Amid the vibrant chaos of Holi celebrations beside Udaipur’s serene Lake Pichola, James May, the television personality celebrated for his work on “Top Gear,” found himself humming to the melodies of “Pasoori.” Decked in a Fabindia shirt he acquired fifteen years prior, May’s presence in India signals the production of the much-anticipated third season of the Prime Video travel documentary series, “James May: Our Man in…”
The series, produced by Plum Pictures, invites viewers to join May as he traverses different countries, immersing himself in their cultural intricacies with the aid of enthusiastic locals. From the tranquility of Japan to the Italian vistas, each season has carved a niche for his style of humor-infused travel journalism. As the series’ third iteration unfolds, May collaborates once more with the lauded team behind the previous installments, including BAFTA-nominated series director Tom Whitter and executive producer Will Daws.
Having navigated the unpredictable roads of India in the festive Top Gear: India Special, where Mumbai’s dabbawalas outshone his navigational prowess, May reconciles with Indian motoring. In stark contrast to his previous adventures, producers implore him to abstain from driving this time; yet, his sharp automotive insight remains undiminished. Praising the significant improvement of Indian thoroughfares since his former visit, May professes an affinity for the “freestyle” of Indian driving.
His relationship with travel journalism reaches back even before his television days, disclosing a past of crafting pieces for prominent publications such as Condé Nast. The solo Amazon venture was a natural progression, blending his journalistic roots with his on-screen charisma.
Echoing through the global audience’s shared laughter, May’s comedy finds camaraderie with the Indian sense of humor. His witty exchanges with comedian Aditi Mittal in Mumbai illustrate a refreshing compatibility of British and Indian comedic perspectives.
Despite May’s casual approach to exploring new destinations, he acknowledges the daunting complexity of India, a nation too vast and diverse for swift comprehension. His portrayal of a leisurely Western tourist befits the spirit of discovery that underscores the show. This authenticity proves pivotal to the series’ success, capturing the genuine interactions, often rife with humorous misunderstandings, between May and the locals.
While the crescendo of Holi’s revelry paints the surroundings in a monochromatic grey, May dismisses concerns over a perceived bias for elderly Caucasian men in travel show host selections. His ambitious itinerary includes Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Darjeeling, and Kolkata, an endeavor aimed at acquainting Western viewers with the spirit of India.
On January 5th, the adventure comes to light on Prime Video. May entices Indian audiences to witness their homeland through a foreign lens, and he offers a piece of advice to prospective visitors: begin with Udaipur, and let its rhythm set the tempo for the rest of the Indian odyssey.
As he concludes, James May extends a warm invitation to global audiences: tune in and travel alongside him, as he delves into the heart of India’s majestic patchwork of landscapes, history, and humanity. All three episodes of “James May: Our Man in India” are set to launch globally on January 5, 2024, on Prime Video.
