In recent years, South Asian stories have found a stronger foothold in mainstream media, but “Upside Brown” stands out as a fresh and relatable entry into the genre. Blending humor with the kind of everyday situations that hit close to home, this show delivers major “The Office” vibes with its mockumentary-style camera work. The subtle glances at the camera, the awkward silences, and the unfiltered reactions make the comedic moments feel spontaneous and authentic, heightening the viewer’s connection to the characters.
What truly elevates “Upside Brown” is its well-developed characters. Each one comes with its own quirks, backstories, and challenges, giving depth to the overall plot. The show centers around the Tyagi family, whose internal conflicts reflect the generational and cultural struggles familiar to many South Asian households. The patriarch, Amol, grapples with his desire to control his children and wife while remaining unaware of the shifting dynamics around him. His children increasingly challenge his traditional views—his daughter Shweta, who resists his attempts to arrange her marriage, and his son, an aspiring chef whose dreams don’t align with his father’s expectations.
Amol’s struggles aren’t the only source of tension. The series also delves into his wife’s extramarital affair and the arrival of Amol’s childhood friend, whose personal issues further complicate the family dynamics. These layers of interpersonal drama give “Upside Brown” its edge, mixing humor with real-life struggles that many viewers can relate to.
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What makes this nine-episode series particularly enjoyable is its ability to capture the complexities of first and second-generation Indian families. The Tyagi family’s identity, tradition, and change challenges reflect a broader conversation in many South Asian communities today. Whether it’s the pressure to maintain cultural traditions or the desire to forge a new identity in a modern world, Upside Brown doesn’t shy away from showing both sides.
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For fans of character-driven comedies, “Upside Brown” is a must-watch. The engaging plot and strong performances keep the audience hooked, and the authentic portrayals of cultural and generational conflicts add a depth that is often missing in mainstream sitcoms. The show manages to balance humor and heart, and the relatability of the characters ensures that viewers will be left eagerly awaiting a second season.
Upside Brown is more than just a family comedy:
It’s a story of identity, tradition, and navigating the complexities of change. The laughter offers a lens into the modern South Asian experience, making it a show that resonates far beyond the typical sitcom format.
We caught up with “Upside Brown“ creators Yash and Rahul to learn more about the inspiration behind the show, their creative process, and what lies ahead for the series. We also hosted the creators an epic screening with some of our New York friends and creators at the BG Clubhouse.
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Note: Some answers have been shortened for brevity.
What inspired you to pursue filmmaking?
Rahul: Filmmaking was always in the background for me. Growing up, I’d create movies in my head, but it wasn’t until I realized my engineering career wasn’t fulfilling that I started exploring storytelling through acting, writing, and directing. Over time, I discovered my love for filmmaking.
Yash: Watching “The Dark Knight” in 2010 was a turning point. The film’s confidence and epic storytelling inspired me to create something that could spark the same sense of awe in others.
Who are your biggest filmmaking idols?
Rahul: Anurag Basu, Imtiaz Ali, and Rajkumar Hirani. Their focus on multi-layered characters and messages that aren’t spoon-fed has influenced my approach to storytelling.
Yash: Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Aaron Sorkin. Nolan’s epic narratives, Tarantino’s tension-filled dialogue, and Sorkin’s rhythmic writing have all shaped my style, along with Rajkumar Hirani’s ability to blend humor with deep themes.
How long did it take to finalize the script for Upside Brown?
The idea came in August 2020, and by April 2021, we had shot the pilot. Writing episodes 1-8 was relatively smooth, but episode 8, which relied heavily on visual comedy, took two brainstorming sessions to perfect.
How do you balance humor with serious themes like family and cultural identity?
We draw from real-life experiences within the South Asian community. We wanted to strike a balance by showing real-life moments—like awkwardly open conversations about health—while drawing on shared generational gaps for comedy. But we also wanted to explore serious emotions authentically, allowing a scene’s natural tone to shift between comedy and drama based on the characters’ journeys.
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Which character do you relate to the most?
Rahul: Vijay Malhotra, as his journey from pursuing a nontraditional career mirrors my own path from engineering to filmmaking.
Yash: Bunty represents my inner child, while Akash reflects my laid-back optimism. Shalini captures my neutral stance when dealing with people who’ve hurt me.
Any funny or challenging moments during filming?
The large group scenes, like the condom scene in episode 3, were both fun and challenging. Keeping everyone in sync, especially with the mockumentary-style filming, was tricky but rewarding. We had a few moments where cast members couldn’t stop laughing, which made shooting a blast.
What advice would you give to aspiring South Asian filmmakers?
Start small. Don’t wait for opportunities—create them. Shoot a short film, embrace failure, and treat each challenge like a puzzle. Every draft or setback is part of the process of honing your craft.
As “Upside Brown” continues to captivate audiences with its relatable humor and thoughtful portrayal of South Asian family dynamics, it’s clear that the show is just the beginning for creators Yash and Rahul. Their unique approach to storytelling, blending personal experiences with universal themes, has struck a chord with viewers within and beyond the South Asian community.
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With a second season on the horizon and other exciting projects in the works, “Upside Brown” is poised not only to entertain but also to spark meaningful conversations about identity, culture, and the generational divide. Keep an eye on this duo—they’re just getting started.
