A cross-cultural romcom

Outsourced (2006), directed by John Jeffcoat, is a curious under-the-radar American romantic comedy that explores cultural differences between the United States and India within the context of globalization and outsourcing. The film follows Todd Anderson, a call center manager from Seattle, played by Josh Hamilton, whose department is relocated to India. Sent abroad to train his replacement, Todd initially struggles with adapting to the unfamiliar customs and work environment. However, as he immerses himself in Indian culture, he forms a bond with Asha, a confident and intelligent employee portrayed by Ayesha Dharker. Their budding romance, along with Todd’s growing appreciation for his new surroundings, transforms his outlook on both his professional and personal life.

The film received critical acclaim for its thoughtful approach to globalization and cross-cultural relationships, earning praise for its authenticity and wit. Its success even led to a short-lived NBC television adaptation in 2010, further cementing its place as a standout film that blends comedy with social commen    tary.

To listen to a recording of our CineVerse group discussion of Outsourced, conducted last week, click here.

To its credit or detriment – depending on how you look at it – Outsourced avoids any major drama or conflict, despite its sensitive subject matter of workers being devalued and unappreciated, instead treating this topic as a lighthearted romcom. Some would call this a refreshingly positive and entertaining spin while others could criticize this work as culturally insensitive and clichéd – a whitewashing of the harsh reality that many exploited and underpaid workers in India face. Austin Chronicle critic Josh Rosenblatt wrote: “Any movie willing to put such a sunshiny glow on such a deflating subject deserves some credit, whether for inveterate optimism or good-natured self-delusion. Its head may be in the sand, but Outsourced is a good-spirited idyll, an escape from reality, naive to a fault, and all but unconcerned with the troubles of the world but almost – almost – convincing in its innocence.”

Although there’s the hint of a romantic lifeline in the final scene, Outsourced doesn’t give us the overdone boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back formula; while we admire Asha’s agency as a covert lover in a relationship -controlled society, she doesn’t seem to want to buck familial tradition or cultural rules by refusing her impending prearranged marriage. The speed with which she and Todd fall into a physical relationship appears Hollywoodized and convenient, adding arguably an unfortunate and predictable element to the story (as well as a running gag with the Kamasutra jokes); nevertheless, the romance is necessary to help us better identify with Todd as a sympathetic character and to add some zest to an otherwise straightforward “fish out of water” narrative in which the outsider learns and grows.

That being said, even though it’s necessary for proper character arcing, Todd’s transition from peeved ugly American abroad to enlightened expatriate with a heart of gold – demarcated by the scene in which he submerges into the water and emerges an apparently new man – seems to occur implausibly quickly.

Possibly the movie’s best moment is the relatively wordless scene where he climbs the wall and follows the town’s unofficial electrician to enjoy a simple meal with his family sitting on the street. It’s a touching sequence devoid of trite comedy touches that shows us another side to this colorful country he’s learning to explore.

Outsourced espouses that flexibility is the secret to survival. Todd and his staff quickly learn that they must pivot and adapt to rapidly changing conditions and external pressures if they want to keep their jobs and succeed in an increasingly unpredictable business environment and, in Todd’s case, an exotic sociocultural environment. This is a film about the value of rolling with the changes.

Indeed, learning to assimilate and step outside your comfort zone without major resistance is the obvious raison d’être. Recall what the fellow American tells Todd in the fast food restaurant: “I was resisting India. Once I gave in, I did much better.” In the first act, recall how Todd acts like an entitled and narrow-minded American infiltrator, refusing to embrace cultural differences and treating employees without courtesy, kindness, or respect. But after a baptismal epiphany during India’s Holi festival, we see how Todd becomes happier and a more effective leader by learning to better appreciate and respect India, its people, and their traditions.

Ultimately, this film reminds us that people around the world essentially want the same things. These include a trustworthy employer that pays them fairly and values them as human beings, kindness, understanding, and acceptance from others – particularly strangers and those in authority – and an opportunity to love and be loved (as demonstrated by Purohit’s ambition to get married as well as Asha’s desire for a fling before her arranged marriage).

Similar works

• Lost in Translation (2003) – A more introspective take on cultural displacement, set in Tokyo.
• The Terminal (2004) – Tom Hanks plays a man stuck in an airport due to visa issues, adapting to an unfamiliar environment.
• A Good Year (2006) – A businessman inherits a vineyard in France and learns to appreciate a slower, richer life.
• Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – A Mumbai slum boy's life story unfolds through flashbacks as he wins Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, revealing love, hardship, and destiny.
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) – British retirees move to India, experiencing both the beauty and chaos of a new culture.
• Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) – A British fisheries expert works on an unusual project in the Middle East, leading to unexpected friendships.
• Queen (2013, Bollywood) – An Indian woman goes on a solo honeymoon to Europe after being jilted and discovers herself through cultural interactions.
• The Internship (2013) – Two older salesmen land an internship at Google and struggle to adapt to a new work culture.
• Chef (2014) – A chef reinvents himself by starting a food truck business, emphasizing personal and professional transformation.
• The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) – An Indian family opens a restaurant in France, leading to a cultural clash and eventual mutual appreciation.
• The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015) – A biographical drama about an Indian mathematician navigating Cambridge University.

Other films by John Jeffcoat

• Big in Japan (2014)
• Bingo! The Documentary (1999)
• Amplified Seattle (2010)