Crime stories often focus on one hero or one villain. Cartel takes a different route. It shows a whole system—multiple families, power struggles, and shifting loyalties. Set in the underworld of Mumbai, the series builds its story around control, legacy, and survival. It doesn’t rush. Instead, it slowly pulls you into a world where every decision has consequences and trust is never simple. If you like layered crime dramas, this one keeps things interesting.
Cast and Crew
The series features a strong ensemble cast:
- Supriya Pathak as Rani Maai
- Rithvik Dhanjani as Abhay Angre
- Tanuj Virwani as Major Bhau / Arjun Mhatre
- Jitendra Joshi as Madhu Mhatre
- Divya Agarwal as Grizzey
- Monica Dogra as Maya
- Samir Soni as Dorabjee
Supporting cast includes:
- Tannishtha Chatterjee as Romila
- Girija Oak as Rama
- Mayur More as Chiru
- Aditi Vasudev as Shweta
- Krishna Kaul as Javed
- Pranati Rai Prakash as Sumi
The series is created by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Pulkit. The storytelling focuses on multiple characters and parallel storylines.
OTT Platform
Cartel is available on ALTBalaji and also streams on ZEE5.
It was released in 2021 and consists of multiple episodes that explore different angles of the story.
Story and Premise
The story is set in Mumbai’s underworld, where five gang families operate under a certain balance of power. At the center of this system is Rani Maai, a powerful woman who keeps everything under control.
For years, peace is maintained through mutual understanding. But things begin to change when Rani Maai is attacked. This single event shakes the entire structure.
As chaos spreads, each family starts making its own moves. Old alliances begin to break, and new rivalries take shape. Everyone is trying to gain control, but no one fully trusts the other.
The series follows multiple characters, each with their own motives. Some are driven by power, others by revenge, and some just want to survive.
Instead of focusing on one storyline, Cartel moves across different tracks, showing how every action affects the larger system.
What Makes It Stand Out
The biggest strength of Cartel is its scale. It doesn’t limit itself to one character or one conflict.
The storytelling is layered, with multiple plotlines running at the same time. This keeps the narrative engaging, as viewers see different sides of the same world.
Another strong point is its focus on power dynamics. It shows how control is maintained and how quickly it can fall apart.
Reception and Audience Appeal
The series received mixed to positive responses. Many viewers appreciated its ambitious storytelling and strong performances, especially by Supriya Pathak.
It mainly appeals to audiences who enjoy crime dramas with multiple characters and interconnected stories.
Final Thoughts
Cartel is a detailed crime drama that explores power, loyalty, and survival in a complex world. It shows how fragile balance can be when ambition takes over.
If you enjoy layered storytelling with multiple characters and shifting alliances, this series is worth watching.
