The Lunchbox

Set in contemporary Mumbai, this romantic tale of strangers who fall in love through letters stars Irrfan Khan as Saajan, a government claims processor nearing retirement after working for 35 years. A lonely widower with little joy in his life, Saajan one day opens his lunchbox, only to discover that it's not his. It was mis-delivered by one of the 5,000 white-capped dabbawalas—energetic delivery men whose task is distributing hot lunches prepared by wives at home. Instead of his usual drab, store-bought fare, this meal was prepared by Ila (Nimrat Kaur), the neglected wife of a workaholic businessman (Nakul Vaid) who pays more attention to his cell phone than to her. Following the advice of her “Auntie,” Mrs. Deshpande (Bharati Achrekar), Ila has concocted a delicious repast full of spices intended to reignite passion. And it succeeds in a sense: soon Saajan and Ila are exchanging inquisitive, then revealing, and even intimate handwritten messages via the daily lunchbox. Writer-director Ritesh Batra's charming, compassionate, epistolary story is reminiscent of You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner—with special appeal for foodies. Strong on atmospheric details, Batra also offers insights into India's traditional culture (Hindu, Muslim, and Christian) when it comes to social relationships between men and women. A subtly savory treat that provides nourishment for the soul, this is recommended. [Note: Blu-ray/DVD Combo extras include audio commentary by writer-director Ritesh Batra, and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for a winning foreign film.] (S. Granger)