EXPLORING AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE IN THE LUNCHBOX: A DIALOGUE WITH SUSAN SONTAG’S AGAINST INTERPRETATION

Abstract [English]

This paper explores the relevance of Susan Sontag’s 1961 essay Against Interpretation through a detailed analysis of the Bollywood film The Lunchbox. Sontag's argument for prioritizing aesthetic experience over interpretive analysis resonates strongly with the film's poetic depiction of everyday life. While the film's ambiguous ending has led to various interpretations, this study deliberately refrains from exploring its thematic or political aspects. Instead, it celebrates the film's visual and emotional appeal—its capacity to captivate audiences through beauty and subtlety. Sontag challenges us to consider whether art exists solely for interpretation or should be experienced in its purest form. In this context, The Lunchbox transcends mere narrative; it becomes a work of art that goes beyond its utilitarian purpose. This paper contends that the film exemplifies Sontag’s assertion that art should evoke feelings and enchant viewers rather than serve as a vehicle for didactic or political messages. By employing a formalist approach and focusing on the film’s visual and emotional artistry, this study emphasizes the importance of valuing the aesthetic over the interpretive.