updated release and theater info

Here is some more specific information for this coming weekend:

OPENS THIS FRIDAY MARCH 16 at:

DC: AMC Georgetown 14; Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema

Boston: AMC Loews Harvard Square; Coolidge Corner Theater

Philadelphia: Ritz Five; Ritz 16 in Voorhees NJ

Chicago: Century Centre Cinema; Century Cine Arts in Evanston

So Cal: AMC Century City 15; Regal UTC in Irvine; Laemmle Playhouse in Pasadena; Pacific Galleria Stadium in Sherman Oaks

Bay Area: Century CineArts @ Santana Row in San Jose; Century CineArts @ Palo Alto; Regal Stonestown in SF; Landmark Albany Cinema; Century CineArts @ Pleasant Hill; Rafael Film Center in San Rafael; Rialto Cinemas Lakeside in Santa Rosa

Denver: Landmark Esquire

Seattle: AMC Uptown; Landmark Guild 45th

Vancouver: Park Theatre

NY: AMC Empire 25 in Manhattan; Kew Gardens Cinemas in Queens; BAM Rose Cinemas in Brooklyn; Clearview Bronxville; Cinema Arts in Huntington; Malverne Cinemas; Avon Theatre in Stamford

Toronto: AMC Kennedy Commons in Scarborough; Empire Studio 10 in Mississauga

 

The film opens on Friday, March 23 in Dallas, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Oakland, Phoenix, San Diego, and St. Louis.

Comments

[Rob]

How about Winnipeg Kal? Wondering when the movie will finally get here...!

[Sierra]

"The film opens on Friday, March 23 in Dallas, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Miami, MINNEAPOLIS, Montreal, Oakland, Phoenix, San Diego, and St. Louis."

Yay! Finally, I will get to see it! I can't wait. I talked to some buddies in NY and they LOVED IT! I suppose I can patiently wait one more week...

(...good thing I DIDN'T download it...)

-Sierra

[Daisey]

AWESOME! I'm so psyched it's coming out in more places.

I'm so glad for you!

[Sur Sha]

Kal,

First - fantastic job in Namesake. Bro - you've come a long way since 'wax it, wax it!'! (Mind you - that scene is still 'tops' for juvenile comedy)

Second - awesome film (Namesake) - kudos to your director - this film is as good, if not better than MONSOON WEDDING (also a fine film)

Third - we can now see you doing more and more of these dramatic, insightful type of roles - use the force and keep going!

Fourth - as funny as it is that you're being a total Desi and panning out 'local listings' for this film - one day you'll remember doing this just as you remember that girl back in college who ..uhh..ahem... never mind!

Keep it real, keep it cool and keep it Kal - you're headed the right way!

ps - If you're ever desperate for a Lassi or Paan in Toronto - please send me an email.

Cheers,

-S

[A commenter]

I saw the film last night and enjoyed. Tabu's performance was superb.

I found your little KKK joke particularly ironic, since your character had a picture of Bose on his bulletin board.

Ethnic solidarity for you, diversity for us whites eh?

[Eugenia]

Any word on Austin, TX yet? :)

[Roger]

I love Kal and Nair's work on Monsoon Wedding and Mississippi Masala, so it disheartens me to say that after nearly a year of anticipation, I saw The Namesake this afternoon and was mostly disappointed by it.

The novel's accomplishment was to portray the minutiae of every day life for a couple of Indian immigrants and their first-generation American children. It was no masterpiece of incorporating academic theory into literature, nor was its technique very innovative; it was just a wonderfully detailed book.

The film borrows the novel's sharp, unexpected jumps in time (a decade ahead in one case) but seldom invests scenes with any of the specificity that the novel did. Every episode is very broadly drawn, In America-style, and worse yet no one scene seems more substantive or significant than any of the others. Ashima and Ashoke have to go against tradition by giving their newborn baby a name without the grandmother's consent. End scene. Next. Gogol's classmates are harassing him about his name. End scene. Next. Gogol's white girlfriend is being obnoxious to his very traditional parents. End scene. Next. It's a very thin plot, as though they writer had in mind one of those episodic "scenarios" typical of the silent era. And much of it just didn't ring true for me - i.e., Gogol enduring harassment over his name in high school and at swanky New York parties as though he had been outed as a Communist in the 50's, his habit of tuning out his parents by turning up the heavy metal music and playing air guitar, multiple scenes in which characters run along the beach or meadow shouting some variation on "I'm freeeee" or "I want to be freeee" .... just... ugh. The writing and direction here were really lame. Even the obligatory crack about a unisex name and the possibility of its 'namesake' being gay is included; the screenwriter works only with the cliches of culture clash rather than the nuances of Indian culture between 1977 and 2007 in relation to American culture. There is a street protest (or parade?) at the beginning of the film that suggests an opportunity for some political commentary but... nah. Broad strokes only here.

