The problem with ambiguous endings

You really think they had all the reasons to take the plunge?

If the film had ended that way, then the entire film would have to be done over differently, because the ending you have up there is tonally different, way more rom-com-y. If this film went on beyond its last shot to show Ila and Saajan's first meeting, the entire film becomes atonal because it loses the momentum of anticipation, which it had been building up to; the different ending then makes the entire film 'safe' and, thus, boring. If you want your ending to work, it would be a whole different animal.

While there was an edge of romantic love to this film, it wasn't the central backbone and it was presented in an abstract, symbolic way. This film was about connection, intimacy, and passion, but not romance. But the essential thing was the change and growth of Ila and Saajan, which really came about because of Ila and her passionate nature. She's the catalyst. In all she does, she does so with passion and generosity. It went into her food, and so into Saajan, awakening something in him that was there all along. During the film we see Ila sending out all those lunches, so I think this film ends at the perfect moment, before the dabbawala's return. She sent out so much ... What might return to her?

Also, I don't consider the film's ending ambiguous at all; the opposite, in fact. Ila is what brought Saajan back from Nasik. It doesn't matter what happens after they meet, or whether we see it or not. He came back for her and she has no idea. It's a bold, passionate move on Saajan's part. At the start of the film, he is reserved, closed-off, lacks passion, totally ready for retirement. Then you have Ila, who is passionate, spirited, and forthright. She's the first to initiate the letters. She's the first to reveal intimate and private details. She's the first to suggest they meet in person. Saajan, on the other hand. Well, he does show up to the cafe, but then 'hides' across the room and silently watches Ila waiting for him to show up. He's totally out of his element, and his struggles are completely understandable. But that's precisely what makes his return from Nasik so important and telling. His own passion, within himself, has been born. He came back on his own all the way from Nasik; his leaving for Nasik is key here. He was in receptive mode for the entire film, until he left for Nasik, and then came back.

Smile, kiss, wedding. Those things are small potatoes in light of what actually happened to Ila and Saajan, regardless of whether or not they have a future that is mutual. Given the film's message, the film ended at the right time for its story.

Everything you propose extending the film to include was totally deducible from the way the film DID end ... so why do you need to have it spelled out? He was with the Dabbawallas - and for only one reason ... the rest was a pretty clear connect-the-dots for us viewers to do. It was far better to have it end as it did, let us fill in the obvious picture of what happens next - to the extent that any "next" event is ever guaranteed ...

I agree with you...this is how I think the ending of the movie should have been. It pleases me to think of him following the Dabbawalas to her apartment, reaching her just in time before she leaves. Why else would she send her daughter to school? It would be easier to leave much earlier in the day, than when school is over. I think it's a plot point put in to give us just such an idea. Her being at home all day gives Saajan enough time to reach her. That's the way I like to believe it happened.

For me, the ending was simple - Saajan finally realized his passion for Ila and returned from Nasik, searching for her, going back with the food deliverers. But she had already left for Bhutan, so he would not find her in her home.

You seem to have made up your mind already, but the movie isn't near as negative as you are on whether they meet.

The movie shows that he definitely wants to find her - he's talking to the dabbawalas to get her address, traveling with them on the train. Whether or not he reaches her in time (before she leaves for her train to Bhutan) is ambiguous. The movie leaves it open.

But in the context of the story, it's not relevant. She may well send him the letter she's written. Or if not, her neighbor upstairs knows where she's gone. Her mother knows. If Saajan is really interested in following her, he can find her in Bhutan quite easily.

I think the director left it like that for good reason. He couldn't quite bring himself to put closure there with a happy ending, but he made it easy enough for people who like happy endings to think that there might be one.