The Problem with Apu Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A comedian gets really, really bothered by a cartoon character’s job and accent and makes a whole movie about it.

🍿 The Problem with Apu: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Examining the Character of Apu

Comedian Hari Kondabolu takes center stage in this documentary, initiating a deeply personal exploration of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the long-running Indian character from the animated series, The Simpsons. Kondabolu reflects on the impact Apu’s stereotypical portrayal had on him and other South Asians growing up in the United States. The film features interviews with prominent South Asian figures in arts and culture, including Aziz Ansari, Kal Penn, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and Russell Peters. They share their own experiences with the Apu stereotype, discussing how the character’s thick accent and convenience store owner role became one of the few mainstream representations of their community, often leading to mimicry and mockery.

Broader Issues of Representation

Beyond just Apu, the documentary delves into the wider historical context of South Asian representation in Western media. It highlights a pattern of limited roles, often confined to stereotypes like taxi drivers, store clerks, or terrorists, and the practice of ‘brownface’ where white actors played Indian characters. Kondabolu argues that Apu, voiced by a white actor (Hank Azaria), despite potentially being created with good intentions, perpetuated harmful stereotypes precisely because of the lack of diverse representation elsewhere. The character became the primary, sometimes only, point of reference for an entire ethnic group for many viewers.

Attempting Dialogue (Spoiler)

A significant part of Kondabolu’s journey in the film involves attempting to contact and interview Hank Azaria, the voice actor behind Apu. Kondabolu expresses a desire for dialogue, to explain the real-world impact of the character from the perspective of the South Asian community. Despite reaching out through various channels, Kondabolu is ultimately unsuccessful in securing an interview with Azaria within the film’s timeframe. This lack of direct engagement becomes a point of reflection in the documentary.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hari Kondabolu (Self): The comedian and host who critically examines the cultural impact of the Apu character from The Simpsons on South Asians.
• Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (Hank Azaria): The long-running cartoon character from The Simpsons whose stereotypical portrayal is the central subject of the documentary’s discussion.
• Hank Azaria (Self): The actor who voices Apu and is a focal point of the documentary, though he does not directly participate in an interview.
• W. Kamau Bell (Self): A comedian and host who provides commentary and context regarding the Apu stereotype and representation in media.
• Kal Penn (Self): An actor and prominent voice sharing personal experiences and perspectives on the Apu stereotype and its effect on South Asian identity.
• Aziz Ansari (Self): A comedian and actor discussing limited and stereotypical representation of South Asians in media as part of the Apu conversation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hari Kondabolu: “Apu was the only Indian representation we had on American television for decades.” – Explaining the magnitude of Apu’s impact and the problem of a single, stereotypical character representing an entire community.
• Hari Kondabolu: “‘Thank you, come again.’ For many, this was the sound of people making fun of you.” – Discussing how Apu’s popular catchphrase became a tool for real-life mocking and bullying of South Asians.
• Kal Penn: “It’s not just one character. It’s the ecosystem around that character.” – Highlighting that the issue goes beyond Apu himself and includes the broader context of limited and stereotypical representation in media.
• Maulik Pancholy: “You want to be able to be seen as a human being, with dimension, with nuance, with complexity.” – Expressing the desire for South Asian characters in media to move beyond flat stereotypes and be portrayed as fully realized individuals.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Problem with Apu Reviews

Personal Review

Watching this film really made me think about how even characters we love can have unintended negative impacts. I grew up watching The Simpsons and never really questioned Apu, but hearing Hari and others talk about their experiences was eye-opening. It made me feel more aware of the importance of representation and how stereotypes, even in comedy, can hurt. It’s a tough conversation, and the movie captures some of that complexity and frustration, even if I didn’t agree with every single point. It definitely changed how I see the show and sparked a lot of internal reflection about media and its power.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of documentaries exploring social issues”
  • “Viewers interested in media representation and diversity”
  • “Academics studying cultural criticism or media studies”
  • “Fans of The Simpsons interested in understanding the controversy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussion of racial stereotypes and prejudice”
  • “Analysis of potentially sensitive cultural issues”

