I like! Part V – Lunch box (Subject in scrutiny)

http://movieshoovie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/The-Lunchbox.jpg

It’s after a long time that I have sat down to write a review of a movie. And it’s indeed after a very long time that I have written a review of a movie which is not that of the current craze –period.

I am not going to delve into the excellent story or brilliant action, because a lot has been written about it.  It’s also because what attracted me in this movie are nuances other than these. This may be so because I went for the movie after reading a lot of literature about it and hence was aware of the obvious – simple and engaging story line, heart touching acting of Irfan Khan as Saajan Fernandez, Nimrat Kaur as Ila and  Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Shaikh  and interesting cinematography.

Those things which I loved about the movie other than the above – in no particular order:

Any movie that explores the life in Mumbai makes it special for me because it’s a city with which I have a love – hate relationship. The movie explores Mumbai in great detail – be it the local train journeys, dabba walas, fast paced life, lack of space and many others.

One of the main characters in the movie conveys her presence through her voice. It reminded me of K.P.S.C Lalitha’s role in Mathilukal [a Malayalam movie].  The characters in both the movies leaves an impact on us even without a screen presence.

The movie gives screen space to the small time artists who sit at Fort. The context in which the same is done is beautiful and I would leave it to the people who read it to go watch it at the theatre. That as it may be, these artists have always fascinated me and I will surely have a collection of their strokes as and when I have a house of my own!

The usage of old songs from the late 80’s and 90’s was beautiful. The best part about it is that along with its importance in the movie, it rekindles some emotions that you attach to the said songs which you may be heard umpteen number of times before.

It was a delight to see Lillete Dubey in a very different role. The other role of hers that instantly came to my mind was the hot and sexy aunt in Kal ho na Ho. This was a drastic departure from the same and executed brilliantly. What struck me most was the scene wherein she tells her daughter that she dreaded the thought of her life after the death of her husband and now when  her husband is no more, all she feels is hunger since she did not have breakfast – a slice of our raw and real life without any pretensions.

What’s most beautiful about the movie is that along with portraying realities of life it professes true romance one that transcends beyond age, looks and logic. The love that emanates out of loneliness in two individuals life is endearing to watch. Even if one does not watch the movie for all these, do watch it to experience the sincerity with which all the characters in the movie approach life. You may even begin to appreciate the life a little more.

I will not claim that this movie is a league apart and I have not seen any movies as good as this one. I have seen many Malayalam movies over the years which has evokes the same emotions in me and this  will be included among those.

Lunch box may not have in its journey reached the Oscars but it has surely put the viewers in touch with true love and good cinema.

 “Sometimes, even the wrong train can take you to the right destination!”

P.S : People whom I know personally, though the online medium and who are yet unknown read my cluttered thoughts. It would be great if you could drop in a comment or drop in an e-mail at poulose.sarah@gmail.com about what you think of my cluttered thoughts!

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