Inside ‘How To Ruin Diwali’ with Rethabile Ramaphakela and Jayan Moodley

How To Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents is set to be released on Netflix on October 30th, bringing the popular "How To Ruin" franchise to a Diwali wedding celebration. The show, produced by Burnt Onion Productions in collaboration with Jayan Moodley, follows an interracial couple navigating the chaos of two very different families and cultures coming together for a wedding.

Creator Rethabile Ramaphakela and Moodley discussed the cultural crossover and the decision to film in Durban at a Netflix press junket. Ramaphakela compared the franchise's growth to a tiger feeding on its owner, stating that Netflix's support and global reach have been crucial in expanding the series. She emphasized that the success of the franchise speaks to South Africans' familiarity with comedy and cultural differences.

Moodley, known for her work on the South African Indian family comedy The Kandasamys, expressed excitement about bringing her world to a broader audience without compromising the authenticity of the comedy. She highlighted how the show stays true to its roots while appealing to a wider audience. The collaboration with Netflix has also enabled the use of South African songs and production design, adding to the show's richness.

The decision to set the story in Durban, rather than Johannesburg, was a last-minute choice that Moodley credited for adding a unique flair to the Diwali celebrations. The Durban location provided the team with a diverse range of Diwali traditions and settings, offering a fresh perspective compared to previous episodes.