Is The Namesake Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Namesake is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Namesake Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2006, The Namesake emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The American-born son of Indian immigrants strives to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways. Unlike standard genre fare, The Namesake attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Namesake features a noteworthy lineup led by Kal Penn . Supported by the likes of Irrfan Khan and Tabu , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Namesake (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Namesake Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Namesake is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Namesake Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Namesake concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Namesake reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Namesake?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Namesake Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $20.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Namesake Budget
The estimated production budget for The Namesake is $12.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Namesake
- Kal Penn – Gogol / Nikhil
- Irrfan Khan – Ashoke Ganguli
- Tabu – Ashima Ganguli
- Jacinda Barrett – Maxine Ratliffe
- Zuleikha Robinson – Moushumi Mazoomdar
Top Highlights
Kal PennGogol / Nikhil
Irrfan KhanAshoke Ganguli
TabuAshima Ganguli
Jacinda BarrettMaxine Ratliffe
Zuleikha RobinsonMoushumi Mazoomdar
Ruma Guha ThakurtaAshoke's Mother
Sabyasachi ChakrabortyAshima's Father
Sahira NairSonali Ganguli
Supriya ChoudhuryAshima's Grandmother
Jhumpa LahiriJhumpa Mashi
Where to Watch The Namesake Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstarParents Guide & Age Rating
The Namesake is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Namesake stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Namesake movie hit or flop?
The Namesake has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Namesake worth watching?
The Namesake is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Namesake online?
The Namesake is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar depending on your region.
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How The Namesake Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Namesake
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