*sigh* A wasted opportunity. Monsoon Weeding remains Mira Nair's magnum opus (and it even it includes the obligatory, aimless gay jokes). I understand that Indo-American cinema is still in its infancy, in a way, and I don't expect every movie to reinvent the wheel. However, I don't think doling out cliched melodrama is a good way to tell your prospective audience that you, as an Indo-American filmmaker, have something important to say.

On a positive note:
I did like Tabu's performance as Ashima (the mother) in the film, and Kal Penn is very smart and attractive.

[Krishna]

Hi Kal,

I like ur action. I have watched all of ur movies. Why u guys r releasing only in some cities. I am from Columbia, SC. Can't wait to see ur movie Namesake. I read the book...couldn't put it down. Completed reading the whole book in two days. Please release the movie in columba, SC.

Thanks and Good Luck.

[ritodhi chakraborty]

hey kal,

funny story , but true. my name is ritodhi chakraborty , bengali inside out. I came to the Us in 2002 to get my college degree. Been here every since - now the funny part , my pet name is - Gorky (named after Maxim Gorky - russian angst poet) since my "good name" is hard to pronounce most people call me "gorky" now - its a weird kinda reality, where slowly ive become ritodhi gorky chakraborty - but, thats where it is.

just thought nikhil gogol ganguli would like to know about a fellow namesake.

nice movie though....i loved the running in calcutta scene.

[Madhur]

FINALLY coming to Montreal!! I've been waiting for this movie for a long time. Can't wait to see it!

[Criselle]

OMGOSH! I live in southern SOUTHERN san diego. and La Jolla is still pretty far from me! but i'm like DYING to see this movie! can't they release it in the Chula Vista area of San Diego?! PLEAAASE?!?!?!

[Daisey]

Went to AMC yesterday to see the movie. All the shows were sold out!

And the performances made me cry in a way I haven't cried in a while. Great, great job. All of you did such a wonderful job in telling such a universal experience. All of the audience members were sniffling and crying in a lot of the scenes, especially when Ashoke passed.

This has been the best art that I've seen in a while...thank you so much for committing to this character!

Can't wait to see more of your work. Once again, thank you. I woke up this morning still haunted by some of the scenes in this movie. I haven't felt this affected in such a long time.

[Namicha]

FINALLY, I watched it!
ufffffffff, what a beautiful movie. Brilliant! I laughed, I cried my eyes out and I connected. Hats off to all of you.

[chris]

the movie is also showing at the varsity on bloor in toronto.

[Ravi]

Hey Kal,
Do not ignore London mate.... any Idea when and where The Namesake will be premiered in LOndon?

[ac]

when will the film be released in indianapolis?

[Pravin]

Kal, i ve been watching your career since Van Wilder....and was overjoyed at the DVD sucess of H&K...if any guy(indian or not) deserves the plaudits....its you....all the best with your career

[Tanya Rahman]

Hey, I was wondering if the movie will come to Birmingham, Alabama some time soon? I'm dying to watch it! Thanks!

P.s. Kal Penn, you're amazing.

[Vaishali Soni]

Hi Kalpen,

I am such a big fan of the book and the author and have watched the trailer at least 50 times already. I hope it evenutally releases here in Florida and a nation wide release as well. Can't wait to see you in this movie and your future projects Kalpen and I believe no one else could fit in this role except you. You are Gogol in my eyes.

[meenaxi]

WHEN is The Namesake releasing in India??? We've watched too many onterviews on tv... we wanna watch the movie now!

[meenaxi]

typo... I mean interviews

[Sharjeel Uqaili]

Awesome! Been waiting for this one for some time now. Will go check it out at the empire theatres in mississauga (would have loved to see it on a Famous Players screen though)

[PghFan]

Get this to Pittsburgh fast!

[Julie]

When is it coming to Atlanta? My friends and I would really like to see it!

[Dahlia]

Montreal March 23, yessssss! I am so seeing this movie, will let everyone know about it! I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie, I may no be indian, but asians share a similar plight of keeping with traditions and adapting to North American culture.

