Movies

‘Deli Boys’ is a quirky and smartly written crime comedy

BBG News

In “Deli Boys,” an unexpectedly heartwarming, subtly humorous series about violence and anxiety that will debut on Hulu on Thursday, Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh portray Pakistani-American siblings Mir and Raj Dar. Their father, Baba, played by Iqbal Theba, owns a network of convenience stores across the Delaware Valley, with Philadelphia as the main location, and is considering expanding into golf courses.

Upon Baba’s unfortunate demise, struck by an ironic golf ball, I was astounded by the revelation from my cherished Auntie Poorna. She had just committed a startling act, shooting someone in the face, yet she was involved in Uncle Baba’s secretive line of work. This business, where Auntie held an associate position, was astonishingly centered around processing and dealing cocaine.

Compared to other drugs like heroin, meth, or fentanyl, cocaine has a somewhat lighter image for comedy in popular culture. However, it’s essential to remember that this drug is highly harmful to individuals and society at large. Marijuana, once a countercultural symbol, is now largely mainstream and less noteworthy; its enthusiasts are merely modern-day tipsy souls in the annals of comedic intoxication. (And technically, it’s legal.)

Creator of “Deli Boys,” Abdullah Saeed, has a rich background in cannabis media. He has hosted the cooking show “Bong Appétit” and written for the HBO series “High Maintenance,” which focuses on marijuana delivery.

Mir and Raj are stark contrasts, both in appearance and personality. Mir, the diligent sibling, is deeply immersed in his father’s legitimate business, oblivious to any illicit activities, and he strives relentlessly. He aims to emulate his father, seeking approval from him, and frequently boasts about his business degree from Drexel University, a prestigious institution that hails from Philadelphia.

On the other hand, Raj is the laid-back brother, often found in a state of relaxation among his group of friends. He embodies carefree nonchalance, questioning Mir, “How can you rise every day for work when you don’t have to? It’s our responsibility to savor life for those who look like us but don’t have the same opportunities.” The scene is set in stark contrast as their meticulously planned morning routines unfold – coffee versus cannabis.

Stepping into Baba’s shoes isn’t an easy task, but I’m ready to take on the challenge, as I tell his associates. I prefer focusing on perfecting my biryani recipes rather than dealing with the business matters, but here I am, showing a hint of rebellion against the patriarchal norms.

As fate would have it, Mir and Raj find themselves entangled in the whirlpool that’s formed, a situation that includes dodging the FBI – specifically, Agent Mercer (Alexandra Ruddy), who’s eager to build her case, and Regional Director Simpson (Tim Baltz), a charming yet cunning individual with a knack for embezzlement. The Peruvian drug suppliers are another complicating factor, demanding their money or putting our lives at risk.

Over ten episodes resembling sitcoms, our protagonists navigate their path towards financial stability. Along the way, they encounter diverse challenges embodied by characters such as Tan France, a character from “Queer Eye,” who is introduced as a London hoodlum; Chris Elliott portraying a local policeman who has learned about rules the hard way; and Kevin Corrigan as New Jersey mob boss Chickie Lozano, whom Raj keeps referring to as Lasagna. Sofia Black-d’Elia plays Chickie’s sociopath daughter, Gigi, who attacks Raj for being a “boomer” who underestimates women in business. The humor in this series is rooted in both generational and gender disparities: “Old-fashioned racism,” Raj tells Ahmad, when Ahmad refuses to collaborate with Indians because “they’ll steal from us just like they did during Partition.

In addition to this, Mir has a fiancée, Bushra (Zainne Saleh), who has a mother, Seema (Sakina Jaffrey), who isn’t fond of him. Meanwhile, Raj, a charismatic individual that people adore, has a girlfriend, Prairie (Alfie Fuller), who is also his shaman. However, Prairie also finds herself in a casual relationship with Nandika (Amita Rao) for convenience purposes. Raj receives a “Philly 10” rating from Nandika.

The show often references a classic style of humor found in films where an unsuspecting group of bumbling characters find themselves caught up in criminal activities or complex plots. Characters like Hope and Crosby, Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello, the Bowery Boys, Cheech & Chong have all traversed this terrain, although their adventures were typically not as violent. Since Mir and Raj are in peril, we’re willing to overlook any unconventional or illegal actions they might take to ensure their safety, even though it would be ideal if everyone could peacefully coexist without anyone getting injured or scared. To be honest, I wish that was possible, but I have a sensitive nature.

In crafting comedies where main characters engage in criminal activities, there needs to be a certain balance – either villainous antagonists for contrast, or an unjust target, or as shown here, no other choice. However, what truly matters is that we enjoy the humor; regardless of their actions, we hope for their well-being and a favorable conclusion. But this isn’t always the case, as suggested by future seasons. Yet, “Deli Boys” certainly delivers on laughs. It’s cleverly written with eccentric details, absurd situations, and witty comments. Most importantly, it thrives on outstanding performances, even in minor roles, which lends credibility to the madness and amplifies the humor.

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2025-03-05 22:31

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