On this episode of Spineless, Nick and Brennan are joined by actress Sophia Talwalkar (Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classess, now playing at Brennan's former workplace Audible's Minetta Lane Theatre) to discuss the lyrical family drama The Namesake. Sophia shares her personal connection to the 2006 film by Mira Nair as well as the source novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, a moving depiction of an Indian family settling in America. Kal Penn stars in a dramatic turn as Gogol, the first-generation American son of Ashima (Tabu) and Ashoke (a heart-breaking performance by the late great Irrfan Khan). Nick and Brennan discuss Nair's gentle style, the coveted Taj Mahal LEGO set, and the important role a young Zohran Mamdani played in the production of the film, two decades before he became the Mayor of New York. Plus, Nick dares to ask the important questions about Sophia's castmate Hugh Jackman and his close personal friends the Sheep Detectives.

NYC: Only three more performances of Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes!

Chicago: See Nick perform in moonwatchers on Thursday, May 7th at 8pm!

Buy or check out from the library Cinema Her Way by friend of the show Marya E. Gates--her interview with director Mira Nair was a great resource for this episode!

Kal Penn interview

The niche of physical media is growing. More and more movies are getting quality releases on the newest and best format, making any film not yet available on 4K disc...SPINELESS. Join Nick and Brennan (your very-favorite SPINELESS BOYS) as they cover the classic and contemporary films they feel are most deserving of the 4K treatment.

REACH OUT TO THE SPINELESS BOYS:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @spinelessfilms

Letterboxd: @SpinelessFilms

As always, thank you to Joey Johnson for our music and to Sparrow Potter for our artwork.