Asian Provocateur

Asian Provocateur is a unique, humorous, and often heart-warming reality-travel documentary series, initially aired on BBC Three in the UK and subsequently available on Sundance Now within the years 2015 and 2016. The show spans over two seasons, with a total of 12 episodes. The protagonist and the central character of the series is the internationally renowned British-Sri Lankan comedian, Romesh Ranganathan. Injected with his distinctive style of humor, the show gives a fascinating insight into the beauty and diversities of Asian cultures along with captivating glimpses into the comedian’s personal life and heritage.

The series commences when Romesh's mother, Shanthi Ranganathan, challenges him to explore his Sri Lankan roots. Inviting him to leave his comfort zone of the UK, Romesh heads to Sri Lanka, exploring the culture he’s often joked about but never fully understood. Throughout season one, he traverses into various parts and communities of the country, experiencing their local customs, traditions, and ways of life, first-hand. As Romesh envelopes his journey, viewers get engaging narratives tied up with the humor and perspectives of a comedian’s world view. These narratives revolve around Sri Lankan rituals, martial arts, religious ceremonies, and local cuisines – all providing Romesh a challenging yet novel exploration of his heritage.

In the second season, Shanthi sends Romesh to the United States to meet their extended family and explore the lives of various relatives, uncovering a multitude of individual stories and experiences. Brought to life with Romesh's comedic approach, these experiences lead him into individuals and communities he never knew existed, giving him an enriching exploration into the diversity and complexities of the diaspora. Here, the series takes a deeper emotional turn, as he delves into the realities of being an immigrant in America, balancing cultural allegiance with the pursuit of the American dream. This journey also allowed Romesh an opportunity to reevaluate his views on America and challenged his pre-conceived notions about the country.

Asian Provocateur is an alluring combination of humor, travel, and reality TV, with the episode structure providing a fresh storyline each time. Yet, the central theme of exploring cultural identity and heritage remains consistent throughout the series. Taken through this journey with Romesh, viewers gain a remarkably personalized insight into a comedian's exploration of his roots, peppered with doses of heartfelt sentiments and laughter.

The production used a mix of candid footage, interviews, and narration throughout the series. The cinematography captures beautifully the breathtaking landscapes of Sri Lanka and the cultural buzz of the American cities Romesh visits. The comparisons drawn between scenarios offer deeper cultural reflections and add to the uniqueness of the show.

Romesh's unique brand of humor takes center stage throughout this journey of cultural exploration and soul-searching. His down-to-earth wit and relaxed style, mixed with self-deprecating humor, makes even the most awkward or embarrassing experiences funny. Concurrently, his thoughtful reflections on his complex feelings of cultural identity, dislocation, and belonging offer viewers a relatable and absorbing narrative - a rare blend of thoughtful introspection and humor that breeds familiarity and warmth.

Unique from his mother, Shanthi Ranganathan is another key character in the show. Despite her minor on-screen presence, she drives the narrative forward. Shanthi is the force behind Romesh's odyssey and frequently appears to provide guidance, illuminating the strong bond between mother and son. Her scenes with Romesh create some of the most humorous and heartfelt moments of the show.

Asian Provocateur effectively uses humor as a means to explore heritage, cultural identity, and the notion of belonging. It stands as a refreshing and authentic production amid the flood of travelogue series. In the end, the series leaves viewers with a compelling reflection on cultural roots and identity in an increasingly globalized world — all that, combined with laughs brought by a gifted comic.