The LunchBox : Its Delicious

#TheLunchBox : A reticent ,boring , on the verge of getting retired middle aged man (ok almost an old man!) living his life amidst piles of files, an ordinary young housewife spending her day in getting the kid ready for school , preparing lunch for her ever busy husband , desperately waiting for her moment of recognition, in fact  probably  a moment of acceptance of her existence  , a companionship that develops between them courtesy hand written letters  and  a wrongly delivered lunchbox , a claustrophobic city that is eternally busy and  bursting at its seam . Does it sound like a bollywood flick? Hand it over to the brilliance of Ritesh Batra in keeping it so simple yet heart wrenching and the outstanding acting of three main protagonists for bringing out the loneliness in an overcrowded world so convincingly.

LunchBox is as much about loneliness, longing, nostalgia even at times repentance as it is about the contrast. In an age of instant connectivity it celebrates the idea of companionship through letters delivered via lunchbox. Whereas on one hand we hear how the aunty  taking care of his bed ridden husband for fifteen years, on the other hand we watch Ila’s marital relationship going haywire. Ila’s mother takes care of her husband for so many years in spite of her hatred, but feels empty, relieved and hungry the day he dies.  

                                               

Batra’s characters are enchanting and have an old world flavor. Irfaan is outstanding as a taciturn Sajan Fernandes. Watch out for the scene where Nawaz asks him “What he does in the evening “. His expressions speak louder than his words. How effectively he depicts the pathos of a man who is ageing fast through immaculate body language is a treat to watch. Debutant Nimrit Kaur is absolutely natural and so beautifully fits into the role and makes Ila’s world her own. Nawazuddin Siddique, what more can I write about a man, who so effortlessly slips into every character. As an effervescent Aslam he makes you laugh every time he comes on screen. The city of Mumbai is a powerful protagonist and holds the screen play together. The director intelligently uses the voice of Bharti Achrekar as an old Aunty, who spices up the plot in spite of not coming in front of the camera even once.

Batra makes rich use of the visual imagery be it the moving ceiling fan , to draw parallel to a life which is moving fast , or the Mumbai crowded local and Sajaan’s forlorn looks to sketch the pangs of loneliness amidst a sea of crowd.

The Lunchbox’s high point lies in its ability to tread in the realm of reality and its open ended ending. No it is not an extravagant seven course meal in a star restaurant but a delicious spread that will remind you of home cooked food prepared with much care and served with Love. Don’t miss this sumptuous and hearty meal whose mouthwatering aroma will stir your soul.

I will go out with 4 out of 5 .