‘Metro… In Dino’ Movie Review: Anurag Basu Dissects Modern Love with a Poetic Flourish

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Basu returns with his latest anthology drama, Metro… In Dino, a soulful exploration of love, loss, and human connections in the chaos of urban life. Released on November 29, 2024, the film serves as a spiritual successor to his critically acclaimed Life in a… Metro (2007), but with a deeper, more introspective take on contemporary relationships.

Starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Pankaj Tripathi, the film weaves together multiple narratives set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis. This review delves into the film’s storytelling, performances, and whether it lives up to its predecessor.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Release Date	November 29, 2024
Director	Anurag Basu
Cast	Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Pankaj Tripathi, Anupam Kher
Runtime	2 hours 38 minutes
Genre	Romantic Drama/Anthology
Music	Pritam (Score), Arijit Singh (Songs)
Where to Watch?	Theatrical Release

Plot Overview: Interwoven Lives, Tangled Emotions

Unlike conventional love stories, Metro… In Dino follows five interconnected tales of individuals navigating love, loneliness, and self-discovery in a fast-paced city.

1. The Restless Lovers (Aditya & Sara)

A passionate but unstable couple struggling with commitment.
Highlight Scene: A heated argument in a moving metro, symbolizing their chaotic relationship.

2. The Silent Sufferer (Fatima Sana Shaikh)

A divorced woman rediscovering herself through art.
Highlight Scene: A monologue where she breaks down in an empty gallery.

3. The Late-Blooming Romance (Anupam Kher & Neena Gupta)

Two elderly strangers finding companionship.
Highlight Scene: A touching conversation on a park bench at dawn.

4. The Corporate Dreamer (Pankaj Tripathi)

A middle-aged man torn between ambition and family.
Highlight Scene: A phone call where he realizes his loneliness.

5. The Lost Musician (Newcomer Rahul Mishra)

A struggling artist torn between passion and survival.
Highlight Scene: An impromptu street performance that goes viral.

Performances: Standouts & Subtle Nuances

Aditya Roy Kapur

Role: A commitment-phobic writer.
Verdict: His best performance yet—raw, vulnerable, and relatable.

Sara Ali Khan

Role: A free-spirited photographer.
Verdict: A refreshing departure from her usual roles—she shines in emotional scenes.

Fatima Sana Shaikh

Role: A divorced artist.
Verdict: Understated yet powerful—her silence speaks volumes.

Pankaj Tripathi & Anupam Kher

Verdict: The veterans steal every scene they’re in, adding depth to the narrative.

Music & Cinematography: A Sensory Treat

Pritam’s Soulful Score

The soundtrack blends melancholic piano melodies with urban beats.
Standout Track: “Yeh Shaam… Phir Se” (Arijit Singh) – a haunting melody about second chances.

Cinematic Visuals

Ravi Varman’s cinematography captures Mumbai’s duality—gritty yet poetic.
Notable Shot: A long take following Aditya and Sara through crowded streets, symbolizing their emotional maze.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

✔ Anthology format keeps it engaging.
✔ Superb performances, especially Aditya & Fatima.
✔ Pritam’s music elevates the mood.
✔ Thought-provoking dialogues on modern loneliness.

❌ Weaknesses

❌ Pacing issues in the second half.
❌ One storyline (the musician) feels underdeveloped.

Comparison to Life in a… Metro

Aspect	*Life in a… Metro* (2007)	*Metro… In Dino* (2024)
Tone	More dramatic, fast-paced	More introspective, poetic
Music	Peppy, youthful	Soulful, melancholic
Themes	Career vs. love	Loneliness in the digital age

Verdict: While Metro (2007) was about chasing dreams, In Dino is about finding meaning in chaos.

Critics’ Verdict

Times of India: ★★★★☆ “Basu’s most mature work yet.”
Film Companion: ★★★½ “A flawed but beautiful ode to urban love.”
Anupama Chopra: “Aditya Roy Kapur’s career-best performance.”

Should You Watch It?

Yes, if you love: Thought-provoking dramas, anthology storytelling, Pritam’s music.
No, if you prefer: Fast-paced plots, typical Bollywood romances.

Final Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)

Metro… In Dino is a poignant, visually stunning film that lingers long after the credits roll. While not perfect, it’s one of 2024’s most memorable dramas.

Now showing in theaters.

Last Updated: November 2024
Sources: Official Press Kit, Critic Reviews
Disclaimer: Opinions are based on the reviewer’s perspective.

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