Professional Reviews

• User Review Synthesis: “This documentary, led by comedian Hari Kondabolu, delves into the controversial character of Apu from The Simpsons. It raises important questions about representation and stereotypes for South Asian communities in Western media. While some find its arguments insightful and necessary, others feel it overstates the issue or misinterprets the show’s satirical nature. It’s a conversation starter, if a sometimes repetitive or polarizing one.
• User Review Synthesis: “Exploring the impact of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, this film highlights the personal experiences of South Asians who felt stereotyped or mocked. It makes a strong case for the need for more nuanced representation. However, critics argue it unfairly targets a single character in a show known for satirizing everyone, and question the film’s approach or perceived motivations. Expect strong reactions on both sides.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers appreciated the film for sparking a vital conversation about media representation and stereotypes.: Praised for giving a voice to South Asian perspectives and highlighting the real-world impact of limited and stereotypical characters.

Other viewers felt the film unfairly criticized a beloved character in a satirical show and didn’t understand its context.: Criticized for being overly sensitive, misinterpreting satire, or seeming like a personal attack or attention-seeking effort.

Overall Consensus: Highly divisive. Praised by some for initiating an important discussion on stereotypes and representation, while heavily criticized by others who defend The Simpsons’ satirical approach and view the film as an overreaction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The documentary significantly contributed to the public debate around Apu, ultimately leading to Hank Azaria stepping down from voicing the character in early 2020.”
• “Following the film’s impact and the ongoing discussion it fueled, The Simpsons producers later announced that white actors would no longer voice non-white characters on the show.”
• “The runtime of the documentary is relatively short, just 49 minutes, reflecting its focused examination of a specific cultural issue.”
• “The film includes interviews with prominent South Asian comedians, actors, and public figures, providing diverse perspectives on the issue of representation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Problem with Apu?

As a documentary released in 2017, “The Problem with Apu” is available through various digital platforms. You can typically find it to rent or purchase on services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital storefront for availability and pricing to watch this thought-provoking film about media representation.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Problem with Apu, you might like these similar films:

• Miss Representation (2011): Examines the media’s often stereotypical portrayal of women, similar to how ‘The Problem with Apu’ analyzes the stereotyping of South Asians.
• Color Adjustment (1992): A historical documentary exploring how African Americans have been portrayed on television over decades, providing context for discussions on evolving media representation.
• Disclosure (2020): A documentary exploring the history of transgender representation in film and television, focusing on the impact of these portrayals.
• Master of None (2015-2021): A comedy series created by and starring Aziz Ansari, who appears in the documentary, often dealing with the experiences of a South Asian American and issues of representation in a nuanced way.
• Bamboozled (2000): Spike Lee’s satirical film directly tackles minstrelsy and racial stereotypes in media, offering a more intense look at the history and impact of problematic portrayals.

🛒 The Problem with Apu Related Products

• Springfield Nuclear Power Plant T-Shirt: Show your love for Springfield with this classic t-shirt featuring the iconic Nuclear Power Plant logo. A staple for any Simpsons fan.
• The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History Book: A deep dive into the cultural phenomenon of The Simpsons, exploring its creation, impact, and controversies over the decades.
• Do the Right Thing (Criterion Collection): Spike Lee’s seminal film exploring racial tensions and community dynamics in a Brooklyn neighborhood, a powerful example of how media addresses complex social issues.
• Stand-Up Comedy Special by Hari Kondabolu: Watch stand-up performances by Hari Kondabolu, the comedian and filmmaker behind ‘The Problem with Apu,’ to understand his comedic style and perspective firsthand.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Problem with Apu features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Soundtrack information not available.” – performed by N/A

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

In Bob We Trust – APU TRILOGY: PART I (The Simpsons)

Wondering why Apu is still a hot topic? This deep dive into the history and context from a great critic really breaks down why ‘The Problem with Apu’ is such a crucial film to watch.

The Simpson’s Manjula on The Problem with Apu

Okay, imagine interviewing Manjula from The Simpsons about the whole Apu controversy… Lilly Singh actually did it! This sketch is a hilarious and surprisingly insightful take on the issue.

In Bob We Trust – APU TRILOGY: PART II (The Simpsons)

After watching Part 1, you’ll definitely want to see how this critic continues their fascinating breakdown of Apu’s place in The Simpsons history and culture. It adds even more layers to the documentary’s points.

Apu Was A REALLY REALLY Bad Idea… #top10 #shorts

Need a super quick recap of why Apu became such a problem? This short video cuts straight to the point, giving you the essential controversy in under a minute.

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