Simple handwritten notes lead to an unlikely romance in this exquisite film. Given the subject matter it is delightful that the strength of this film is the excellent writing of Rutvik Oza and writer director Ritesh Batra. I like the correlation between the quality of the writing and the use of handwritten notes.

The notes are sent via the tiffin boxes that Indian wives send to their husbands for their lunchtime curries. The film is set in Mumbai, India, which has an incredibly extensive tiffin delivery system. Typically, a husband goes to work in the city. His wife cooks his lunch which is collected by a dabbawallah. The lunches are aggregated, taken by train into the city and dispersed by various carriers throughout the city. The system is legendary for being complex, efficient and mistake free.

However, in THE LUNCHBOX, a widower received a delicious curry from a neglected and under-appreciated housewife. This triggers the exchange of notes which leads to a wonderful narrative about relationships, loneliness and memories.

The performances are wonderful. Irrfan Khan (Sajaan), who was in LIFE OF PI and THE NAMESAKE, has a wonderful intense reserve. Nimrat Kaur, as Ila the excellent cook and unhappy housewife, gives an understated performance of fragility and hope.

There are secondary stories happening involving Sajaan’s work assistant and Ila’s relatives that give richness and complexity to this film. The exuberant performance of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as Sajaan’s assistant Shaikh adds some nice humour to the film.

THE LUNCHBOX screened as part of this year’s Sydney Film Festival. The film will release nationally on Thursday July 10, and will screen at the Palace Verona, Cremorne Orpheum, Palace Norton Street, Dendy Newtown and Opera Quays cinemas. Running time 123 minutes. Language:- Hindi with English subtitles.