[ChasingApples]

How about Cleveland? I am reading the book and loving it. Plus it's Kal Penn- I loved H&K! Your W magazine article is gorgeous too!

[NickInDallas]

Hey Kal!!

You really should come watch it in Dallas tomorrow... I mean, you're like practically next door! You said you're not allowed to leave during the week, but tomorrow's Friday - technically the weekEND. (LOL!!)

Anyway, I've been looking forward to this movie for a LONG time. I got the book, read it and I'm eagerly waiting for the movie to release in Dallas. From what I've heard (and read), you do an EXCELLENT job in this movie! Just goes to show that you're not just Kumar or Taj, you're a true actor!

I can't wait to see the movie!

[Brandon Blatcher]

Hello,

We're a weeklky arts & entertainment newspaper in Savannah, GA. We're looking to do a cover story about The Namesake, but can not find it high resolution images to go on the cover.

Who can I contact to get such images? The Fox Searchlight site had no such photos (stuff large enough to be in print) or contact info.

My name is Brandon Blatcher and I can be reached at 912-721-4379

[MarkInAustinTX]

Any idea when/if the movie is going to play in Austin TX?

Thanks!

[Alborz]

MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!
its basically the story of my life--kind of

Please bring it to PITTSBURGH, PA!!!

[Cat]

I went to an advance screening of The Namesake in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, and it was the first movie I've seen in years that got a standing ovation at the end! I'm always nervous about adaptations of books that I have a special connection to, but I really liked how the movie was able to add even more depth to Ashima and Ashoke's relationship than Lahiri showed in the book. I have to say though Kal, after reading the book and seeing the film, I have to disagree with your denial of an "ethnocentric identity struggle" on Gogol's part - are you suggesting that this would really be the same story if Gogol was Anglo-American? While the issue of Gogol's name is certainly made more relevant in the book than in the movie (simply because of the narrative contraints of film in the absence of clichéd voiceovers), I think it's unrealistic to suggest that his ethnicity doesn't play into it at all, especially when one looks at Gogol's relationship with Max and his reluctance to bring her into his family life.
That said, I thought The Namesake was a beautifully-made film, ethnocentric identity struggle or not - congratulations to all on a job very well done.

[Sierra]

From "Dude, Where's the Party?" to "The Namesake," Kal has come a long way... who would've thought it? After seeing "The Namesake" last night, I am kind of left in awe as to how far Kal has progressed in his acting career. Of course it'll always be nice to see him play the funny, chill, stoner-type in most of his other films; but "The Namesake" truly showed Kal's versatility in acting. "The Namesake" was a powerful movie. I laughed; I cried; I truly felt for all of the characters. I hope Kal is proud of this movie (which I am sure he is proud of all of his movies). I know that we, his fans, are extremely proud of his accomplishments and can only hope for more to come!

Now, perhaps instead of being known widely as 'the guy who played Kumar in that White Castle movie,' Kal can be known as himself?

Peace,

-Sierra

[Anjana]

Hi Kal,

First off, congratulations on all your success - it's great to see an Indo-American actor doing so well.

After falling in love with The Namesake when I read it a few years ago, I was anticipating the movie with a sense of nervous excitement. Since it's so common for movies adapted from novels to be such a let-down, I was anxious to see how one of my very favorite novels would translate on-screen. After seeing it last night in Toronto, I just had to write you to tell you what an impact this film had on me. It was beautifully touching, and I thought your performance was incredible.

Being Bengali myself, I really connected with this story and I feel that you breathed life into the Gogol character and for that, I commend you. Thank you for making my love of this novel continue with the film...

[technophobicgeek]

Saw the movie last night at River Oaks theater in Houston with another Bengali friend. Great job, Kal! Both my friend and I totally wanted to call our parents after watching the movie.

[Maya]

I have read all of Jhumpa Lahiri's books and I am a huge fan of The Namesake. Everyone, especially the Indian community, is waiting anxiously for the movie to come to Pittsburgh,PA!

[famus]

this movie is really good, looks like as if it is happening in front of my eyes. very close to realty, little bit less entertainment is there. there is also a same line story movie released recently Namaste London, it has really good entertainer.

[Blanca]

Kal,
I enjoyed this movie so much! My boyfriend is Indian I am not; we were able to relate on so many levels. Especially my boyfriend... we were taken back because Gohgol's life was like was almost exactly like his for the 1st half of the film. I just think that this movie was amazing...

[Shobha]

Hi Kal

I watched it this afternoon. Congratulations to all of you. Splendid, splendid all the way.

