If there is one movie you MUST see in 2007, it should be The Namesake. The movie is based on the critically acclaimed novel by Jhumpa Lahiri. The film, directed by Mira Nair beautifully illustrates the story of the Ganguli family and their transcending lives between Calcutta and New York. The film stars Kal Penn, his first serious dramatic role after breaking into Hollywood as a comedic actor in films such as Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, Van Wilder, and American Desi. The film also stars Tabu, who has starred in numerous Bollywood movies and Irfan Khan who made his acting debut in Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay!

For anyone who was born in another country and moved to America; this film is especially emotional. The movie truly hits home for many South-Asian American. Ashoke and Ashima (played by Tabu and Irfan Khan) spend years trying to adapt to America as immigrants and they find themselves struggling to connect with their own children, Gogol (Kal Penn) and Sonia (Sahira Nair). An important theme throughout the movie is the importance of family. For many immigrants their extended family is not comprised of relatives; but friends whom they share a common past with. The film addresses this immense challenge of creating a home, family and a close-knit community in a foreign land.

During the New York premiere, director Mira Nair described the film as, "This film is a dil ka tukra, a piece of my heart - a seesaw of two great cities of the world - New York and Kolkata." Like many of us, even when we adapt to a new country and a new culture, there is a part of us that feels that we don't quite belong and constantly feel foreign to a place that we consider home.

The story is not simply about Indians, but a modern coming-of-age story beautifully captured on film. Most importantly, it is a film that families should watch together. The combination of Mira Nair's directing and the talented cast, the film is emotionally powerful and engages the audience from the opening scene until the credits roll.

The Namesake is scheduled for wide release in March 2007.

URL: http://cool-bollywoodgossip.blogspot.com/2007/04/film-reviews-namesake.html