By snoadmin
I’m not sure how many of you have heard of “The Namesake,” but it’s an acclaimed novel written by Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian author Jhumpa Lahiri.
I read the novel when it first came out and immediately fell in love with it. Imagine my surprise when I found out three years later, the poignant, profound novel would be made into a major motion picture. I had to see it, but I’m always apprehensive when it comes to seeing films based on my favorite books.
Would it stay true to the novel? Would the actors portray my beloved characters accurately? Or would it be a total mess?
After seeing it, I can say the film doesn’t quite do the amazing novel justice, but it came pretty darn close.
“The Namesake” is the story of the Gangulis, an Indian family who immigrates from Calcutta to New York to start a new life. Ashoke Ganguli (Irfan Khan), a university professor, was involved in a near-fatal train wreck years before, and the incident still haunts him to this day. He even names his son Gogol, after the Russian author who, Ashoke believes, saved his life that night.
Gogol (Kal Penn) grows up resenting his bizarre name, and eventually changes it completely, along with his identity. Gogol falls in love with a privileged white girl and is transported into a life of wealth and American values. The film deals with the difficulties of leaving one culture for another, finding love and the importance of family.
This film was beautifully shot by acclaimed Indian director Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding,” “Mississippi Masala.”) The pacing seemed a bit off at times, and because the film is spanned over many years, it can feel long and drawn out.
The juxtaposition of traditional Indian and American contemporary music was refreshing and the acting was superb, especially from veteran Bollywood actors Khan and Tabu. Penn gave a strong performance in his first serious leading role, and he has committed completely, actually shaving his head and traveling to India to truly understand his character’s plight.
The film stayed true to the Lahiri’s beautiful novel, and that’s thanks to the incredible screenplay by Sooni Taraporevala.
I’m not sure this film will appeal to wide audiences due to its Bollywood influence and lagging pace, but it’s a visually stunning film, and a heartfelt one at that. I’d recommend “The Namesake” to anyone who is willing to give an Indian-inspired film a chance.
