Dabba Cartel (2025–present)
Created byGaurav Kapur, Vishnu Menon, Akanksha Seda, Shibani Dandekar
StarringShabana Azmi, Sai Tamhankar, Jyothika, Nimisha Sajayan
Watch onNetflix
NetworkNetflix
Best for: Viewers who enjoy grounded Indian crime dramas with strong female ensembles and a slow-burn, character-driven plot.
Where to watch Dabba Cartel online in India
Subscription
NetflixAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Dabba Cartel: new episodes and status
| Status | Returning series |
|---|---|
| Last episode aired | 28 February 2025 |
Episode dates as listed on TMDB.
Dabba Cartel seasons and episodes
| Season | Premiered | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 28 February 2025 | 7 |
Dabba Cartel story (no spoilers)
Dabba Cartel is a Hindi crime drama series that premiered on Netflix on 28 February 2025. The story begins when an investigation into a pharmaceutical company strikes uncomfortably close to home for five women. To cope with the fallout, they start a tiffin service — but their lunchboxes carry a secret ingredient that pulls them into the criminal world. Created by Gaurav Kapur, Vishnu Menon, Akanksha Seda and Shibani Dandekar, and directed by Hitesh Bhatia, the show blends domestic pressures with the escalating risks of running an illegal side business. Across its single season of seven episodes, each running around 46 minutes, the series follows Sheila (Shabana Azmi), Preethi (Sai Tamhankar), Varuna (Jyothika), Mala (Nimisha Sajayan), Raji (Shalini Pandey) and Shahida (Anjali Anand) as their secret operation grows more dangerous. The tone is tense and grounded, with the crime elements unfolding through the women's everyday lives. The series is certified U/A 16+ in India and is currently listed as a returning series on Netflix.
Should you watch Dabba Cartel?
Watch it for
- Shabana Azmi leads a cast that includes Jyothika, Sai Tamhankar, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey and Anjali Anand, playing five women whose tiffin service hides a secret ingredient.
- Director Hitesh Bhatia (photograph) and creators Gaurav Kapur, Vishnu Menon, Akanksha Seda and Shibani Dandekar steer a crime drama that mixes domestic life with the logistics of running an illegal food operation.
- The seven-episode first season, each around 46 minutes, keeps the story tight and avoids the sprawl of longer crime series.
- Gajraj Rao plays Ajit Pathak, adding a seasoned presence to the ensemble as the pharma investigation and the women's secret enterprise collide.
Skip it if
- You prefer crime dramas with high-octane action; this one builds tension through everyday domestic and business pressures rather than set pieces.
- You want a complete story — the series is marked as a returning series, so the first season may leave threads open for future episodes.
- You dislike subtitles or prefer English-language content; the show is in Hindi with a U/A 16+ certificate aimed at mature viewers.
Dabba Cartel cast
Shabana Azmias Sheila7 episodes
Sai Tamhankaras Preethi7 episodes
Jyothikaas Varuna7 episodes
Nimisha Sajayanas Mala7 episodes
Shalini Pandeyas Raji7 episodes
Anjali Anandas Shahida7 episodes
Gajraj Raoas Ajit Pathak7 episodes
Ishan Saxena7 episodes
Lillete Dubeyas Moushumi Majumdar7 episodes
Jisshu Senguptaas Shankar Dasgupta7 episodesDabba Cartel details
| Created by | Gaurav Kapur, Vishnu Menon, Akanksha Seda, Shibani Dandekar |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Hitesh Bhatia |
| Written by | Bhavna Kher, Vishnu Menon |
| First episode | 28 February 2025 |
| Seasons / episodes | 1 / 7 |
| Typical episode length | 46 minutes |
| Network | Netflix |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken | Hindi |
| Certificate (India) | U/A 16+ |
Parental guide: is Dabba Cartel family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the crime-drama genre and the U/A 16+ certificate; the series is intended for viewers aged 16 and above. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Dabba Cartel brings together a formidable cast — Shabana Azmi, Jyothika, Sai Tamhankar, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey and Anjali Anand — in a crime drama that turns a simple tiffin service into something far more dangerous. The seven-episode first season, each around 46 minutes, moves at a steady pace and keeps the focus on the women's choices rather than action. It's a solid pick if you like character-driven Indian crime stories, but be aware it's a returning series, so not everything wraps up.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Dabba Cartel online in India?
Dabba Cartel is streaming on Netflix in India. It is not currently listed as free to watch on any platform.
How many seasons and episodes does Dabba Cartel have?
Dabba Cartel has one season with seven episodes, all premiered on 28 February 2025.
Has Dabba Cartel ended or will there be a new season?
Dabba Cartel is currently marked as a returning series. No next season date has been announced.
Who is in the cast of Dabba Cartel?
The cast includes Shabana Azmi as Sheila, Sai Tamhankar as Preethi, Jyothika as Varuna, Nimisha Sajayan as Mala, Shalini Pandey as Raji, Anjali Anand as Shahida, Gajraj Rao as Ajit Pathak and Parminder Singh Kainth. All appear in all seven episodes.
What is the age rating and episode runtime of Dabba Cartel?
Dabba Cartel has a U/A 16+ certificate in India. Each episode runs for about 46 minutes.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.