‘The Lunchbox’: The Transformation of Beloved Film Into a Musical Play is Nothing Short of Magical
- Directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), the production featured outstanding performances by Manu Narayan as Saajan and Kuhoo Verma as Ila.
“We forget things if we have no one to tell them to.” This poignant line from Ritesh Batra’s acclaimed 2013 film “The Lunchbox” stayed with me long after the curtain closed on its world-premiere musical adaptation at Berkeley Repertory Roda Theatre.
I was fortunate to attend the premiere on May 27, already a fan of the original film and Irfan Khan’s understated portrayal of Saajan Fernandes, a lonely widower whose life is unexpectedly transformed through a swapped lunchbox delivery. I wasn’t sure how such a quiet, intimate story would translate into a musical, but the result was nothing short of magical.
Benjamin Mathew and Yash Ramanujamin the world premiere musical, “The Lunchbox,” now performing at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Top image, the cast of “The Lunchbox,” perform in a dream sequence. The Lunchboxis now playing at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Photos by Kevin Berne.
The production opened with Mohammed Rafi’s timeless “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho,” immediately transporting the audience into the magical world of dreams. From there, the performances, choreography, and music elevated the narrative’s emotional depth while remaining true to its simplicity.
One of my favorite elements was the live orchestra, seamlessly woven into the set, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from it.
The set design beautifully brought Mumbai to life. From bustling dabbawalas and crowded buses to Bollywood posters, street vendors, and apartment balconies filled with neighbors calling to one another, the city felt alive. One of the most striking visual motifs was the use of ceiling fans throughout the production. Beyond evoking Mumbai’s heat and humidity, they seemed to symbolize the rhythm of life itself.
Directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), the production featured outstanding performances by Manu Narayan as Saajan and Kuhoo Verma as Ila. Anisha Nagarajan brought warmth, humor, and heart to the role of the Auntie, while Aathaven Tharmarajah’s charming portrayal of Shaikh was a clear audience favorite. The synchronized dabbawalas and energetic ensemble added movement and life to every scene.
One of my favorite elements was the live orchestra, seamlessly woven into the set, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from it. As a lover of music, I was especially captivated by percussionist Rohan Krishnamurthy’s tabla playing and the beautiful Carnatic violin performances by Arun Ramamurthy and Sahana Shravan. Combined with the stunning lighting and scenic design, every artistic element felt thoughtfully crafted.
Kuhoo Verma and Manu Narayan in the “world premiere musical, “The Lunchbox.” Photo by Kevin Berne.
When asked why Berkeley Repertory was chosen for the world premiere, Ritesh Batra spoke about the energy of the people and the theater’s willingness to take bold creative risks. He felt an immediate connection with the artistic team because they understood the show’s unique balance of intimacy and scale, a feeling that comes through clearly in the production itself.
At its core, “The Lunchbox” is a story about connection, longing, and unexpected new beginnings. And so I find myself reflecting again on the quote that moved me most and that I left the theater carrying with me: “We forget things if we have no one to tell them to.” It is a beautiful reminder that our lives are shaped not only by the experiences we have, but by the people with whom we share them.
Dr. Abha Soni is a young physician new to the Bay Area, who specializes in diagnosing skin diseases. Outside of work, she finds joy in sharing stories about her experiences and attending social and cultural events. She is also passionate about food, beauty/skincare, and travel blogging. Her artistic sensibilities find expression through visual art, music, and singing, which enrich her multifaceted life beyond medicine.