Art of Lunch Box

LunchBox explores themes of breaking free from societal stereotypes, the power of pursuing one's passions, and the resilience of a mother's love for her child.

Date

May 2024

Role

Art Director, Cinematographer, Title Designer, Storyboard Artist,

Concept Artist, 2D Animator, Layout Artist, Texture Artist.

The Storyline

When a mother dashes through the streets to return her son’s forgotten lunchbox, she defies the judgmental eyes of her stereotypical neighbours and unexpectedly reconnects with her long lost passion for running.

Title Design Evolution

The title design evolved alongside the animation. It began as a simple sketch during preproduction, followed by exploring various text styles and colors to find the perfect match.

Integrating the Title

Our goal was to seamlessly integrate the title into the film. To achieve this, we designed it to maintain consistent perspective wherever it appears. We experimented with solid, flat colors and playful 3D-inspired styles that still retained a flat look. After testing multiple options, we found the ideal design that fits perfectly.

Creating a Unique Typeface

We aimed for a title that not only looks visually striking but also connects deeply with the film’s core themes. This led us to create a custom typeface, adding a unique and personal touch to the project.

Stereotype

The title features a red, grainy background with a white line resembling a surface, similar to an athletic race track. Within the title, the white line forms a seamless box, symbolising how social stereotypes can limit a person.

Value

Certain letters are highlighted in bright colors, reflecting the typical clothing colors worn by local females and showcasing their bold and vibrant nature.

Dreams

The remaining letters are adorned with childlike scribbles, representing the endless possibilities of dreams. This signifies that dreams know no age or gender limitations.

Character Development

Maya

A cheerful, nurturing woman who once excelled in athletics but chose family over her sporting dreams. Now a devoted mother and wife, she’s on a journey to rediscover her love for running, balancing personal passion with family responsibilities.

Style Explorations

This stylized version of Maya’s face features larger, expressive eyes and a softer, rounder structure, reflecting her youthful energy in her 30s. The design explores multiple hairstyles to capture her evolving identity and warmth.

Mother

In her cozy home outfit, Maya’s hair is neatly styled in a bun for comfort, reflecting her warm, nurturing nature. Her fuller figure highlights her age and maternal presence, grounded in everyday comfort and care.

Athlete

In contrast, as an athlete, Maya embraces a fit, toned physique and short hair, embodying strength and determination. Her look reflects a renewed dedication to running and personal growth—capturing the same woman at two pivotal points in her journey, balancing family and self.

A few scenes from the movie.

A playful and curious child who loves adventures. His world is full of imagination and fun. He dreams of being like his hero, Spider-Man and turns everyday moments into exciting stories. Battu is full of energy and always asking questions, keeping Maya busy and smiling.

Look Development

This sketch of Battu shows him in his school uniform. white shirt, blue shorts, and a backpack. He has short hair and big, curious eyes full of wonder. The drawing captures his playful, adventurous nature and the energy of a boy with a big imagination.

Battu's World

In Battu’s world, everything reflects what he loves. if he look into his things, you’ll see Spider-Man everywhere, on book sticker, lunchbox, even his school bag. It’s like stepping into his own superhero universe.

Building the World

To build the environments, our team visited a neighborhood that became the visual foundation for the film. We studied the houses, streets, rooftops, and how walls and windows framed light and shadow. Small details, from old signboards to textured exteriors, added character and authenticity.

This exploration shaped everything. The spaces we created draw directly from what we observed, the warmth of homes, the patterns of streets, and the quiet imperfections that give a place its soul.

The Home

Morning light filters through the kitchen curtains, falling on patterned tiles and a fridge covered with magnets and pictures. Plastic chairs and tables, a towel draped over one, and the soft glow of the TV showing the day’s horoscope bring quiet life to the space. A bookshelf, old radio, and a showcase cupboard filled with plates and accessories add character, while every detail reflects daily life, warmth, and the subtle stories of those who live here.

The Neighbourhood

The streets move at their own pace. Tuk-tuks with quotes roll by, bicycles lean against walls, and a thembili vendor sells from the side. Posters and faded paintings mark the walls, while electric poles carry a tangle of wires overhead. Shops line the road, market stalls spread out, and every corner tells a quiet story of daily life.