Cartel Webseries Actress and Actor

Cartel is a Hindi web series created by Zee5. The plot revolves a deadly organisation who deliver illegal stuff across the world. With huge attacks and back to back operations, they are ruining the peace of society. A team of officers are on a hunt against the huge gang with global connections. Will they succeed or pay heavily for taking on them?

The Web Series cast includes Vidya Malwade, Tanuj Virwani, Vivek Oberoi etc in the lead.

Cast

• Kubbra Sait
• Vidya Malavade
• Vivek Oberoi
• Tanuj Virwani
• Deepraj Rana
• Nikita Dutta
• Ravi Kishan
• Hritiqa Chebber
• Rithvik Dhanjani
• Samir Soni
• Kamaljeet Rana
• Amit Gaur

Created by: Zee5

Release Date

12 November 2021

Watch Cartel Web Series Online

Not yet released

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The Mafia, The Matriarch, and The Major: An Ode to the Cast of the High-Octane Series, ‘Cartel’

In the sprawling, high-stakes universe of Indian web series, few projects arrived with the sheer ambition and star-studded wattage of Cartel. Released in 2021 on ALTBalaji and MX Player, this crime-action-drama was not just a story of gang wars, but a complex, multi-layered family saga set against the gritty backdrop of modern-day Mumbai’s underworld. Produced by Ekta Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Telefilms, the 14-episode series distinguished itself with a monumental ensemble cast—reportedly featuring over 137 actors—that brought the brutal yet familial world of the Angre parivar to life.

At its core, Cartel is a tale of power, politics, and a desperate fight for survival, led by an exceptional cast that transcended their previous television and digital avatars to embody hardened criminals and fiercely loyal family members. The show’s success rests heavily on the shoulders of its principal actors, each tasked with navigating a treacherous plot of betrayals, shifting loyalties, and non-stop action.

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The Angre Family: At the Helm of the Mumbai Underworld

The plot of Cartel is centered around the Angre family, one of the five formidable crime lords who maintain a fragile, uneasy peace across Mumbai’s low-profile underworld. The equilibrium is violently shattered when the family matriarch, Rani Maai, is ambushed and shot, leaving her in a coma. This catastrophic event forces her three distinct sons, along with other key family members, to step up, seek bloody revenge, and consolidate their power, all while the four rival gangs vie to usurp the Angre dynasty’s throne.

1. Supriya Pathak as Rani Maai: The Iron Lady

Veteran actress Supriya Pathak, renowned for her versatile roles, especially the iconic and comedic Hansa in the Khichdi franchise, was cast in a fiercely contrasting role as Rani Maai, the head of the Angre clan. Critics and audiences were ecstatic to see her embody the “Iron Lady” of the Mumbai underworld—a powerful, gun-toting godmother who commands respect and fear in equal measure.

• Character Arc: While her character spends a significant portion of the initial episodes in a coma following the attack, her influence is the driving force of the entire narrative. Her brief appearances at the beginning and especially her “true self” in the concluding episodes were noted as “fantastic” and an explosion of the long-awaited power she holds.
• Post-Cartel Career: Pathak’s foray into the OTT space continued successfully with her starring in the critically acclaimed web series Tabbar and the comedy-drama series Home Shanti in 2022. Her film work also included notable performances in movies like Mimi, Rashmi Rocket, and The Big Bull, all released around the same period, showcasing her mastery across different genres.

2. Tanuj Virwani as Major Bhau (Ex-Major Arjun Mhatre)

Tanuj Virwani, who had already carved a niche in the digital space with shows like Inside Edge, delivered what critics often called his “career-best performance” as Major Bhau. His character, an ex-Army officer, brings a military-like discipline and strategy to the chaotic world of the Angre gang.

