The Lunchbox

2014 • 105 minute

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A mistaken delivery in Mumbai's famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects Ila, a neglected housewife, to Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a lonely man on the verge of retirement. Through a series of exchanged notes that they pass back and forth through the lunches, Saajan and Ila find comfort in their unexpected friendship. Gradually, their notes become little confessions about their loneliness, memories, regrets, fears, and even small joys. They each discover a new sense of self and find an anchor to hold on to in the big city of Mumbai that so often crushes hopes and dreams. Still strangers physically, Ila and Saajan become lost in their virtual relationship that could jeopardize both their realities.

Graderings en resensies

Ila (Nimrat Kaur) is trying to liven up her marriage by sending her husband a nice homemade lunch to his office, but when he doesn't mention the gesture, she begins leaving notes in his lunch. As it turns out, Ila's lunches were delivered to Saajan (Irfan Khan) by accident; he begins writing back, and a friendship blossoms between strangers.This critically acclaimed movie stars Bollywood behemoth Irfan Khan and plenty of tasty meals, so you really can't lose.

Like life, it seems very slow-paced; like life, it was over all too fast. All the interaction between the two main characters is only through letters. Still, these two are such excellent actors that I very quickly came to care what happened to them and those around them. Excellent writing, filming, directing... the only drawback was the ending, and yet, even that was perfect and true to the story. Well done!

A breath of fresh air from the usual wedding movies with plenty of synchronized dancing and lots of unexplainable shoot outs typical of Bollywood movies. An interesting look into the dubawalas and a people working with their emotions.