The book is very close to my heart and the movie did complete justice to the book.
Well done. All the best.
Cheers :)

[Sadiyah]

Kal, Congratulations on getting the main actor's part for this amazing movie. I really enjoy watching all of Mira Nair's realistic life touching films. I see that this film is aired in other 'major' USA states and Canadian Provinces. Can you pleazzzzzz let the Public Relations folks and film sponsors know that the ATL, GA is ready for this film to come to the South!!! If it is here already, which theatre!!
Thanks,
Sadiyah

[Nancy L]

Saw this beautiful and very touching film this weekend. I was very moved by the relationship between Ashima & Ashoke, their love for one another and their children. Although I am not Bengali (or Indian for that matter), I was able to relate to this film on many levels; as the parent of children ages 16 through 25, as a once-upon-a-time college student and as the second generation child of a family which immigrated to the US.
Acting, directing, cinematography were very moving.
Good job. Thank you for the gift of this fine film.

[Deepti]

kal. congrats on what i'm sure is a job well done-- perhaps i'll be able to write something more enthusiastic when it comes to atlanta? cant wait!

[srk]

Tabu was excellent. Irrfan Khan not too shabby. Kal, you sucked. Sorry dude, you are not in their league. Not even close. They make you look ... to put it mildly, very ordinary! Mira Nair and Jhumpa Lahiri rock. Extraordinary film, novel and actors. They carried you. Thank your stars. You just peaked. It's all downhill from here.

Just kidding!!! You did good too. You rose to the occasion. You held your own. Stop doing that other crap and keep acting will ya!

[Penn student]

Very excited to know that you will be teaching at UPENN next spring!! There couldn't be anyone better than you to teach those classes. Hope all goes according to plan and I look forward to being a student in your class!

[Susan]

When will this movie come to Carmike Theaters in Bloomington-Normal, IL.? The book is my all time favorite novel.

[Susan]

When will this movie come to Carmike Theaters in Bloomington-Normal, IL.? The book is my all time favorite novel.

[Riddle Me This]

Hey Kal -- is your name pronounced such that it rhymes with "Pal" or "Daal"?

Can't wait to see the movie!

[Eugenia]

For everyone in Austin, TX, it'll begin playing this Friday (hooray!)at the Regal Arbor Cinemas. Check Fandango for times.

[Raj]

Hey,
Havnt seen the movie, but yes, seen a couple of your previous movies-- good comedy stuff....

Anyhow -- i consider 99.99 % of the movies i see, BULLSHIT... but i like documentary and real type films... so waiting to see it tommrow....

If you get time, check my URL link for good stories... cheers!

[Ryan]

Just wanted to say that the movie was awesome man. Kudos to you and everyone else who worked on it.

[andrea]

can't wait to see the film

[Kevin]

When is The Namesake coming to Charlotte, NC??? Waiting for it...

[Sriraj]

Kal,

I want to write so much about the zany characters you've played so far but....

My point in writing this post is to direct all those folks in the Atlanta, GA metro area that this movie is being played at The Tara, on Cheshire Bridge Rd (for those who are unaware of its location, it is at the intersection of Cheshire Bridge and La Vista Roads). There are multiple screenings for this movie. I found an AOL link that should give you an idea:

http://movies.aol.com/theater/united-artists-tara-cinemas/1302/showtimes?theaterid=1302

I have not read the book or seen the movie yet, but am very excited to check it out. It is heartening to see American actors of East Indian origin blending themselves in mainstream cinema (and not just the indie/artsy ones). I hope this gives all those South Asian parents and kids some incentive to consider careers apart from the cliched Doctor/Engineer/MBA/Lawyer.

You are our Jackie Robinson in your own, unique way.

[deepfryed]

Kalpen, how about release dates in australia, or do we have to wait for the DVDs ?

[Vidya]

Hey!

I just watched the Namesake today, and I wanted to tell you that I was very impressed and awed by what a sincere job that you did.

Also, as a freshman at UPenn for the 2007-2008 school year, I am really excited to sign up for your class in the spring, and hopefully I will get in.

I did The Namesake for my junior year high school project in high school and ever since I read that book, it has changed my outlook on a lot of things. However, after watching the movie, the way you brought life into Gogol Ganguli, it moved me even more.

I was wondering if it could be possible to interview you for my school paper? Or even just email to chat? I am really curious to see what you think about your role in the film from a more personal perspective, and I would love to discuss it with you rather than read about it in one of the many interviews floating around the Internet.

