Official Competition screening - short review - THE LUNCHBOX by Ritesh Batra

Ila is a married woman who seeks to win her husband’s love and attentions by cooking him a wonderful meal for him to have at his workplace for his lunch break. However, the lunchbox is mixed up and it ends up going to Mr. Fernandez, an older man insular man who has been grieving his wife since she died. Realising the mistake, the two start connecting with each other by using the lunchbox to send each other letters. The Lunchbox is a heart-warming debut by Ritesh Batra that has all the appeal of old-fashioned classics. This Indian film also successfully rekindles the format of the romantic comedy with platonic love thanks to a wonderful original charming central plotline. Furthermore, its priceless glimpses into the Indian social, cultural and geographical setting offer a wonderfully rewarding element particularly on an international level. Yet, the film is made all the more appealing by the cast’s delightful performances that make it all the easier to connect to the characters and understand the nature of their feelings.