What holds it together are the subtle loving performances by Tabu and Khan, both Bollywoood stars. They never overplay, never spell out what can be said in a glance or a shrug, communicate great passion very quietly.
Overview
After moving from Calcutta to New York, members of the Ganguli family maintain a delicate balancing act between honoring the traditions of their native India and blending into American culture. Although parents Ashoke and Ashima are proud of the sacrifices they make to give their children opportunities, their son Gogol strives to forge his own identity without forgetting his heritage.
Director and cast
- Mira Nair Director
- Kal Penn as Gogol
- Irrfan Khan as Ashoke Ganguli
- Tabu as Ashima Ganguli
- Jacinda Barrett as Maxine Ratliffe
- Zuleikha Robinson as Moushumi Mazoomdar
- Ruma Guha Thakurta as Ashoke's Mother
- Sabyasachi Chakraborty as Ashima's Father
- Sahira Nair as Sonali Ganguli
- Supriya Choudhury Cast
- Jhumpa Lahiri Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
It is a saga told in small pieces, a patchwork of short scenes that tumble after each other almost apologetically, as if they would love to linger a little longer, but there is too much to tell and only so much time in which to do it.
Penn is just wrong for it.
Intelligent and insightful, The Namesake celebrates family in a unique way.
This is a wonderful movie.
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