I hope you will be interested, and I would be most grateful if you emailed me at vid589@gmail.com with an answer either way.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Vidya

[Vidya]

Hey!

I just watched the Namesake today, and I wanted to tell you that I was very impressed and awed by what a sincere job that you did.

Also, as a freshman at UPenn for the 2007-2008 school year, I am really excited to sign up for your class in the spring, and hopefully I will get in.

I did The Namesake for my junior year high school project in high school and ever since I read that book, it has changed my outlook on a lot of things. However, after watching the movie, the way you brought life into Gogol Ganguli, it moved me even more.

I was wondering if it could be possible to interview you for my school paper? Or even just email to chat? I am really curious to see what you think about your role in the film from a more personal perspective, and I would love to discuss it with you rather than read about it in one of the many interviews floating around the Internet.

I hope you will be interested, and I would be most grateful if you emailed me at vid589@gmail.com with an answer either way.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Vidya

[Suprateek]

Hi Kal i saw the Namesake yesterday. i review movies on an amateur basis. Wrote this hope you guys find time to read it.

The Namesake

A.V: ****1/2
E.V: ****

Gogol. Gogol Ganguli. It’s as Bengali a name as you would find in the whole of Kolkata.When I first heard this name, I wondered why any parent would want their child to be called that. How embarrassed the child himself must be feeling to be called such a name. There is a scene in the movie where the father explains to the doctor, “Every Bengali has two names dak naam (pet name) and bhalo naam (good name)”. That’s a statement any Bengali (Shontu, Montu, Piya, Shona etc) would connect with I am sure. It is an identity assigned by you personally by your parents and so strengthens the bond they share with you. It is the central theme of The Namesake.

Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award winning novel, The Namesake is a touching story of cultures, relationships and identities. Ashok Ganguli (Irfan Khan) the PhD scholar from America finds a match in Ashima (Tabu). They build their own small life in New Jersey. They are thrilled to welcome a new member into this life, their son. As a temporary purpose Ashok names his son Gogol after the famous Russian author Nikholai Gogol whom he has a strong bond too. They go through the same dilemmas that all NRI parents do – instilling the right values in their children while allowing them enough freedom to grow. As he grows up Gogol (Kal Penn) hates his own name, and slowly gets alienated from his parents with time and age. He faces dilemmas of his own, while his parents pine for him. A series of incidents make him aware of his responsibilities and purpose and it takes him back to his roots.

Mira Nair blends the story of an Indian Bengali family with the same earthiness as her own Mississippi Masala. In the beginning we are only introduced to Ashok and Ashima to take us into a world which is built around them solely. With the birth of Gogol more and more characters come in along with additional tracks to show how the couple slowly become only a small part of their son’s life. Throughout the movie the setting is maintained around a middle class family whether in Kolkata or New Jersey. The background music has a soothing effect and becomes part of the narration.

The beauty however lies in the sequences and the performances. Who would say that Irfan Khan and Tabu are not Bengalis, after hearing them speak English with a Bangla accent without making it sound exaggerated. Their love story is one of moving moments of the movie, understated but deeply felt. Kal Penn lends realms of maturity to his character. From the phase where he rejects his name to his final realization he portrays an entire journey of emotions with ease.

The movie slackens a bit after the reentry of Moushumi’s character but picks up later on. And what was that weird dance bit on the wedding night?? Yet the fact that this story is viewed through the eyes of a father, a mother and a son make it a must watch for everyone.

This review can also be read on 70mm.wordpress.com
Thanks

[Trisha]

Hi Kal,

Wactched The Namesake last night. It was a very touching experience for me. Tabu, Irfan and you were simply superb in your roles! The chemistry between Irfan and Tabu was simply magical. Awesome actors - I just hope they get the due recognition that they deserve. It was really refreshing to see you in such a mature role and I must say that you did full justice to it. I look forward to seeing you in more challenging roles as such. Keep up the good work, Kal and All the very best.

And ya one small blooper I thought I should mention. The newborn baby Gogul could acually coo,smile and kick his feet as soon as he was born!!! A genius at a very young age I must say :)

[Aditya]

Hi Kal,

Saw the movie last night here in Bombay, WOWed! This was just amazing mix of everything I cared about, including Sam Zaman's DnB track 'IC 408'. You have really came a long way since American Desi, which also was a great flick. Keep it up! :D

[Sriraj]

Kal,

I did check the movie out y'day and these were my impressions:

1. Tabu looks too young to be your mother. Did they not have enough money in their budget to make her appear older, towards the end of the movie? I think a Moon Moon Sen or Aparna Sen would have been a perfect casting coup. Tabu was good as the younger Ashima, definitely not as the older one.

