10 films where food played an important character

Food is a basic survival need and also an instant mood lifter. Very few films have experimented with themes revolving around food and the way it helps boost relationships. Here's looking at some of the best films you must watch

Updated On: 2024-05-18 09:47 AM IST

Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar

Food and films

Tarla: 

Seeking to achieve something significant in life, Tarla Dalal rebels against societal expectations to empower herself and other women through the art of cooking. Based on real life, the film stars Huma Qureshi in the lead

English Vinglish: 

While this Sridevi-starrer is not exactly centered around food, lead character Sasi makes some amazing ladoos that become the butt of jokes but also her pride

Chef: 

Saif Ali Khan plays a chef based in New York who loses his passion for cooking and does not have his emotions in control. He then heads back to Kochi, India to reconnect with his son and ex-wife. During his trip, he begins a food truck along with his son who shares his passion for food. His outlook changes during this culinary journey in his home country

Daawat-e-Ishq: 

Tired of dowry demands, Parineeti's character  Gullu decides to con prospective grooms and trap them under anti-dowry cases. However, things change when she meets the talented chef Taru who wins her heart with his charm and culinary skills. Food plays a major role in changing Gullu's heart

Cheeni Kum: 

Love blossoms between a 64-year-old chef and a 30-something woman due to common interest in food

The Lunchbox: 

This is a poignant tale of two souls who get united, thanks to a mistake done by Mumbai’s famous dabbawalas. Ila (Nimrat Kaur) is a married woman seeking to spice up her marriage and hits upon the idea of putting notes inside his lunchbox which she sends via the dabbawalas. Due to a mix-up, the lunchbox gets delivered to Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan), a widower who is about to retire from his job as an accountant.

Axone: 

Friends from Northeast India prepare a pungent delicacy for a wedding celebration, sparking conflict and comedy with their unaccustomed new neighbours in Delhi

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana:

After deceiving a gangster in London, Omi flees to India. When he finds out that his family's old restaurant is in a crisis, he decides to rediscover a secret recipe that will change their fortunes

Sharmaji Namkeen: 

Upon being forced to retire, Brij Gopal Sharma sets off to explore his culinary interests. However, his new aspirations attract several adverse reactions from his family members

Stanley Ka Dabba: 

School boy Stanley does not carry lunch, which is noticed by a teacher who forces kids to share their food with him. He soon warns Stanley that he must get a lunch box if he wants to attend school

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