of women defying societal norms. In a time when women were expected to be confined to their homes, these five protagonists break barriers, proving their strength and intelligence in a dangerous world.

Betrayal & Loyalty

As the story unfolds, the lines between friendship and betrayal blur. The cartel members must decide where their loyalties lie, testing their trust in each other as the stakes rise.

Survival in a Male-Dominated World

The series also highlights how women were underestimated in the criminal world, allowing them to build a successful operation under the radar. Their story is a testament to resilience and strategic brilliance.

What Works?

Strong Female Leads

The biggest strength of Dabba Cartel is its powerful women characters, played by talented actors who bring their roles to life with authenticity and passion.

Unique Concept

The premise of housewives secretly running a crime syndicate is fresh and intriguing, making it stand out in the crime drama genre.

Engaging Storytelling

The narrative is fast-paced, filled with twists, and emotionally engaging, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

Stunning Cinematography

The 1960s Mumbai setting is beautifully recreated, making it visually appealing while adding authenticity to the story.

What Could Have Been Better?

Pacing Issues in Some Episodes

While the show is mostly engaging, certain episodes slow down with excessive character backstories that might feel unnecessary.

More Depth for Supporting Characters

Some supporting characters, especially in law enforcement and rival cartels, could have been explored further to add more layers to the conflict.

Final Verdict

Dabba Cartel (Season 1) is a thrilling and well-crafted crime drama that offers a unique take on power, ambition, and female agency in a historical setting. With strong performances, an engaging story, and beautiful visuals, it is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and period thrillers.

Despite minor pacing flaws, the series delivers a gripping, emotionally resonant narrative that leaves viewers eagerly awaiting a possible second season.