Movies

BBC’s new Bradford-set detective drama Virdee is a thriller like no other

BBG News

Virdee spoilers won’t be found in this review.

The brand-new crime series from BBC titled “Virdee” unfolds in Bradford’s setting, following the pattern of a conventional detective drama. As a solitary police officer pursues a culprit through less-than-appealing alleyways, onlookers gather. Remarkably, it’s our hero who maintains pace with an airborne helicopter, demonstrating both endurance and expertise.

The beginning is a striking, dynamic sequence, captured through extended shots that manage to stay rooted in the real world. However, it’s not the opening itself that makes Virdee stand out; rather, it’s what follows. What sets this film apart is when we understand the profound role South Asian culture plays in its narrative.

Through the course of meeting Virdee, it becomes apparent that his father, being Sikh, essentially cut ties with him upon learning that Harry chose to build a family with a Muslim woman named Saima. To Ranjit, her being the embodiment of Harry’s love or a kind, virtuous woman who brings joy to his child is inconsequential.

From Ranjit’s perspective, it seems as though life might be less complicated for him if Saima, Harry, and their family weren’t a part of his world. The absence of them could potentially eliminate the feelings of embarrassment he experiences.

Harry also feels an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, along with anger and resentment, upon receiving this rejection. These emotions culminate when he tries to bring together the two families again, particularly during Diwali.

Rejected, Harry experiences a deep sense of shame, coupled with feelings of resentment and even rage. These emotions build up, peaking when he attempts to reconcile his two families during the Diwali celebrations.

Episode one concludes with a poignant twist, making it distinct among similar detective series by delivering an emotionally impactful ending without revealing the outcome of the case.

The current situation is equally intriguing. A serial killer has been attacking the Asian community in Bradford, with it appearing that they have a personal vendetta against a man named Virdee. As the city is under siege, Harry finds himself compelled to act unconventionally and enlist the aid of his brother-in-law, a powerful drug lord named Riaz.

As I navigate my real-life roles as a husband, father, and dedicated gamer, the game I’m playing mirrors this balance by seamlessly blending various genres in a heart-pounding crisis. Just like Virdee, it keeps me on my toes!

In this production, the previously mentioned drama is compelling enough to hold your interest, without needing the usual suspenseful aspects typically found in detective series. To make things even more chilling, elements of horror are introduced as the killer employs grisly methods reminiscent of the film “Saw” to torment both his victims and Harry.

The victims are often of Asian descent, which is a significant aspect of the series and connects to its broader themes. Since cultural perspective plays a crucial role in defining Virdee, whether it’s the festivities, the different languages heard, or simply the impact of having a South Asian lead character in a genre predominantly portrayed by white actors (particularly white men).

Approximately 9.3% of the British population is from Asian communities, but it might not appear so if you only rely on television as your source of representation. With some exceptions like ‘Unforgotten’ and ‘DI Ray’, detective shows seldom mirror the true diversity of this nation, a situation that remains largely unchanged even in 2025, a time when inclusivity should be more prominent on our screens.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “Sure, cultural specificity doesn’t automatically make a show great. But what sets Virdee apart is its balance between authenticity and character development. It roots its story in emotions that everyone can understand, making the characters and their world relatable, regardless of culture.

The central figure in this production is Staz Nair. Initially, Sacha Dhawan from “Doctor Who” had been chosen for the part of Harry, but due to scheduling issues, he was unable to continue. Now, it’s difficult to envision anyone other than Nair filling this role.

In a striking shift from his initial fame in “Rebel Moon” and “Game of Thrones”, Nair finds himself in a completely different universe for his debut leading role. However, he seamlessly blends into the setting of Bradford, as if he had always belonged there, just like he did in Tarak or Westeros. In truth, Nair shines brighter here than ever before, injecting a refreshing dose of optimism and empathy into what could have been a routine detective tale.

To clarify, Harry shares some of the usual weariness that comes with being a detective, but Nair excels equally well in portraying both the positive and negative aspects of familial relationships, as well as delving deeply into the gravity of the cases he handles.

As a gamer, I found myself deeply connected with Aysha Kala’s character, making this tale feel all the more authentic. In fact, her chemistry was so compelling that at times, I found myself eagerly anticipating the family dynamics rather than the action sequences.

In parts, the murder storyline in Virdee seems somewhat exaggerated or familiar, and some characters could have been developed more deeply. However, these are minor criticisms. At its peak, Virdee serves as a reminder of what makes detective shows appealing to us, all while demonstrating that stories rooted in specific cultures can still resonate universally.

Let’s cross our fingers that the BBC will ask AA Dhand (the author of the original books) to use even more of his stories for another season. After all, Virdee is a unique detective thriller, and British television could greatly benefit from having more programs like it.

Virdee is on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer from tonight, 10 Feb, at 9pm

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2025-02-10 10:50

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