Check Out These Hindi Films On Food For A Delicious Watch Over The Weekend

Indian filmmakers have gotten creative and more experimental with their works in order to provide a better experience to their viewers. From taking up unconventional topics to creating an impact on society and tampering with the pre-existing genres in order to dig something new out of them, Indian filmmakers are now breaking barriers on multiple levels. One of the genres that has risen above many is films on food, merging our love for cinema and culinary delights all in one.

Numerous Hindi filmmakers have used the element of food beautifully to present their impactful storytelling in a very unique and thought-provoking way. So while we have a film that uses food to talk about the evil of child labour in society, there is another one which talks about how we downplay the achievements and potential of women- especially those who spend their life as homemakers.

Here are some Hindi films on food that you can watch over the weekend:

Sharmaji Namkeen

A still from Sharmaji Namkeen

Sharmaji Namkeen is a 2022 drama film starring Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Suhail Nayyar and Isha Talwar in key roles. Late actor Rishi Kapoor made his final screen appearance in the movie and following his death while shooting the movie, his part was completed by Paresh Rawal. The film revolves around a middle-class retired widower who attempts to rejuvenate his withering retired life as a kitty-party caterer. The caterer also befriended a widow during his new journey, however elder son and family do not approve of this new innings. The element of food is used to showcase Sharmaji's talent, but also to let viewers know how cooking and eating is central to our lives. The film is written and directed by Hitesh Bhatia.

Where to watch: Prime Video

The Lunchbox

Critically-acclaimed film The Lunchbox has been highly appreciated by the audience for the commendable performances by actors Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as well as Nimrat Kaur. The film contemplates the idea of growing old and finding happiness as the two main leads in the film form an unconventional bond while conversing over a series of letters exchanged between them through a misguided tiffin service. It's beautiful and thought-provoking how the two start their bond with a conversation over the food and how it ends with a hope for a better tomorrow. The Lunchbox is directed by Ritesh Batra.

Where to watch: Netflix

Suggested Reading: Middle Aged Love Stories: 5 Films that Discover New Dimensions of Love

English Vinglish

A still from the film English Vinglish.

English Vinglish narrates the story of homemaker Shashi who is often demeaned by her own family due to her poor command of the English language. When she visits her sister in New York for her niece's wedding, Shashi decides to learn English to earn the respect of her husband and kids. However, she is disheartened when her husband remarks that she has only been born to make laddoos all her life. Yet she comes out stronger with the newfound respect that she receives from her new peers, being an entrepreneur who runs a small catering business from her home. The film features the late Sridevi as the lead actor and is written and directed by Gauri Shinde.

Where to watch: Zee5

Stanley Ka Dabba

This 2011 film features Amole Gupte, his son Partho Gupte and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles. The film revolves around Stanley and his Hindi teacher Verma who berates him in front of his friends when he finds out that Stanley does not bring lunch to school and shares with his friends. It is later revealed that Stanley works at a restaurant as a child labourer. The film aptly represents how food can be a minuscule thing for most people, but for others, it may serve as a luxury.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Chef

When a hotshot chef Roshan Kalra loses his job in the US, he decides to pay a visit to his son and former wife in Kerala. In an attempt to bond with his son and restart his career, Roshan starts a food truck. Will his idea succeed or will he end up losing whatever remains of his professional standing and personal equation with his son? Adapted from a film by Jon Favreau by the same name, Chef was led by Saif Ali Khan and showcased food from Kerala in all its glory.

Where to watch: Prime Video