• Character Essence: Major Bhau is the calm, composed, and cerebral figure among the Angre brothers. He is described as the “soothing, cerebral figure” sandwiched between his uncouth brothers, maintaining family unity while being just as lethal with his military precision in bloodshed. His internalised emotions and stoic demeanor provided a much-needed gravitas to the high-energy drama. His commitment to the role involved portraying the internal conflict of a former soldier who shifts his loyalty from the country to his family, perfectly captured in his popular dialogue: “Mera nahi hai wo, pehle wo desh ke liye ladta tha, aur ab apni family ke liye.”
• Post-Cartel Career: Virwani continued his work in the web space, starring in various projects, including the crime thriller The Tattoo Murders and the romantic comedy-drama Murder Meri Jaan, post-Cartel‘s release, confirming his status as a digital star.

3. Rithvik Dhanjani as Abhay Angre

Known primarily for his work in television as a host and actor in dramatic roles, Rithvik Dhanjani’s portrayal of Abhay Angre marked a transformative shift in his career. Abhay is Rani Maai’s youngest son and the true heir, a cunning, bratty, and initially immature young man who is easily honey-trapped.

• Performance Highlight: Dhanjani received widespread praise for taking on the “tapori” (street-smart gangster) look, showcasing an interesting character arc that evolves over the series. Critics noted that he “manages to shine in all the varied shades that his character goes through” and that he was a ‘find’ in this never-before-seen Mumbai gangster avatar. The challenge of playing a character with “multiple shades” was a learning experience for him, resulting in what some called the “performance of a lifetime.”
• Post-Cartel Career: Dhanjani leveraged this success, going on to star in projects like the interactive film Lost and Found in Singapore (2023) and the second season of the web series Half Love Half Arranged (2024), demonstrating his versatility across formats.

4. Jitendra Joshi as Madhu Bhau (Madhukar Mhatre)

Jitendra Joshi, a respected name in Marathi cinema and known for his brilliant performance as Constable Katekar in Sacred Games, played Madhu Bhau, the hot-headed and impulsive brother.

• Character Dynamics: Madhu Bhau is the volatile counterpoint to his brother Major Bhau’s calmness. He is the desi gangster who often barges into situations with a gun and expletives, bringing an element of raw, unbridled energy and even some unexpected humor to the intense drama. His chemistry with Rithvik Dhanjani and Tanuj Virwani as the Angre brothers’ trio was a central highlight of the series.
• Post-Cartel Career: Joshi’s career continued its upward trajectory with the acclaimed Marathi film Godavari (2021), for which he won the Best Actor Award at the 52nd International Film Festival of India. He further impressed audiences with his role as a devious villager in the Netflix film Thar (2022).

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The Hidden Power: Actresses in the Shadows

Beyond the three Angre brothers and their matriarch, Cartel featured compelling female characters who were critical to the plot’s twists and turns, showcasing significant talent.

5. Divya Agarwal as Grizzey

Divya Agarwal, known as a reality television star and the winner of Bigg Boss OTT 1 (2021), completely surprised audiences with her role as Grizzey, a mysterious female assassin and make-up artist.

• The Transformation Artist: Her character was a master of disguise, which allowed Agarwal to experiment extensively. She donned six different looks throughout the series, five of which involved intricate prosthetic make-up, including a transformation into an elderly man, a feat that drew immense praise from producer Ekta Kapoor herself. Agarwal reportedly spent up to seven hours in the make-up chair for her prosthetic looks, calling the role a true test of her passion and love for cinema.
• Significance: Her ability to carry off such a performance, coupled with her subsequent reality TV win, cemented her transition from a reality personality to a serious actor capable of handling challenging, non-glamorous roles.

6. The Supporting Pillars

The strength of the series was undoubtedly its expansive ensemble, which provided rich, parallel storylines and complex relationships:

• Monica Dogra as Maya: The musician-actress played Maya, Abhay Angre’s love interest, who is described as a complex character navigating the treacherous waters of love, loyalty, and ambition, and whose relationship with Abhay impacts the family dynamics. She was simultaneously seen in the critically noted web series The Married Woman (2021).
• Samir Soni as Dorabjee: Soni played a character whose influence and actions had far-reaching consequences in the power dynamics of the underworld, with a role noted for its intricate nature. His other notable work includes the film Nikamma and the web series Mithya (2022).
• Girija Oak as Rama: Oak played the role of a simple Indian wife and mother, providing the necessary emotional grounding and familial conflict within the Angre household, highlighting the “family set up” that makes Cartel unique.
• Other Gang Lords: The series was a true multi-starrer, with veteran actors like Anil George as Khan, Shubhrajyoti Barat as Gajraj, and Kannan Arunachalam as Anna, who collectively represented the four other gang lords of Mumbai, ensuring a constant, palpable threat to the Angre family.