2. I thought Irfan Khan was the best of all you guys. Man, the way Mira Nair has shown him smoke his cigarettes is absolutely perfect man -- I knew grad students, who were Bengali, who used to have a certain "intellectual" feel when they took their puffs. It was so funny and heartening to see Irfan. Gave me goosebumps when a puffing Irfan reminded of the all the Arijits, Kalyans, Satyajits and Ankans of the world! I still remember him as part of the whole Theatre (IPTA, Safdar Hashmi, etc) scene that made it to Doordarshan serials in the 80s and early 90s. He has matured so much as an actor -- in fact, he could be stepping into the shoes of a Nasser or Om Puri.

3. Loved the way Mira Nair used the two bridges in NY and Kolkata as a metaphor/background. Did she accentuate the rather sombre mood, by having winter/snow as a backdrop in most of the North American scenes? Also, a lot of the Indian scenes seemed to have been filmed in the monsoon season -- grey and overcast. Or, is that a part of Jhumpa's book -- I don't know dude but the dreary weather outside and the dreariness inside, was something that I have been through in my life here, in the US. I could totally relate to Tabu, esp, and Mira has done very well in conveying the same.

4. My favorite part of the whole movie was Nitin Sawhney's music -- reminded me of the absolutely gorgeous score that LS gave for Mira's Missi'pi Masala. It had a very 'Shakti' feel to it.

5. Somewhat disappointed with the editing and direction -- the 'X' factor (and I don't mean Zuleikha's butt by that...he he he) was missing, Kal. It was like a decent Biryani but the combination of spices was not totally satisfying. What was with that Bollywood scene with you and Zuleikha -- that thing with the towels and bathrobes!! It completely took away the magic from that very sensual and touching scene that Tabu and Irfan share (a dream sequence, if I recollect) -- I don't know if Mira was trying to draw parallels or what....but it seemed to be tuned to the tastes of a 'gora' audience, with all due respect -- and then you and Zuleikha start talking in Hindi!! If there's one thing any red-blooded Indian knows about Bengalis, they will not talk with each other in Hindi or any other language (and I don't blame them!). Plus, throughout the whole movie I thought all the Indian characters converse in English and Bengali. Where did this Bollywood masala disconnect, come from?!! I just did not think all the scenes were tight enough -- something was missing man.

But, overall, a big thank you to Mira Nair. She was here in Atlanta last year, at Emory Univ to deliver a lecture. I admire her for her guts, determintaion and her success. I don't think she is a great filmmaker but I have the utmost respect for her -- I have no idea how she manages her life and retains her sanity. Kal, if you ever read this comment, plz continue to participate in projects like this -- along with the Van Wilders and H&Ks of the world. Like it or not, South Asian kids will take your lead to pursue their own dreams that may not be in synch with their parents'.

[mo]

dude..wow!

[Abhilasha Ojha]

Dear Kal, Hello, My name is Abhilasha Ojha nd I'm features editor with Business Standard Newspaper, New Delhi. Our paper would like to profile you for your work in Namesake. Please let me know an email id to where I can send you a set of questions. My email is abhilashaojha@gmail.com. My official id (which is a bit slow) is aojha@business-standard.com
Thanks and regards
Abhilasha

[Sara]

I am pleased to annouce that Atlanta is showing the film at Tara Theater on Cheshire Bridge. I searched all over to find theater openings and was driving by the other day and happened to see it on the board! Kudos to all of you for helping bringing such a strong piece of literature to the screen! I look forward to seeing it this week.

[Shivani Sharma]

Dear Kal,
Here's another commment from a fan! But, I really just wanted to say that your acting in the Namesake was right on target. The character of Gogol was so accurately brought to life; it seemed so familiar. I know you don't come up with the lines yourself, but I particularly connected to the "my planner says there are only 89 days left"!
..yeah I don't usually leave fan email/comments, but I cannot tell you how much my family and I praised your performance after we saw it.
Thanks for giving us all something to relate to,
Shivani

[Jason]

Hi Kal,

I am Jason from China, I hope can see your film soon in china.thanks

[Abhilasha Ojha]

Hi! This is an urgent reminder. I need to get in touch with kal penn for a cover story for our Indian publication. WEBMASTER, can you please mail the contact details on abhilashaojha@gmail.com or aojha@business-standard.com
thanks. Please respond asap.

