Dabba Cartel

Storyline

Dabba Cartel follows five middle-class women in Thane who start a tiffin service to make ends meet but soon get entangled in a dangerous drug operation. Using lunchboxes to transport illegal goods, they must navigate a web of criminals, law enforcement scrutiny, and personal betrayals. The series combines crime, suspense, and dark humor while exploring themes of friendship, women’s empowerment, and survival in a male-dominated underworld. With strong performances from Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, and Shalini Pandey, the show delivers gripping drama, clever twists, and a unique take on ordinary people turning extraordinary in the face of danger.

Tags

Tagline

"Five women, one tiffin service, and a deadly secret under every lunchbox."

Motion Picture Rating (MPA)

TV MA

Trivia

• Dabba Cartel is Netflix India’s first major Hindi-language series exploring women-led crime operations through a unique “lunchbox smuggling” plot.
• The series was produced by Excel Entertainment, known for high-quality Indian films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy.
• Shabana Azmi, a veteran actress, plays one of the lead roles, marking her entry into digital streaming series for Netflix.
• The series was shot entirely in Mumbai, including real locations in Thane and suburban areas to capture authentic urban life.
• The tiffin boxes used in the series were specially designed props to realistically hide contraband items for the shoot.

Goofs

• In some scenes, delivery boys’ uniforms and vehicle stickers change inconsistently between shots.
• A few background signs in Thane streets appear in English rather than Hindi or Marathi, breaking local authenticity.
• Minor continuity errors with props, such as lunches in tiffin boxes appearing full in one shot and nearly empty in the next.
• Certain surveillance camera angles appear inconsistent with the storyline’s geography.

Quotes

• “Never underestimate a woman who serves lunch… she can serve justice too.” – Shabana Azmi
• “In a world full of rules, sometimes you make your own.” – Jyotika
• “One tiffin at a time, we control the game.” – Shalini Pandey
• “Friendship isn’t just sweet; it can be lethal.” – Nimisha Sajayan

Crazy_credits

• End credits feature animated tiffin boxes representing each main character, with short humorous clips summarizing their arc.
• Special “Thank You” section includes real-life delivery workers and local Mumbai vendors who inspired aspects of the story.
• Interactive QR codes appear in some sequences for viewers to scan, leading to behind-the-scenes content and interviews.

Connections

• Shares thematic elements with global crime series like Breaking Bad and Good Girls, focusing on ordinary individuals engaging in criminal enterprises.
• Explores women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, similar to other Indian digital content like Four More Shots Please! and Gullak.
• Part of Netflix India’s larger initiative to showcase urban middle-class stories with strong female protagonists.

Soundtracks

• Music plays a crucial role in building tension and atmosphere.
• Composer details: Original score by Rajan Iyer, blending traditional Indian instruments with modern electronic beats.
• Notable tracks:
• “Lunchbox Lament” – Intro theme, suspenseful and quirky.
• “Mumbai Streets” – Fast-paced sequence music for chase scenes.
• “Undercover Tiffin” – Theme for smuggling sequences.
• “Friendship & Betrayal” – Emotional track highlighting character relationships.
• “Cartel Conspiracy” – Climactic tense sequence background score.