A Production of Epic Scale

The scope of Cartel was unprecedented for an Indian digital offering at the time of its release. Beyond the star cast, the production house invested heavily in creating a visually authentic and action-packed narrative. The show delivered “outstanding action, superlative dialogues and flawless performances,” creating an epic gangster drama. Critics noted the effort in maintaining “authentic sets and locations, great camera angle, and movements” to enhance the storytelling and give the series a royal, big-budget feel. The 14 episodes were tightly packed with “plenty of murder, slaughter and gunfights,” fulfilling the promise of a hardcore action-drama that kept viewers intrigued until the very end.

In conclusion, Cartel was a defining moment for many of its actors, especially the lead trio of Dhanjani, Joshi, and Virwani, who embraced gritty, challenging roles and proved their mettle outside of traditional media. It stood as a testament to the power of a strong ensemble cast, masterfully led by a matriarch, to transform a familiar underworld theme into a riveting and engaging family crime saga.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Who are the main actors and actresses in the Cartel web series?

The main cast of the Cartel web series is led by a powerful ensemble. The primary cast includes: Supriya Pathak (as Rani Maai, the matriarch), Tanuj Virwani (as Ex-Major Arjun Mhatre/Major Bhau), Rithvik Dhanjani (as Abhay Angre), and Jitendra Joshi (as Madhu Bhau). A prominent female role is played by Divya Agarwal (as Grizzey, the assassin).

Q2: What is unique about Divya Agarwal’s role in the Cartel web series?

Divya Agarwal’s role as Grizzey, the mysterious female assassin and make-up artist, is unique because it required her to don multiple, intricate disguises. She reportedly portrayed six different looks in the series, five of which involved hours of work with prosthetic make-up, including a transformation into an elderly man, showcasing her versatility as an actor.

Q3: Where and when was the Cartel web series released?

The Cartel web series, a crime-action-drama, was released on August 20, 2021. It is available for streaming on two major Indian OTT platforms: ALTBalaji and MX Player.

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The Anatomy of the Underworld: Unmasking the Stellar Cast of the ‘Cartel’ Web Series

The world of Indian streaming has been saturated with crime dramas, yet few have managed to assemble a cast as sprawling and diverse as the 2021 action-thriller, ‘Cartel’. Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms and streaming on ALTBalaji and MX Player, this 14-episode saga is not just a story of gang wars in Mumbai, but a showcase of powerhouse performances, blending celebrated veterans of stage and screen with the new-age stars of the OTT and reality television space.

With a narrative driven by revenge, politics, and power struggles, the series revolves around the matriarch of one of Mumbai’s most influential crime families, whose near-fatal attack triggers a chaotic battle for dominance. At its core, ‘Cartel’ is a family drama dressed in the ruthless attire of a gangster epic, where the actors and actresses bring the intricate, often contradictory, emotional layers to life.

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The Angre Family: At the Heart of the Cartel

The plot of ‘Cartel’ centers on the Angre family, the most formidable of the five major criminal factions that rule the low-profile Mumbai underworld. The delicate balance of power among these five gangs—Khan, Anna, Gajraj, Angre, and a mysterious movie producer—is held together by one iron-willed woman, until an act of violence shatters the truce.

The series is essentially an emotional journey of the three Angre sons, who must step up to protect their legacy and avenge their mother’s attack. Their contrasting personalities form the central dynamic that grounds the series’ high-octane action.

The Iron Matriarch: Supriya Pathak as Rani Maai

Supriya Pathak, one of Indian cinema’s most revered actresses, plays the pivotal role of Rani Maai, the formidable, aging matriarch of the Angre family. Her character is the reason the underworld has maintained a fragile peace for 15 years, her influence extending beyond her own family to all five gang leaders.