[CGK]

You nailed Gogol.

This is my favorite book EVER. I read the book right before I gave birth to my daughter and it really struck a chord with me. I emailed every "ABCD" I knew, as well as their parents, and told them to read the book back in September of '03. My mom met Jhumpa at an Auntie's house and said "how did you know what I went through?".

I have to admit I was completely hesitant when I found out you were picked for the role. After all - there are TONS of struggling Indian actors who would have killed for this chance - why give it to somebody who has already "made it"? But you really did the role justice - I was completely moved by your performance - particularly the scene at Ashoke's apartment in Cleveland to collect his things. Amazing.

Mira Nair did a great job and the cinematography was beautiful. Tabu is my favorite "Bollywood" actress since she did Astitiva - she did such an amazing job as Ashima - I hope she gets an Oscar nod. So excited that this film is getting postive reviews by American media. It is so important that our "ABCD" generation, as well as our parents, get the cultural nod we deserve for going through this experience.

[Dipti]

Hey! I took my mom to watch this movie with me, and I wanted to say thank you. It was a nice mother-daughter moment because we could somewhat relate to the characters. lol Honestly, my mom probably didn't even want to be there. She hates theaters but she did it for me sort of like Ashima putting up with her children's wishes.

I still remember you from American Desi, and I'm happy to see that you're making a nice identity for yourself. Good luck with your career.

[Beno]

you are awesome dude! and the movie's awesome! I like the story very much. I am planning to read the book now.

[Rob]

Hey Kal, my wife and I saw this movie a little while ago when it came to town. Fantastic job! We loved the film and have recommended it to many people.

Keep up the great work on project such as this one.

-Rob

[David Eisenthal]

I finally saw the movie - in Worcester, Massachusetts. Very impressive - I wish the movie every success. Here is what I thought in more detail - http://davideisenthal.typepad.com/the_eisenthal_report/2007/04/the_namesake_mo.html

[Lalitha]

Awesome work Kal..
Great work by Mira and Sooni in capturing the essence of the book.
Frankly I was a little skeptical when I first heard that u were playing Gogol...but u definitely dispelled my doubts! :)
Good luck and hope to see u in greater roles in future!

[Divya]

Hey,Kal
This is Divya,from hyderabad,India!
Watched namesake just now!!
Brilliant it is!!You did a splendid job..
The portray of emotions by you and tabu are inexplicable...
Kudos to all the movie crew for giving a nice film !!
Wishing you would do more nice movies as you go along!!
Good luck

-D

[KD]

It is interesting to note that one always justify one's own past/leanings/Prejudice. Both Mira Nair and the wirter Jumpha Lahiri have married out of caste, culture and color. They are brown women, mired with complex of inferiority have subjectively tried to come out of this by associating with white husbands. Interestingly even the movie spells that. In the movie, Namesake, the sister marries a white man and her mother also justifies her by statement like that he makes her happy. Weird, we project what we are and nothing more. Limburg

[Lucas]

I went to watch it by chance. Was going to the cinemas to watch a different movie, but I was late (and I hate to watch a movie where I missed the beginning). I saw the movie's Kal's picture on the poster displayed at the UC Irvine Edwards cinema. Remembering that I like most of movies that he had a major role in. So I watched Namesake instead...

Interesting movie... As an Taiwanese-American I can really relate to Kal's character in terms of dealing with clashes of American (or western) culture and Chinese traditions of my parents -- and I'm caught in the middle, trying to balance my goals and desires in life and the hopes and expectations of my parents.

I kind of wish, however, that the movie would elaborate a bit more on how the parents have adapted to their environments in he U.S. I understand, though, that this is a movie, so choices had to be made to not make the movie feel too long.

So, just wanted to say good job -- I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. :-)

[Carlos Remotti]

Hi Kal !!!

greetings from NY. I was yesterday night in manhattan at 58th street and was really pack. Your job was amazing ... and also i love gogol character. I also cried a lot .. yeah .. Love Ashima too.

Looking forward for more movies with u.

Great Great Movie !!

[Nyle Kanda]

Finally watched Namesake over this weekend, here in San Antonio, Texas, where I'm on an extended business trip.

Movie was well directed, and well acted. Tabu as usual was first rate. Kal, you handle the role like a fitted glove. Seeing your development through the actual movie is visually beautiful, and moving.

Good storyline. Definately slow, but given time to absolve every scene, feel sad, and think a little, and feel happy at times.

Nice.

