THE LUNCHBOX

"We forget things if there is no one to tell them to", as loneliness hits.

Yes, here I have you people to share before I forget. Embarking on a cinematic journey
through the bustling streets of Mumbai, "The Lunchbox" unfolds as a poignant
masterpiece that transcends the screen. It took me a decade to savour the cinematic
beauty of Ritesh Batra's creation, a film that proves simplicity can be profoundly moving.

At its core is Irrfan Khan, a virtuoso who effortlessly embodies Saajan Fernandes, a stoic
government worker on the cusp of retirement. His portrayal is not just acting; it's an
immersive experience where every expression and nuanced emotion turns Saajan into a
vessel through which we navigate the intricate dance of life.

Enter Nimrat Kaur, a revelation in her portrayal of Ila—a young, unhappily married woman
seeking solace in the culinary arts. Her attempt to impress her husband becomes a
universal quest for connection. The magic unfolds through misdelivered lunchboxes by
dabbawallas and exchanged notes—a culinary dialogue where food becomes the
language of love for a man who indulge in home cooked food after years, each bite
carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

The letters, more than ink on paper, are a tapestry woven with flavours. Every sentence, a
spice; every paragraph, a carefully crafted recipe for understanding; and every page, a
chapter in the evolving story of Saajan and Ila—a story laden with unspoken words,
dreams, and shared vulnerabilities.

Auxiliary, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Aslam Shaikh is a delightful addition that redefines

Saajan's perspective on life, turning the film into a journey of self-discovery. The mystery
surrounding the unseen neighbour aunt adds an intriguing layer—a subtle reminder of the
profound impact even the tiniest connections can have and resonates like our inner self
at times .

The cinematography paints strokes of visual poetry—a canvas capturing loneliness in the
pulse of the city. Combined with a soul-stirring background score, it transports us to a
bygone era where time moves with a gentler pace, echoing the sentiments of Saajan and
Ila.
As the characters plan to meet, the film skilfully avoids clichés, preserving the
authenticity of emotions. The climax is a crescendo, leaving us on the edge with emotions
peaking, and a sense of impending revelation hanging in the air—no better way to
conclude, than letting satisfaction seep into the hearts of viewers.

The refreshing take on love, a departure from the conventional narrative often found in
Cinema is impressive. Remarkably, the film doesn't succumb to the temptation of
portraying an illicit affair or steering the storyline towards a predictable romantic angle,
masterfully communicating that love can exist beyond the realm of stereotypical
romance seen on screens. It beautifully dismantles the notion that every deep
connection between a man and a woman must culminate in a romantic affair- a platonic
connection.

"The Lunchbox" isn't a mere film; it's a visceral experience, an invitation to immerse
ourselves in the purity of human connections. It celebrates love, loneliness, and the
serendipity that weaves our lives together. It reminds us that love, in all its forms, is a
universal language that transcends societal expectations. And as Saajan's words echo,
"Sometimes the wrong train can take us to the right station"—a gentle nudge to believe in
the beauty of our journeys.

A grateful cineaste
Seevaranjinee S
21EC1091
ECE B