Dabba Cartel: Cast, Plot, Trailer - Netflix Tudum

  • Deep Dive

    Dabba Cartel: Everything You Need to Know About the Indian Crime Series

    Five women form their own drug cartel in this drama from Hitesh Bhatia.

    By Ingrid Ostby
    March 5, 2025

When a string of disastrous events unite a group of women from different walks of life, they join forces to start their own drug cartel. From director Hitesh Bhatia (Sharmaji Namkeen), Dabba Cartel stars Shabana Azmi, Gajraj Rao, Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, and Shalini Pandey. The series was created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda.

Popular Now

  • New FIFA Game Arrives on Netflix to Kick Off the FIFA World Cup 2026
    Soccer player in white jersey taking a shot on goal in a stadium, with colorful digital graphics showing trajectory and power settings, crowd and banners visible in the background.

When will Dabba Cartel be released?

Stream it now.

Where can I find the trailer for Dabba Cartel?

Check it out at the top of this page. 

Shabana Azmi and Shalini Pandey in ‘Dabba Cartel’

Who’s in the cast of Dabba Cartel?

  • Shabana Azmi (Halo) as Sheila Jagtap, an associate of crime boss Haji Mastan
  • Jyotika (Shaitaan) as Varuna Dasgupta, VivaLife Pharmaceuticals’ former head of finance who runs a clothing label
  • Shalini Pandey (Maharaj) as Raji Jagtap, a chef and Sheila’s daughter-in-law  
  • Nimisha Sajayan (The Great Indian Kitchen) as Mala, a domestic worker
  • Anjali Anand (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) as Shahida, a broker
  • Sai Tamhankar (Mimi) as Preeti, a police officer
  • Lillete Dubey (Blind) as Moushumi, Sheila’s friend
  • Jisshu Sengupta as Shankar Dasgupta, Varuna’s husband
  • Sushmita Mukherjee (Gangaa) as Tejaswi Tijori, who works for VivaLife
  • Gajraj Rao (Guilty) as Ajit Pathak, a drug safety officer

The series also features Bhupendra Singh Jadawat, Sandesh Kulkarni, Santanu Ghatak, and Sunil Grover.

Gajraj Rao and Sai Tamhankar in ‘Dabba Cartel’

What happens in Dabba Cartel?

VivaLife Pharmaceuticals dominates the pharma industry in India. But when the company hits a major snag — a massive scandal involving an unregulated opioid and the government’s regulatory committee, the Federal Drug Standard Control Organization (FDSCO) — five residents of VivaLife’s staff community see it as a chance for a new opportunity. Domestic worker Mala and chef Raji, who run a small tiffin (aka dabba) business together, are joined by Sheila, who has ties to the drug cartel business; ex-VivaLife CFO Varuna; and broker Shahida. Despite their vast differences, the group teams up to build their very own drug empire. 

Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey in ‘Dabba Cartel’

Is Dabba Cartel based on a true story?

No, it’s fictional. 

Where does Dabba Cartel take place?

The series takes place in Thane, Mumbai. 

Fool Me Once, Mindhunter, and Other Twisted Crime Dramas to Stream Now
Related Tags

Shop Dabba Cartel

Go to Netflix Shop

Discover More Deep Dive

  • What Happens to Gu-cheon? The East Palace Ending Explained
    Hear from the lead actors about their characters’ fates.
  • New series Instadocs answers the burning questions on everyone’s minds.
  • Netflix’s most notorious bachelor is getting serious about finding love. 
  • A new group of couples are now playing house with a trial spouse.
  • Joe Locke, Kit Connor, and more dish on growing up with the beloved franchise.
  • In a powerful monologue, Yasmin Finny gives voice to LGBTQIA+ Pride. 
  • In this series, a young woman grieving her sister receives a surprising gift.
  • The coming-of-age drama takes place during the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Discover More Drama

  • The cast and creator April Blair walk us through the town’s tangled web.
  • The actors star as will-they, won’t-they love interests in the upcoming series.
  • The series returns with Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, and legend Patricia Clarkson.
  • Is roping cattle easier with a cell phone?
  • The royal palace’s deepest secrets come back to haunt their masters. 
  • Love, land, and a mystery — let’s unpack the romantic Western drama.
  • The Western starring Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel will return this summer.