This debut
feature by Ritesh Batra has the premise of an Indian romantic comedy, but has
sense enough to allow the personalities of the characters to drive the
narrative rather than the genre conventions. This may leave some viewers
feeling unsatisfied with the more irresolute filmmaking choices, but the
journey is undeniably delightful. Much of the credit for this goes to the
film’s undeniably engaging leads, as well as Batra’s willingness to engage in
crowd-pleasing moments of inspired human connection.
There are two
main types of connection in the film, which truly belongs to Irrfan Khan (Life of Pi) as Saajan Fernandes. The
main one involves the famously efficient lunchbox system utilized in Mumbai.
Despite claims by everyone that a mistake is impossible, somehow Saajan’s usual
lunch delivered from a local restaurant is replaced by the lunch prepared by a
lonely housewife named Ila (Nimrat Kaur) for her neglectful husband. This
mistake leads to a rare honest friendship between the two, capable of writing
things in notes to each other that they are unable to tell the people closest
to them.
The second
connection made by Saajan over the course of the film is with the main he is
training to replace him when he retires from his tedious office job in the
city. Since the death of his wife, Saajan has led a simple and solitary life
void of much joy. Paired with a protégé that has more exuberance than abilities
and a newfound lunchtime pen-pal who responds in meals as well as words, Saajan
learns to break out of his defeated routine of solitude. These situations lead
the audience down a somewhat predictably saccharine path, though it is grounded
in reality by the magnificent performances and Batra’s commitment to the
sincerity of each situation.
The Blu-ray
release includes a commentary track with writer/director Ritesh Batra.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 6.5/10
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