Deli Boys Review: Poorna Jagannathan steals the show in this brilliantly refreshing, fast-paced crime comedy

Deli Boys Review

Imagine your world turning upside down overnight. That’s exactly what happens to two Pakistani American brothers in ‘Deli Boys’ when their father suddenly passes away. What follows is a wild, fast-paced crime saga that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

With just ten episodes, each a crisp 25 minutes, the show is a breeze to watch—thanks to its sharp storytelling and rapid-fire narration. The characters? Quirky, unpredictable, and packed with personality. The dialogue? Smart, witty, and packed with humour. ‘Deli Boys’ isn’t just another crime drama; it’s an addictive, entertaining ride that blends chaos, comedy, and crime in the best way possible.

From Deli owner to crime boss

Baba Dar, a Pakistani immigrant, built his business empire from humble beginnings—starting with a small deli and expanding into a thriving operation, with plans to launch a chain of golf clubs across Philadelphia. But just as he’s about to take his success to the next level, tragedy strikes. Baba Dar dies in a freak accident on the golf course, and soon after, his entire business is confiscated by the police.

His sons, Mir and Raj, are left stunned, struggling to make sense of the chaos. That’s when Lucky Auntie, their father’s close confidante and business associate, drops a bombshell—their father wasn’t just an entrepreneur; he was deeply entrenched in the cocaine trade.

With Baba Dar gone, a power struggle erupts between Lucky Auntie and Ahmad, another key player in the empire. But with no clear winner, the responsibility falls on Mir and Raj. Thrown into a world they barely understand, the brothers must navigate the criminal underworld, setting the stage for a thrilling, darkly comedic crime story that keeps you hooked till the very end.

A sharp, hilarious plot with a Pakistani flavour

With a Pakistani family at its core, this series is a refreshing mix of humour, wit, and warmth, all wrapped in a gripping plot. The show thrives on stellar performances, crackling chemistry between the two brothers, and a cast of eccentric criminals for whom murder is a routine job and business means drugs.

What truly sets ‘Deli Boys’ apart is how effortlessly it weaves Pakistani humour into the narrative. The witty banter—whether between the brothers or other characters—feels natural and flows seamlessly. Cultural nuances, including the India-Pakistan rivalry, are integrated organically, never feeling forced. And with terms like achaar, murderwaala, Saab, and even a nod to The Godfather's Franco sprinkled in the story, the comedy lands perfectly, making this series both sharp and hilarious.

A stellar cast firing on all cylinders

It’s tough to pick a standout in ‘Deli Boys’ because every actor brings their A-game. Asif Ali shines as Mir Dar, the elder son and business graduate who tries to do things by the book, balancing sincerity with quiet intensity. Saagar Shaikh, as the carefree, pleasure-seeking younger brother Raj, is a perfect contrast—restless, impulsive, and living in the moment.

Veteran British actor Brian George delivers a sharp performance as the scheming Ahmad, especially in his power struggles with Lucky Auntie, where every scene crackles with tension. Pakistani actor Iqbal Theba, as Baba Dar, appears intermittently in the series and effortlessly shifts between a loving father and a ruthless crime boss, making his presence felt even in flashbacks.

But the real showstealer? Poorna Jagannathan. As Lucky Auntie, she’s an absolute powerhouse, balancing sharp sarcasm with deep affection for the brothers she treats as her own. This role reveals a whole new side of her, making 'Deli Boys' an engaging watch.

A show that stays true to its roots

The series works because it stays authentic to its core. Centered around a Pakistani family with a mix of Indian and American acquaintances, the series effortlessly switches between Urdu, English, and sometimes Hindi, making the dialogue feel natural and unforced.

Its fast pace means there’s no handholding for the audience—everything unfolds organically, adding to its realism and relatability. At its heart, this is a light, entertaining watch that never feels heavy or demanding. Full credit to creator Abdullah Saeed, who masterfully crafts a hilarious, fast-moving story about an immigrant family, the drug trade, and an eccentric crew of criminals.

Verdict

With stellar performances and sharp, crisp writing, ‘Deli Boys’ delivers something truly special. Its tone and storytelling will undoubtedly resonate with many immigrant families from the subcontinent, bringing an authentic and relatable touch to the crime-comedy genre

This series isn’t just another crime story—it reinvents the formula with comedy, heart, and a fresh perspective. A breath of fresh air, ‘Deli Boys’ not only lives up to expectations but exceeds them.

Cast: Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Brian George, Iqbal Theba, and Poorna Jagannathan

Directors: Nisha Ganatra, Oz Rodriguez, Maureen Bharoocha, Fawzia Mirza, Jeremy Konner,

Rating: 4/5

(‘Deli Boys’ is currently streaming on JioHotstar)