Metro... In Dino Movie Review: Anurag Basu’s Drama Is Honest and Emotional, But Inconsistent
Metro... In Dino is a heartfelt yet uneven film by Anurag Basu, exploring love and relationships with strong performances but inconsistent storytelling.
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Anurag Basu returns with Metro... In Dino, a spiritual successor to his 2007 film Life in a... Metro. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Ali Fazal, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neena Gupta, and Anupam Kher, the film is now playing in theatres across India.
Plot Summary
Set across bustling Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore—Metro... In Dino follows interconnected stories of individuals navigating modern love, heartbreak, and personal identity. From crumbling marriages and toxic relationships to the fluidity of sexuality and the wear of emotional labor, the film captures the often messy and deeply human realities of life in urban India.
What Works
Anurag Basu’s signature style—emotionally rich storytelling wrapped in music and visual warmth—shines through. The film is relatable, poetic, and unpretentious, offering an authentic portrayal of love in its many forms. The music and background score are key emotional anchors, amplifying both the highs and the heartbreaks.
The ensemble cast adds layers to the story. Each actor brings depth and vulnerability to their role, with Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Konkona Sen Sharma standing out in particular. Their stories, while varied in tone, reflect real-life emotional struggles and quiet triumphs.
What Doesn’t Work
Despite its emotional core, Metro... In Dino suffers from structural inconsistency. The film's narrative is uneven, with certain story arcs lacking cohesion and pacing. Some moments feel rushed, while others drag on, breaking the rhythm. The climax attempts to tie up each storyline with sudden revelations, but many of these moments feel underdeveloped and abrupt.
There are also technical issues, including noticeable dubbing mismatches in some scenes, which distract from the immersion.
Standout Performances
- Anupam Kher delivers a heartfelt performance with one of the most emotionally grounded storylines.
- Fatima Sana Shaikh and Ali Fazal are compelling, though their segment loses impact due to inconsistent pacing.
- Konkona Sen Sharma and Pankaj Tripathi steal the show with a story that balances charm and depth.
- Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur explore a poignant narrative, though Aditya’s reduced screen time post-interval weakens their arc.
- Neena Gupta is delightful, clearly enjoying her vibrant character.
The supporting cast—including Saswata Chatterjee, Rohan Gurbaxani, and a standout child actor—adds richness to the ensemble.
Final Verdict
Metro... In Dino doesn’t reach the storytelling heights of Life in a... Metro, but it’s an honest, heartfelt attempt at capturing the complexities of urban love. While the film struggles with flow and narrative balance, it succeeds in its emotional ambition and thoughtful character portrayals. It’s a film that may not be perfect—but it speaks sincerely to the chaos and beauty of modern relationships.
Rating: 2.5/5
Metro... In Dino is currently playing in theatres. Stay tuned for more reviews and updates.