• A Career of Contrasts: Pathak’s career is defined by her versatility. While she is globally known for the comical and endearing Hansa Parekh in the Khichdi franchise, her dramatic roles are equally iconic. She received widespread acclaim and a Filmfare Award for her sinister portrayal of Dhankor Baa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.
• The Cartel Performance: Her casting as the fierce, almost godmother-like figure generated a buzz among enthusiasts. Critics praised her ability to fully embody the character, lending a sense of gravity and authenticity to the role of the queenpin. Although she is incapacitated early in the narrative, her presence and authority remain the driving force for the entire season.

The Sons: The Trinity of Vengeance and Ambition

The three Angre brothers—Major Bhau, Abhay, and Madhu Bhau—are tasked with seeking vengeance and holding the family business together in Rani Maai’s absence.

Tanuj Virwani as Ex-Major Arjun Mhatre (Major Bhau)

Tanuj Virwani, who has established himself as a prominent face in the OTT space, plays the role of Major Bhau (Arjun Mhatre), the most disciplined and stoic of the Angre brothers. A former military officer, his character brings a blend of combat discipline and a family-first ruthlessness to the cartel’s operations.

• Prior OTT Success: Virwani’s breakthrough role came as Vayu Raghavan in the Emmy-nominated series Inside Edge. He also starred in other popular web series like Code M and Poison, making him a familiar and successful digital star before landing the major role in Cartel.
• The Role’s Nuance: Virwani articulated that playing a gangster required him to portray the constant fear and vulnerability that exists behind the facade of power, a nuance he believes the series successfully captured through the Angre family’s universe. His character is described as the “brains of the three” brothers.

Rithvik Dhanjani as Abhay Angre

Rithvik Dhanjani portrays Abhay Angre, Rani Maai’s youngest son, often described as the most hot-headed and bratty member of the trio. His character is defined by a cunning ambition and a complex arc that takes him through varied shades as he navigates the tumultuous waters of the criminal world.

• From Television to Web Star: Dhanjani gained widespread recognition with his role as Arjun Kirloskar in the popular television serial Pavitra Rishta. He is also an acclaimed television host and a winner of reality shows like Nach Baliye 6.
• Critical Acclaim: Critics specifically highlighted Dhanjani’s performance in Cartel, calling him a “find” and praising his dynamic on-screen chemistry, particularly with co-star Monica Dogra, who plays Maya.

Jitendra Joshi as Madhu Bhau (Madhukar Mhatre)

Jitendra Joshi rounds out the brotherhood as Madhu Bhau, the seasoned gangster who balances a formidable presence in the crime scene with a life as a devoted husband, doting father, and—surprisingly—a man who fears his wife. His performance was noted for injecting moments of humor and a great sense of self-awareness into the intense drama.

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The Actresses and Key Characters: Adding Depth and Intrigue

Beyond the central Angre family, ‘Cartel’ featured a massive ensemble of over 138 actors, with several actresses playing pivotal, intricate roles that drive the plot’s many twists and turns.

Divya Agarwal as Grizzey

Divya Agarwal’s role as Grizzey is perhaps the most talked-about and unique character in the series. Grizzey is a mysterious make-up artist who uses her profession as a deadly weapon, creating a crucial layer of suspense.

• A Reality Star’s Metamorphosis: Agarwal rose to prominence as a winner of reality shows, including Ace of Space 1 and Bigg Boss OTT 1.
• The Ultimate Acting Challenge: Her role in Cartel was a significant departure from her reality TV image. To maintain the character’s mystique, Agarwal had to portray up to six different personalities with drastically different looks, a task she likened to performing in six different shows. Her transformations included playing an old lady and a transgender person, relying heavily on extensive prosthetics, which she cited as a project that proved her acting mettle.

Monica Dogra as Maya

The American actress and musician Monica Dogra plays the role of Maya, a complex and mystique character who becomes entwined in the Angre family’s political and romantic dynamics, particularly with Rithvik Dhanjani’s Abhay Angre.

• Indie and Film Credibility: Dogra is known for her roles in films like Dhobi Ghat and Rock On, establishing her as a unique and influential presence in the film and music industries.
• On-Screen Chemistry: Her on-screen romance and chemistry with Rithvik Dhanjani were highly noted, providing a human and emotional counterpoint to the violence.

