Comedian Hari Kondabolu’s documentary The Problem with Apu dropped a trailer in advance of its debut on TruTV. The film surveys opinions on one of the most recognizable Indian-American characters in the media: Apu Nahasapeemapetilon and his outsize, often negative, role in shaping opinions on Indian depictions in the media.
Kondabolu makes it clear that he does not like the racist and stereotypical aspects of the character, or that Apu is voiced by white actor Hank Azaria. He interviews a number of prominent performers with Indian heritage, as well as Simpsons producer Dana Gould, who defends the use of accents that sound “funny” to American ears.
If you haven’t seen it, you should check out Indians on TV from the first season of Master of None, which takles this issue with a lot of humor and nuance. Here’s guest star Ravi Patel talking about the episode.
• The Problem With Apu – TCA 2017 Trailer (YouTube / truTV)