Netflix & Farhan Akhtar’s Dabba Cartel Review: Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, and Others Give a Refreshing Take on Women’s Solidarity
In an age where storytelling is progressively venturing into diverse, often unexplored territories, Netflix’s latest offering, Dabba Cartel, directed by Farhan Akhtar, stands out as a compelling narrative that delves into the power dynamics, struggles, and triumphs of women navigating a patriarchal system. The show is an intricate blend of suspense, drama, and empowerment, providing a refreshing take on women’s solidarity through a gripping, complex storyline. Featuring stellar performances by Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, and others, the series transcends the conventional portrayal of women in power structures, showing them not only as victims but as formidable players within a challenging world.
Plot Overview Jyotika
Dabba Cartel is set in the underground, competitive world of Mumbai’s food delivery system, often referred to as the “dabba” system. Dabbawallas in Mumbai have long been the backbone of the city’s food delivery ecosystem, ensuring that home-cooked meals are delivered from kitchens to office spaces with uncanny precision. However, Dabba Cartel goes beyond the logistics of food delivery, plunging into a murky world of power struggles, systemic exploitation, and women’s silent battles for agency and respect in a predominantly male-dominated system.
The show follows a group of women who, while seemingly powerless and marginalized in this male-run system, gradually come together to expose the corrupt underbelly of the industry. The narrative uncovers a tale of survival, resistance, and mutual support, where the women’s fight is not just against a cartel of exploitative men, but also against societal expectations and personal challenges.
Shabana Azmi plays the central role of a mother figure who quietly steers the narrative through her commanding presence. Her character’s quiet resilience and intellect help propel the story, demonstrating how women, even in oppressive circumstances, find ways to assert their power in subtle, yet meaningful ways.
Women in Power: A Bold Take on Solidarity Jyotika
What sets Dabba Cartel apart from other narratives centered around female protagonists is its refreshing take on women’s solidarity. The show skillfully portrays a range of female characters who are multifaceted in their struggles and ambitions, yet bound by the collective goal of taking down the corrupt forces in their world. Shabana Azmi’s character plays a quiet but firm leader who guides the group, offering wisdom drawn from years of experience in the food delivery industry.
Her portrayal of a woman who remains unflinching despite the challenges around her is a testament to Azmi’s exceptional acting prowess. She encapsulates the emotional depth of her character—someone who has been worn down by years of exploitation yet remains a wellspring of strength for others. Her moments of vulnerability, though rare, are heartbreaking, adding an extra layer of complexity to her character.
Jyotika, known for her brilliant performances in Tamil and Hindi cinema, plays an equally pivotal role in the ensemble. As a woman who has suffered immense personal losses due to the oppressive system, Jyotika’s character brings an element of rebellion and raw emotion to the story. Her character’s evolution throughout the series—from a hesitant, broken individual to a fierce advocate for justice—adds an inspiring arc to the narrative. Jyotika’s nuanced portrayal highlights the multifaceted nature of women’s struggles: the tension between personal trauma and the need to support others, the conflict between remaining silent or fighting back, and the journey toward empowerment.
The series also features a range of supporting female characters, each representing a different facet of women’s lives within this patriarchal system. From the young woman trying to balance her career and family expectations to the seasoned workers who have long endured systemic exploitation, each character contributes to the overall message of solidarity. What’s unique about Dabba Cartel is how these women’s paths cross—forming a network of support and understanding, even if they don’t always agree on how to handle their shared predicament.
This intersection of individual struggles into collective action is the show’s most compelling theme. At the heart of Dabba Cartel is the idea that women, when given the space to unite, are capable of challenging the oppressive systems that hold them back. Their cooperation doesn’t come without its challenges, but it is ultimately their solidarity that becomes the foundation for change.
Exploring Themes of Systemic Exploitation Jyotika
While the focus of Dabba Cartel is on women’s solidarity, the series doesn’t shy away from addressing the systemic exploitation that these women face. In the world of dabbawallas, the business is run by powerful male figures who take advantage of the women’s labor while denying them the respect and recognition they deserve. The women in Dabba Cartel are depicted as not just workers but as invisible forces behind the scenes who keep the system functioning.
This theme of invisibility is poignantly explored, especially through Shabana Azmi’s character, who is often overlooked and underestimated by the men in her world. Her ability to outsmart the men, however, becomes one of the series’ most exciting elements. She leads with quiet intellect, understanding that the true battle is not about physical power, but about using one’s mind and heart to influence the people around them.
The depiction of exploitation in Dabba Cartel isn’t one-dimensional; it sheds light on both the human cost of a thriving underground system and the moral compromises people make to survive. The men, though positioned as antagonists, are not entirely villainous, which adds nuance to the power dynamics. The real villain here is the system itself—a structure that enables this kind of exploitation and keeps individuals trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence.
The Ensemble Cast: A Rich Tapestry of Performances
One of the greatest strengths of Dabba Cartel is its ensemble cast. Each actor brings a unique energy to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of performances that elevate the material. Besides Shabana Azmi and Jyotika, other notable performances come from supporting actors, who flesh out the world of Dabba Cartel with their memorable portrayals of women in various walks of life.
The ensemble’s chemistry is palpable—whether it’s the silent, unspoken understanding between the women or the way they come together in moments of crisis, the bond they share feels genuine and earned. This sense of camaraderie forms the emotional backbone of the series, making the ultimate triumph of these women all the more rewarding for the audience.
Direction and Cinematography
Farhan Akhtar’s direction in Dabba Cartel is both sensitive and nuanced. He takes the time to explore the emotional depth of his characters while ensuring that the plot doesn’t lose its pace or suspense. Akhtar’s handling of the show’s political themes is masterful, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic inequality without ever descending into preachiness.
The cinematography in Dabba Cartel is stark and raw, mirroring the grittiness of the story. The dark, urban landscape of Mumbai becomes a character in its own right—full of secrets, shadows, and hidden corners that mirror the inner worlds of the characters. The contrast between the bright, bustling streets of the city and the dim, oppressive spaces where the women work amplifies the sense of confinement and struggle that they experience.
Conclusion: A Victory for Women’s Voices
In Dabba Cartel, Farhan Akhtar has created a groundbreaking series that blends social commentary with strong, character-driven storytelling. The show is not just about women’s struggles in the workplace; it is a larger commentary on resilience, solidarity, and the power of collective action.
Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, and the entire ensemble cast deliver performances that make this series an unforgettable experience. Dabba Cartel is a rich exploration of the complexities of women’s lives within oppressive systems, their quiet resistance, and the transformative power of solidarity. This show is not just a must-watch for fans of powerful drama; it is an important conversation starter about women’s roles in contemporary society, the ongoing fight for equality, and the strength found in solidarity.
With Dabba Cartel, Netflix and Farhan Akhtar have delivered a series that combines compelling drama with poignant social commentary, proving once again that stories about women’s lives are not only important but also incredibly powerful.
