The Lunchbox (2013)

Original Title

Dabba

Genre

Drama | Romance

Director

Ritesh Batra

Country

India

Cast

Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Denzil Smith, Bharati Achrekar, Nakul Vaid, Yashvi Puneet Nagar, Lillete Dubey, Shruti Bapna, Nasir Khan, Lokesh Rai, Sadashiv Kondaji Pokharkar

Storyline

Thank to a mistake of the lunchbox servire, Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a lonely widower, and Ila (Nimrat Kaur), an unhappy housewife, start a relationship as they exchange notes through the daily lunchbox.

Opinion

Even though I've been suggested this film, I didn't have great expectations. Don't judge me, it's just that I haven't had great experiences with Bollywood. 

Until now. In fact, "The Lunchbox" not only exceeded my expectations, but it turned out to be a film that I'll definitely remember for a long time. It is a delightful, heartwarming and charming drama that shows the power of food.

Originally supposed to be a documentary about the dabba food system in Mumbai (which is a spider-spread delivery system of home food made by wives for their husbands), Ritesh Batra's first feature eventually became a story about ordinary lives that allows us to witness a love blossoming slowly, one letter a day, between two people that couldn't be more different as well as a beautiful, unexpected friendship. 

But don't let you be fooled by appearance, this is not just a romance. The film actually shows the difficulties of life, how unexpected it can be, and that it's really never too late to start living again. And it's quite heartbreaking to see the main character feeling trapped and unable to pursue his dream.

Even though a lot consider this annoying, I found the film's slow pacing perfect. Not a single moment is rushed or dragged, Batra just took the time to slowly develop the story, and even though not much happens, it is highly engaging.

At last, the unknown cast - other than Irrfan Khan for his role in "Life of Pi" and "Jurassic World" I don't know anyone - does a good job.