The Lunchbox movie review: A delicious tale

Ritesh Batra who himself is grown up in Mumbai and has witnessed the worthiness work of the Dabbawalas, with true respect portrays a unique love story evolved out of their one mistake or we would rather say a miracle.Film: The Lunchbox;Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nimrit Kaur, Lillete Dubey, Bharati Achrekar, Denzil Smith;Director:Ritesh BatraRating: ***Harvard University has concluded that it's rare or rather says one out of a million lunchboxes which is misplaced. Ritesh Batra narrates the story of that one box through ‘Lunchbox'. The story kicks off in Mumbai where Saajan Fernandez (Irrfan Khan), a widower is a government employee. Ila (Nimrat Kaur) is a house wife but isn't quiet happy in her marital life. Realising the fact that the way to a man's heart goes through his stomach, Ila packs some of the delicious cuisines in a lunchbox and sends it to her hubby through Mumbai's dabbawalas which mistakenly lands to Saajan at his office. He thanks by writing a note of admiration, which day by day becomes a mode of their conversation. From discussing the ingredients of the recipes to their little secrets and their personal life, the duo finally decides to meet. So, will they come face to face, that is what the Lunchbox deals with?The hidden opinions which aren't easy to express takes a petty mode of Lunchbox to make the irrational relationship of Ila and Saajan gloom humourously and director Ritesh Batra takes a keen interest in adding a charm to it. Today's technology, which plays a vital role in bringing closer two mates or two unknown natives is ditched here by the non-trendy lunchbox that takes you the old-world romance where love doesn't require any medium. Emphasising over those innocent and simplistic moments, director doesn't limit his narration to the criteria of love blossoming. He takes step further to make us understand the psychology of the two mates who lacks spice in their life but doesn't allow their conscious to ditch their worlds in which they are trapped in.There is one scene where Ila sits in a restaurant waiting for her first interaction with Saajan unaware about his appearance. The next day Saajan apologises through the note for not turning out there. However, he mentions he was there, but stepped back realizing the fact that this relationship doesn't have a long existence since she is too young for her.The director takes those minute but still larger than life moments to deliver a moral through the two characters that encourage each other to get over the frustrations in life.Mostly, he uses the expressions, which speak more in volumes. Particularly, Ila and Saajan's anticipation for the lunchbox. But somewhere all the fun out of those classic beautiful moments goes dull with the abrupt climax. However, some would call it a smart attempt by the director for leaving over the audience to conclude two characters' journey. While the others would term it a non-digestible wrap up of the entire course.For a moment you would starts quizzing where the entire drama is heading to. With a slow pace there are some dull moments, but mind you it's not one of those typical masala or wild romantic flicks. Although, Aslam Shaikh (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and Ila's aunty serve the purpose to tickle your funny bone. Aslam plays an assistant to Saajan in accounts work as well as his personal work. While auntyji who gets no frame but still punches, is Ila's top floor neighbour.All of them share brilliant chemistry and so are their performances which deserve a special accentuation. Irrfan Khan is a talent of immense. He portrays the lonely aged man quiet efficiently. Those smiles and frustration which he brings out on his face are marvelous.Same for debutant actress Nimrat Kaur who doesn't let any expression go missing. Nawazuddin Siddiqui conquers the screen when he appears. Delivering the light heart moments is an easy job for this actor now and he does it influentially.I'll go with three stars for the one of the finest portrayal of clean romance which enlightens you and moralises you with each note delivered in the Lunchbox.