The Lunchbox

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The Lunchbox

PG

2014

1h 42m

Comedy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

120 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Lonely housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) decides to try adding some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her neglectful husband. Unfortunately, the delivery goes astray and winds up in the hands of Saajan (Irrfan Khan), an irritable widower. Curious about her husband's lack of response, Ila adds a note to the next day's lunchbox, and thus begins an unusual friendship in which Saajan and Ila can talk about their joys and sorrows without ever meeting in person.

Critics Consensus

Warm, affectionate, and sweet but not cloying, The Lunchbox is a clever crowd-pleaser from first-time director Ritesh Batra.

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Namrata Joshi

Outlook

12/13/2017

3/4

Batra brings out the humdrum of his characters' lives with little deft touches.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

12/13/2017

3.5/5

Batra's characters are a delight. They may be of Mumbai, infused with intense desi flavours, but can inhabit any part of the world.

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Roxana Hadadi

Punch Drunk Critics

01/06/2017

4/5

This is a thoughtful little movie, one that benefits from its main performances and a nicely slow building romance.

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Ishmeet Nagpal

Common Sense Media

03/11/2025

This Hindi-language drama is, at times, not an easy watch. But despite the heavy themes, The Lunchbox offers many meaningful takeaways.

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Joe Muldoon

Battle Royale With Cheese

06/05/2023

A fantastic fusion of the culinary and epistolary, The Lunchbox is a reminder to us that love assumes many forms, and can be expressed in many ways.

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Anna M.M. Vetticad

annavetticadgoes2themovies

01/15/2023

4.5/5

The Lunchbox is seemingly simple yet as complex as all human beings are. It’s sad yet throws up humour when you are least expecting it. It’s not larger than life, it’s just as large as life always is. This film is truly sensational.

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Bhoomi B

@Bhoomi32 2d

The Lunchbox is a beautifully simple film about loneliness, connection, and the small moments that change people. Irrfan Khan delivers one of his most natural performances, and the emotional depth feels very real. Quiet, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

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Fiona H

@FionaHayden 2d

The Lunchbox is simple, quiet, and emotionally honest. The movie shows how small human connections can completely change someone’s life without relying on dramatic moments. Irrfan Khan’s performance feels natural and deeply relatable, and the ending stays with you long after the movie ends.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Nov 3

Funny in 1 hour and 42 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Thematic Material and Smoking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Copyright 2014-2025 by Sony Pictures Classics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Faiz D

@RT95588871 05/13/2025

Indeed an experience.

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Adarsh T

@Adarsh0903 01/28/2025

The Lunchbox (2013), directed by Ritesh Batra, is a gem of Indian cinema. It beautifully explores themes of loneliness, human connection, and serendipity in a bustling urban landscape. Set in Mumbai, the story revolves around an unusual relationship that develops between a middle-aged widower, Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan), and a neglected housewife, Ila (Nimrat Kaur), through a series of notes exchanged in a mistakenly delivered lunchbox. The movie’s strength lies in its subtle storytelling, evocative performances, and nuanced writing. Irrfan Khan’s restrained yet deeply emotional portrayal of Saajan is outstanding, while Nimrat Kaur brings warmth and vulnerability to her role. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as Saajan’s eager apprentice, Shaikh, adds humor and depth to the narrative. The Mumbai Dabbawala system serves as a unique backdrop, adding a layer of cultural authenticity. The film doesn’t rely on melodrama but instead thrives on quiet, poignant moments. The bittersweet ending leaves viewers with a sense of hope and introspection. The Lunchbox is a heartwarming, timeless tale of love and self-discovery, reminding us that even the smallest connections can leave lasting impacts. It’s a must-watch for fans of meaningful cinema. Verdict: Super Hit.

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Aaisha G

@RT57160570 12/12/2024

Awesome storytelling, excellent job by the whole team! You're totally missing out something if you haven't watched it yet.

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Ritesh Batra

Director

Irrfan Khan

Isaajan

Nimrat Kaur

Ila

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Shaikh

Denzil Smith

Mr. Shroff

Bharati Achrekar

Mrs. Deshpande

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Synopsis

Lonely housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) decides to try adding some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her neglectful husband. Unfortunately, the delivery goes astray and winds up in the hands of Saajan (Irrfan Khan), an irritable widower. Curious about her husband's lack of response, Ila adds a note to the next day's lunchbox, and thus begins an unusual friendship in which Saajan and Ila can talk about their joys and sorrows without ever meeting in person.

Director: Ritesh Batra
Producer: Guneet Monga, Anurag Kashyap, Arun Rangachari
Screenwriter: Ritesh Batra
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Dar Motion Pictures, Sikhya Entertainment, Cine Mosaic, Asap Films, Rohfilm, NFDC
Rating: PG (Thematic Material|Smoking)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Original Language: Hindi
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 28, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.2M
Runtime: 1h 42m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)