Metro… In Dino (2025) Movie: Why Anurag Basu’s Love Stories Hit Different This Time
Metro… In Dino arrives as a collection of multiple heartfelt stories starring Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Directed by Anurag Basu, this drama-romance film serves as a spiritual successor to the beloved 2007 film Life in a Metro. The film was officially announced in December 2022, building excitement among fans who have been eagerly waiting for Basu’s return to urban relationship dramas.
The film represents a sophisticated exploration of modern relationships set against the backdrop of metropolitan India. With its ensemble cast of seasoned performers and fresh faces, the movie promises to deliver the same emotional depth and musical richness that made the original a classic.
Plot and Storyline
Metro In Dino tells tales of bittersweet relationships in a contemporary setting, exploring various aspects and emotions of love. The narrative follows Anurag Basu’s signature style of interconnected stories that weave together to create a larger tapestry of human emotions. The film focuses on the complexities of modern relationships in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Each story segment explores different stages of love from the initial spark of attraction to deep-rooted connections that define long-term relationships. The screenplay manages to balance humor with poignant moments, creating an emotional journey that resonates with audiences across different age groups.
Cast Performance
The film’s greatest strength lies in its exceptional ensemble cast, with each performer bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Pankaj Tripathi delivers another memorable performance that balances humor with emotional depth. His ability to find humanity in every character he portrays shines through in this urban drama.
Neena Gupta continues to prove her versatility as an actress, bringing maturity and gravitas to her role. Anupam Kher adds his trademark intensity and emotional range, providing anchor points for the more dramatic moments. The younger cast members, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, bring fresh energy to their respective storylines.
Konkona Sen Sharma, known for her powerhouse performances, brings her characteristic intensity and emotional depth to the film. Her scenes are likely to be among the most memorable, as she has consistently delivered outstanding performances in relationship dramas.
Direction and Visual Treatment
Anurag Basu’s direction showcases his mastery of the multi-narrative format, seamlessly weaving together different storylines without losing focus. His ability to extract authentic performances from his actors while maintaining the film’s overall tone is evident throughout. Basu’s signature style of using music as a narrative device adds another layer of emotional depth to the storytelling.
The cinematography captures the essence of metropolitan life, with each city’s unique character reflected in the visual treatment. The editing maintains good pace, allowing each story to breathe while ensuring the interconnected nature of the narratives remains clear.
Music and Sound Design
The film stands out as a refreshing musical entertainer that thrives on its relatable characters and engaging mix of humor and drama. The music plays a crucial role in the film’s emotional landscape, with each song serving both as entertainment and narrative advancement. The soundtrack captures various moods of love from the joy of new romance to the melancholy of separation.
The integration of music with the storyline follows the tradition of the original Life in a Metro, where songs were integral to character development and plot progression. I found the musical elements particularly effective in conveying emotions that dialogue alone couldn’t express.
What Works
The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of contemporary relationships. The movie doesn’t try to answer life’s big questions but simply asks the right ones with humor, heartbreak, and music. The relatable characters and situations make the film accessible to a wide audience, while the sophisticated treatment elevates it beyond typical romantic dramas.
I was impressed by how the film addresses contemporary issues like social media’s impact on relationships, the challenges of maintaining connections in busy urban lives, and the evolution of romantic expectations in modern society. The performances across the board are commendable, with each actor bringing something unique to their roles.
Areas for Improvement
While the film succeeds in many areas, some storylines feel more developed than others, which is a common challenge in multi-narrative films. Certain character arcs could have benefited from more screen time to fully explore their emotional journeys. The film’s runtime might feel lengthy for some viewers due to the multiple storylines.
Some of the younger performers, while earnest in their efforts, occasionally lack the emotional depth that the veteran actors bring to their roles. I felt the film could have benefited from tighter editing in certain sequences to maintain consistent pacing throughout.
Critical Reception
The film has received positive reviews from critics who have praised its authentic portrayal of relationships and strong performances from the ensemble cast. Critics have particularly appreciated the film’s musical elements and the way it captures the essence of urban life in contemporary India.
The film’s treatment of modern relationships has been lauded for its honesty and emotional depth. Various review platforms have praised the film’s ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level while providing entertainment value.
Final Verdict
Metro… In Dino successfully delivers on its promise of being a worthy successor to Life in a Metro. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of contemporary relationships, outstanding performances from the ensemble cast, and Anurag Basu’s masterful direction. While it may have minor pacing issues and some underdeveloped storylines, the overall experience is emotionally satisfying and cinematically engaging.
I believe this is a film that works as both a standalone drama and as part of the larger Metro franchise, offering audiences a chance to reflect on their own relationships while being entertained by compelling storytelling and memorable music. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, sparking conversations about love, relationships, and the complexities of modern urban life.
Rating: 4/5
