mira nair had always remained a personal favourite.so when "namesake" hit theaters,i just had to drop in-if not for mira,for kal penn atleast!!!and i can tell you just as well,i am filled..i have had my share and might go back to watch it a second time with anybody willing to finance the entire trip(popcorns,soda,transport et al)
i donot intend to burst the bubble for all those who havent watched the movie yet.i wont, therefore,delve into details.but i can tell you this much.donot expect a word by word translation of the book on celluloid.you will be hugely let down if you do.besides,deciphering a fat novel within a two hour slot can be a humongous task considering the sentiments mira had to cling on to.and if you are cringing your nose hearing irrfan khan and tabu do (in)justice to bangla,let me just tell you,they do a better job than shahrukh and aishwarya-anyday.
mira has been extremely subtle and implicit in dealing with the sensitivity of the theme.she captures the quintessential bangali sentiments of characters abroad and back home with adequate elaan.gogol's transformation from being the american born confused desi to the son who is trying hard to connect with the innate sentiments of his dead father,has been gradual.but it jars you nonetheless!
the actors donot need exclusive appraisal.they all capture you in their own little ways.
not really the movie you forget on your way back home.