Pranati Rai Prakash as Sumi

Pranati Rai Prakash, an Indian supermodel and winner of India’s Next Top Model 2016, plays the role of Sumi (Sumi Angre), a young woman whose life becomes dangerously entangled with the underworld affairs of the Angre family. Her character adds to the familial drama element of the series, providing another dimension to the crime saga.

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The Verdict: A Massive, Star-Studded Crime Epic

‘Cartel’ was a project of immense scale, shot over 132 days and featuring a staggering 138 actors, a testament to its ambition.

The series garnered a mixed-to-positive reception, with critics consistently praising the strong performances from the ensemble cast. The internal dynamics of the Angre family—the conflict, the rivalry, and the emotional bonds between the three brothers—were frequently highlighted as the show’s biggest strength. Though some critiques pointed to an inconsistent tone and a dense plot, the sheer depth of the characterization, coupled with high production values, authentic sets, strong cinematography, and impactful dialogue, made ‘Cartel’ a compelling watch.

Ultimately, ‘Cartel’ served as a brilliant platform, not only for veterans like Supriya Pathak to demonstrate their range in a new format but also for digital stars like Tanuj Virwani and Rithvik Dhanjani to solidify their footing in the action-drama genre. Above all, it allowed actors like Divya Agarwal to prove their dramatic acting mettle in one of the most creatively challenging roles of the year. The series is a must-watch for fans of intricate family sagas woven into a fast-paced, violent crime-thriller set against the backdrop of the city of dreams.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about the ‘Cartel’ Web Series

Q1: What is the ‘Cartel’ web series about? A: ‘Cartel’ is a Hindi-language action-crime drama web series released in 2021. The story is set in Mumbai and revolves around the Angre family, one of five powerful criminal gangs (or ‘cartels’) that rule the city’s underworld. The plot kicks off when the family’s matriarch, Rani Maai (Supriya Pathak), is shot and falls into a coma, prompting her three sons—Major Bhau, Abhay, and Madhu Bhau—to seek vengeance and protect their family’s dominion against rival gangs.

Q2: Who are the main actors and actresses in the ‘Cartel’ web series? A: The main cast is a strong ensemble featuring:

• Supriya Pathak as Rani Maai
• Rithvik Dhanjani as Abhay Angre
• Tanuj Virwani as Ex-Major Arjun Mhatre (Major Bhau)
• Jitendra Joshi as Madhukar Mhatre (Madhu Bhau)
• Divya Agarwal as Grizzey (the mysterious make-up artist)
• Monica Dogra as Maya.

Q3: Who plays the unique role of the make-up artist ‘Grizzey’ in ‘Cartel’? A: The character of Grizzey is played by actress and reality star Divya Agarwal. Her role is unique because Grizzey uses prosthetics to disguise herself, allowing Agarwal to play up to six different, drastically varied personalities throughout the series, including an old lady and a transgender person.

Q4: Where can I watch the ‘Cartel’ web series? A: The ‘Cartel’ web series, which consists of one season with 14 episodes, is available for streaming on two major Indian OTT platforms: ALTBalaji and MX Player (specifically on its paid subscription service, MX Gold).

Q5: Which other popular web series or films are the lead actors of ‘Cartel’ known for? A:

• Supriya Pathak: Known for films like Kalyug, Bazaar, Masoom, Mirch Masala, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, as well as the popular TV series and film franchise Khichdi.
• Tanuj Virwani: Widely known for his lead role as Vayu Raghavan in the popular Amazon Prime Video series Inside Edge, along with Code M and Poison.
• Rithvik Dhanjani: Famous for his lead role in the long-running television serial Pavitra Rishta and as a host for numerous reality shows like Super Dancer and India’s Best Dramebaaz.

Q6: What is the scale of the ‘Cartel’ web series production? A: ‘Cartel’ was a massive production, involving a shoot that lasted over 132 days and featured an exceptionally large ensemble cast of approximately 138 actors from television, web, and film industries. The series is considered to be a high-scale project in the Indian web space.