Breaking Barriers Like the Dabba Cartel: A Women’s Day Special Review

This seven-episode series on Netflix was released on 28 February, 2025, Starring Shabana Azmi as (Sheila), Anjali Anand as (Shahida), Jyothika as (Varuna), Shalini Pandey as (Rajji) and Nimisha Sajayan as (Mala) five-strong willed women, who are underestimated by the society men. All the five women have different struggles in their lives yet everyday they are striving to earn a name for themselves.

Unlike the other mainstream crime series that usually have male protagonists, this series on Netflix starts with women running a cartel business through selling home-made dabba (Food). They are at the center of the action in this series, scheming, plotting, and outsmarting their opponents. It makes a powerful statement about women's intelligence, determination, and leadership abilities—even in areas where they have long been excluded. Five seemingly normal ladies are followed by Dabba Cartel as they covertly create a criminal empire within Mumbai's underground betting network. During the day, people go about their daily lives as usual, managing household kitchens, working in stores, and taking care of family duties. However, they work behind the scenes to run a strong Dabba (illegal Drug-Peddling) enterprise, which has historically been a male-dominated industry.

Women have fought their way throughout history, demanding changes, breaking stereotypes and dominating workplaces that were earlier only available to men.

Women sportswomen who battle for equal pay, grassroots-level activists who battle patriarchy in their localities, and female CEOs who battle workplace biases are all mirrored in the series. Dabba Cartel is a departure by placing women in positions of authority—not merely as criminals, but as visionaries, planners, and leaders. Like global hits such as Gully Boy's Safeena or Queen of the South, these characters are unapologetic about their ambitions.

Women's Day honors not just accomplishments but also the continuous struggle for equality. Dabba Cartel is a prime example of this struggle: women frequently have to put in twice as much effort to be regarded seriously, whether in criminal activity or business boardrooms. The show's depiction of bold, knowledgeable women taking charge of their story reflects the core values of Women's Day, which include agency, empowerment, and refusing to be marginalized.

In addition to its compelling plot and outstanding performances, Dabba Cartel makes a cultural statement. It dispels stereotypes, honors female autonomy, and serves as a reminder that authority is earned rather than gendered. As we commemorate advancements and advocate for more representation on Women's Day, Dabba Cartel serves as a cinematic example of women who are not to be undervalued.