[Udit]

Hey Kal, I'm a fan. Read the book abt 30 times by now...and hey, you've done an awesome job! Great going! :)

[Rohit]

Kal,
The movie is superb and I must mention that you were incredibly fit for the role. Your performance is convincing and appropriate.. I loved every bit of your scenes with Tabu as well.

Just wondering if I can reach you personally, over email or something..

Regards
Rohit.

[Ginny]

I just saw the Namesake last night, and it was amazing! It was so emotionally charged, I don't think I was prepared. I laughed, I cried, I felt every single emotion that each character projected, it was amazing. Some of the story really hit home for me, thank you.

Kal Penn was amazing, passionate, perfect for the part of Gogol. Mira Nair did an amazing job with this film, I'll be waiting for more!

[Mary]

Wow! What a beautiful movie! I really like that things seemed somewhat unresolved for Gogol at the end of the movie. The fact that there wasn't a neatly packaged ending lends itself to a very univerally human quality: yearning...constantly trying to figure out where we all fit or how things are expected to fit. We all seem to be a product of globalization (which is also in conflict with the cultural traditions upheld within any given family.) It seems as though Ashima held onto her cultural identity as tightly as she could so it might be the one stable thing she could rely on in her drastically changing life. Allowing her son to deviate from her traditions is to watch her family unravel and be lost (in her mind perhaps)even though her tightly held beliefs may have also been the reason for the rift that lay between Ashima's American born children and herself. The fact that Gogol can not be pigeonholed within either an Indian, American, or heck, Russian cultural identity (or even be associated with the meaning of his name) creates this question as to Gogol as not being "other" but representative of all people and yet, existing as "other" within any given geographic location due to his hybrid cultural identities. There was definately this notion of an ethnic identity being imposed onto Gogol instead of recognizing him for his personal identity. Why do people do that?

This is hard to articulate so I'll just sum it up by applauding you for inspiring so much thought with your portrayal of Gogol in the movie. I've decided to write a thesis paper for my Orientalism and Modernism class comparing your character's plight and of the main character in Kim by Rudyard Kipling (an Irish-English orphan boy who is raised in India who appears to assume varying roles of identity based on the opinions of the company he keeps.) Aside from stimulating these ideas for my class, I was just really impressed by how the passage of time was captured in the film and how every actor and actress in the film did such an amazing job at balancing the modern and traditional tones that set the backdrop for Ashima and Gogol's struggle. So Bravo from Long Island!

[charles whitlock]

Looking forward in seeing you in more movies!

[Willa]

Hey Kal-

So, because I couldn't get tickets to TV on the Radio, I went to see The Namesake, which I had wanted to see anyway, and dude, I thought it was great. Last Friday I took my mom to see it and she was crying at the end! Both times I've gone to see it in Atlanta the theatres were pretty full and it was such a diverse group of people, from old Indian ladies in their saris to uptight yuppies who thought they looked so awesome going to see a somewhat indie movie. It was so cool! No one who came out of the theatre looked the least bit dissapointed. Good job.

P.S. I like your "soft, chocolate lips" - to quote Ryan Reynolds. Hahaha.

P.P.S. Now that you've proven that you can act, and not just be a pothead/Indian kid stereotype, can you please stop doing stoner/teen comedies? I mean, I can't wait for H & K 2 but please, no more Van Wilder!

[Liyna]

hi kal...

is it gonna be launch in asia?i'm from indonesia..south east asia..is it gonna be launch here?

can't wait for the movie..actually i already watched the trailer few months ago but i can't find the dvd..i just found that it haven't been released yet hehe...

i hope the movie is as good as the book,,i looove gogol so much,,i even shed a tear (i'm not a crybaby..) btw,i'm an indian offspring too...

luv u....

[xyzabcd]

Hey,
On my way to my second time for the movie (yeah! its people like us who are the real movers at the box office), I took six of my Belgian friends along (btw I'm Indian) to the only cinema that screens it in Brussels. It was hugely disappointing to hear that they have technical or marketing problems with screening Namesake here again. Sad to see that quite a large crowd who turned up, though it is the 3rd week, had to content with some other sick movie. Any solution, Kal!

[johnny]

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[praneeth]

Hi guys,

Does any one know whic song was used as a back ground score for the scene where gogol finds out his wives having an affair..? the same music is used in a couple of other scenes as well. loved the music but wasnt able to find out what song it is. Do let me know if u guys have any clue.

Cheers
PRaneeth

[C.Lowery]

Read the book, seen the movie, and love them both.

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Veru beautiful movie. Worth my money.