The Lunchbox (2013)
The Lunchbox
Oct. 15, 7pm, IU Cinema
free but ticketed
The Lunchbox explores an unusual connection between Ila, a neglected housewife, and Saajan, a lonely widower nearing retirement. Due to a rare glitch in Mumbai’s massive tiffin delivery system, the lunchbox meant for Ila’s husband mistakenly reaches Saajan, and an unexpected friendship blossoms. As their bond deepens, they share their innermost thoughts and dreams, leading to a poignant exploration of love and loneliness. The film received dozens of nominations and several wins at Indian and international film festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. [104 min; drama, romance; Hindi with English subtitles]
A Q&A with Pravina Shukla (Provost Professor and Chair, Folklore and Ethnomusicology; Director, Folklore Institute) will follow the screening.
"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." — Joe Muldoon, Battle Royale With Cheese
"A tale of love, loss and longing—simply beautiful." — Charlotte Harrison, Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies
"Ritesh Batra's debut feature reinvents the charms of old-fashioned romantic cinema for adults." — David Lamble, Bay Area Reporter
Learn more about Mumbai's famous dabbawala system by checking out the readings and videos linked below.
Feeding the City by ISBN: 9781909254015Publication Date: 2013-07-01Feeding the City is an ethnographic study of the fascinating inner workings of Mumbai's dabbawalas. Cultural anthropologist Sara Roncaglia explains how they cater to the various dietary requirements of a diverse and increasingly global city, where the preparation and consumption of food is pervaded with religious and cultural significance. Developing the idea of "gastrosemantics" – a language with which to discuss the broader implications of cooking and eating – Roncaglia's study helps us to rethink our relationship to food at a local and global level.
Kanda Poha: Mumbai-style Flattened Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups poha (flattened rice)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2-3 green chilies, chopped
10-12 curry leaves (from Indian grocery)
2 tbsp peanuts (optional)
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
Coconut flakes for garnish (optional, use fresh grated coconut if possible)
Method:
1. Rinse the poha in a strainer under running water. Ensure that the poha becomes soft but doesn't get too mushy.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter for about 30 seconds, then add cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, and peanuts. Sauté until the peanuts turn golden brown.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, then add turmeric powder and stir well.
4. Add the drained poha to the pan, along with salt and sugar (if using). Mix everything gently so the poha is evenly coated with the turmeric and onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves, and mix well. Garnish with coconut flakes (unsweetened, fresh if possible) and serve hot.
