Metro In Dino: Anurag Basu’s Modern Love Symphony Blossoms Across Cityscapes

Anurag Basu’s Metro In Dino, a spiritual sequel to his 2007 cult hit Life in a… Metro, revisits the pulse of metropolitan romance with fresh narrative threads. Set across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, this 159-minute ensemble film weaves together four distinct love stories, each infused with emotion, regret, and hope, backed by a musical score from Pritam.

Story and Direction

Metro In Dino mirrors Basu’s signature multi-character storytelling style. Similar to his work in Ludo and the original Metro, this film delivers an intricate tapestry of everyday relationships. While the stories occasionally feel stretched, the film succeeds in delivering an emotional, grounded experience. Critics describe it as perfect for a reflective, rainy day and commend Basu’s ability to draw out the realism within fictional relationships.

Performances That Resonate

Sara Ali Khan stands out in her role as Chumki, with many online reviewers calling this her most sincere performance yet.
Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, and Neena Gupta lend powerful depth to their characters, bringing authenticity and emotional gravity.
Aditya Roy Kapur offers a sensitive, contemplative performance as Parth, proving again his versatility as an actor.
Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh also contribute strong performances that enrich the film’s interconnected emotional landscape.

Music and Cinematography

The music by Pritam adds a soulful atmosphere, though comparisons to the original Life in a… Metro soundtrack are inevitable. Songs like “Zamaana Lage” and “Mann Ye Mera” set a soothing tone.
Cinematography paints each city with a unique emotional palette. The camera work captures the beauty and loneliness of urban life, enhancing the characters’ emotional journeys. Critics describe it as visually poetic, almost like art on screen.

Reception and Box Office

Metro In Dino released on July 4, 2025. It opened with modest collections of around ₹3 to ₹3.35 crore on day one and saw an encouraging 70 percent jump on day two, grossing ₹6 to ₹6.4 crore. The total domestic collection for the first two days stands close to ₹9.5 crore.
Though not a massive commercial hit, the film is expected to grow steadily through word of mouth, especially in urban multiplexes and among lovers of character-driven cinema.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Emotional honesty in storytelling

  • Stellar performances, especially by Sara Ali Khan and Pankaj Tripathi

  • Cinematic visuals that elevate the emotional tone

Weaknesses

  • Slow pacing in parts

  • Soundtrack doesn’t quite match the impact of the 2007 film

Who Should Watch

Metro In Dino is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys real, relatable love stories. The film will appeal to fans of Anurag Basu’s work, those who appreciate ensemble dramas, and viewers looking for something more introspective and human than the average Bollywood fare.

Conclusion

Metro In Dino is a warm and thoughtful film that explores modern love in all its beauty and imperfections. It may not have the punch of its predecessor, but its emotional core and standout performances make it a meaningful and memorable cinematic experience.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Final Verdict

Metro In Dino is a poignant, beautifully made film about the tangled web of city life and human emotions. With honest storytelling and powerful performances, it offers a sincere look at love, loss, and reconnection in today’s fast-paced world.