Rating: ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Lot of expectations you have when people (read: India's critically acclaimed directors/producers) are dejected for a movie not being selected as the official Indian entry for the Oscars. So much for the hype, I went to watch this movie even when I had very few monies in my pocket. And I was... not disappointed.
Mr. Fernandez, an old grieving man since death of his wife is about to retire from his job. A housewife, Ila is lonely and feeling worthless due to utter negligence of her husband. She hopes to win her husband's love by cooking the best food she can. And the famous Mumbai's Dabbawallas acting as an accidental messenger between the two. The Dabbawallas commit a rare error and the 'dabba' that Ila cooked for her husband after umpteen consultations from the wise old aunty living upstairs lands on the desk of Mr Fernandez. Fernandez eats up everything and thus begins the journey of the conversations. Strangers exchange letters discussing their everyday troubles, regrets, dreams and hopes via the dabbas. Finally, both have someone they can talk to.
Though the plot is quite unconventional, loveable and interesting, I think it's not fully developed. It's a good idea not to show everything, and leave a lot for the viewers to understand. The feeling and connection between the protagonists is a bit difficult to feel, and it's left simmering beneath the surface. Talking about the central idea of the movie 'Can you love someone whom you have never met?' is shown to be true in a convincing manner. On multiple levels, the strangers have the strong urge to meet each other, they wait eagerly to read the next letter and even plan on running away together. The relationship between the two has the charm and innocence as that of first love. If this is not love then I don't know what is. The conversations between the two reveal a lot about how love is much more about internal intimate connect and doesn't care about the external coverings at all. For the viewers there is a bit of disconnect in evoking the same feelings (as that of protagnists) that the strangers should meet for once at least, that's bit subjective too.
Irrfan khan is one of the most gifted actors, and he has again shown his immense talent without talking much. The new comer Nimrat kaur is the star of the movie for me, the brilliant and naturalistic manner in which she has portrayed the character gives a clear feeling how a common Indian housewife feels. The side character played by Nawazzudin has done a tremendous job, fitting really well in the canvas of the movie, acting as a hardworking average guy with big dreams. Lillete dubey does a cameo and does it very well.
Lunchbox is one of the best movies of this year and there is no doubt about it. It's heartwarming to see Indian mainstream film makers coming up with brave concepts and talented actors are pulling them off. This is the direction I would like Indian cinema to go in, and we as viewers have only two words to say... 'Good Luck'.
