Asian Provocateur Season 2 Episode 1 1. Cousin Pratheep

In the first episode of Asian Provocateur season 2 entitled "Cousin Pratheep," comedian and adventurer Romesh Ranganathan visits Sri Lanka to reconnect with his roots and family. Romesh's cousin, Pratheep, becomes his guide and helps him navigate through the country and its customs.

Pratheep is described as a local legend in Sri Lanka and a fan of Romesh's comedy career. He takes Romesh on a tour of the exotic locale, immersing him in the culture and history of Sri Lanka. The episode showcases the beautiful scenery of the country, including lush forests, stunning coastlines, and bustling city scenes.

The episode highlights the challenges Romesh faces as he tries to learn more about his heritage. As a second-generation Sri Lankan immigrant, he feels a disconnect from the country and its customs. Pratheep helps Romesh connect with his family, which is a significant theme of the episode. Romesh's mission is to understand his roots and reconcile with the past.

The episode features interactions between Romesh and his family members, which are both touching and humorous. Romesh admits that he feels like an outsider among his relatives, but he embraces his heritage as he tries to connect with his roots. Pratheep serves as the bridge between Romesh and his family and is instrumental in bringing them together.

Throughout the episode, Romesh is forced to confront his preconceptions about Sri Lankan culture. He thought that he would find it difficult to assimilate to the culture, but he feels right at home. Pratheep introduces him to local food, music, language, and customs, helping Romesh understand what it means to be Sri Lankan.

The show also explores the dark history of Sri Lanka's civil war, which ended in 2009. A large part of the episode centers around Romesh's visit to a war memorial, where he pays his respects to those who lost their lives in the conflict. This serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Sri Lankans and the importance of acknowledging their history.

The episode concludes with Romesh feeling more connected to his roots and family than ever before. He has a newfound appreciation for Sri Lanka's history, culture and people, and looks forward to embracing his heritage even more. The show is an inspiring and heartwarming reminder of the importance of family and cultural identity.

Overall, the first episode of Asian Provocateur season 2, "Cousin Pratheep," is a moving tribute to Sri Lanka's culture and heritage. It offers viewers a glimpse of the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the country and its people. The show is a must-watch for those interested in travel, culture, and the human experience.