Set against the backdrop of Mumbai's famously efficient lunchbox delivery system run by dabbawalas (or tiffin wallahs), this beautiful film tells the story of two lonely people (Nimrat Kaur and Irrfan Khan, both superb), whose paths should never have crossed.
However, a one-in-a million mistake sees a meal made lovingly by young housewife Ila for her husband land on the desk of depressed accountant and widower, Saajan.
The latter is pleasantly surprised by this tasty lunch, which is of much better quality than what he's used to getting from his usual caterer, and savours each bite with utter delight. He's far from imagining that this elaborate meal comes from the young woman's desperate attempt to salvage her marriage.
When the lunchbox is returned to Ila's licked clean, she finds herself hoping her husband is finally showing her a bit of appreciation, but after requesting his feedback and hurting herself to a wall of indifference, she soon realises he wasn't the one who enjoyed her food that day.
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She decides to enclose a thank you letter for the stranger in the following lunchbox, a paneer kofta curry in which she puts as much care preparing as the previous meal.
This first exchange marks the start of an epistolary relationship via tiffin boxes between Ila and Saajan, and as each day passes, Saajan is increasingly looking forward to the food and the words sent by the young woman.
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In one particular scene, as soon as the lunchbox lands on his desk, Saajan buries his nose in it, breathing in the appetising smells in anticipation, and eventually finds himself unable to wait until lunch time to open it, taking an early mark to finally dig into it.
Over time, the two progressively open up about their loneliness and fears facing with an uncertain future: in the case of Ila, having to decide to stay or not in a loveless marriage, while for Saajan, it's the prospect of becoming irrelevant as retirement nears that weighs on his mind.
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Whether this blossoming virtual friendship could lead to something more is of course the main question posed by this bitter-sweet romantic comedy, but one take-away of the film is also the unique bond and intimacy that food manages to create between strangers.
Far from the flamboyant Bollywood fare, The Lunchbox is a slow-burning, understated gem, peppered with humour (brought by Ila's invisible auntie, and Sajan's future replacement at work), and it will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Watch 'The Lunchbox':
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Watch 'The Lunchbox'
Thursday 8 September, 6:00pm on SBS World Movies
Friday 9 September, 8:10am on SBS World Movies
Saturday 10 September, 2:40pm on SBS World Movies
Friday 9 September, 8:10am on SBS World Movies
Saturday 10 September, 2:40pm on SBS World Movies
Now streaming at SBS On Demand
PG, CC
PG, CC
India, 2013
Genre: Drama, Romance
Language: English, Hindi
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