Side Streets (1998)

In the bustling heart of Staten Island, cab driver Bipin Raj navigates his taxi through the city's veins, picking up a passenger who he confuses for a film star. He eagerly shares tales of his brother, Vikram Raj, a once dazzling Bollywood icon now residing in the humble Raj household, captivating millions with his cinematic charm. Yet, beneath the glimmer of stardom lies a domestic tension. Bipin's wife, Chandra, initially starstruck by her famous brother-in-law, now yearns for normalcy as Vikram's overstayed welcome looms over their lives. The former matinee idol, once a vision of grace and allure, now battles alcoholism and sloth, his handsome features buried beneath layers of lethargy and excess. Yet hope flickers in the form of Vikram's faithful fans, who flock to their idol, dancing to his nostalgic film tunes and igniting Chandra's irritation. When Vikram announces an intriguing phone call from none other than Al Pacino, expressing interest in discussing a movie script, the Raj family bids him a heartfelt farewell, their lives echoing with a sense of relief and anticipation. This vivid slice of life is just one thread in a tapestry of stories, weaving together the eclectic lives of a dress designer, a meat-shop worker moonlighting as a drug dealer, and a beauty queen's underachieving husband. Each character, with their own tales and trials, forms a vibrant mosaic of diverse cultures, living separate yet intertwined lives in the city's pulsating metropolis.

Side Streets is a comedy movie featuring Valeria Golino and directed by Tony Gerber.

Side Streets is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Side Streets on Amazon Video.