Anurag Basu returns after 18 years with a spiritual sequel to his beloved 2007 film Life in a… Metro, and the result is a heartfelt, musical, and sometimes chaotic look at love in today’s urban India. Released in theatres on 4 July 2025, Metro… In Dino brings together a stellar ensemble cast, rich music, and themes that speak directly to the modern Indian experience.
A Story of Many Stories
Set across metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, Metro… In Dino is an anthology drama that weaves together multiple love stories—each at different stages of life and emotion. From young, uncertain flings to the quiet intimacy of old age, the film tries to cover a wide canvas of relationships. But unlike the earlier film, this one offers a louder, more topical lens on love—touching on themes like #MeToo, abortion, LGBTQ+ identity, ambition, and infidelity.
Star-Studded and Character-Driven
The cast is packed with some of Bollywood’s most dependable actors. Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma are particularly praised for their chemistry and comic timing. Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta offer warm, grounded performances. Sara Ali Khan, playing a quirky and layered character named Thumri (Chumki), fares better than in her recent outings, while Aditya Roy Kapur settles comfortably into his brooding character.
Other key performers include Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Saswata Chatterjee, and several newcomers, all of whom add their own flavor to this citywide symphony.
Music That Moves the Narrative
Pritam returns as the music composer, and just like in Life in a… Metro, his soundtrack is the emotional backbone of the film. The songs are not just catchy they often help to bridge stories and highlight feelings left unsaid. At times, the music may feel overused, but it rarely loses impact. For many, Pritam’s melodies will be the most memorable takeaway.
What Works
- Performances: The cast delivers uniformly solid work, with Tripathi, Konkona, and Ali Fazal standing out.
- Themes with Depth: The film doesn’t just tick boxes it genuinely attempts to explore complex issues with heart.
- Female Perspectives: A significant improvement from the original, this film puts its women front and center, giving them agency and emotional depth.
- Visuals and Vibes: The film is a treat to look at, capturing the beauty, loneliness, and chaos of city life in India.
What Falls Short
- Length and Pacing: At nearly 3 hours, the film struggles to maintain a tight grip. The second half especially loses steam and drifts into repetition.
- Too Many Threads: While anthology formats are tricky, this one tries to juggle too much. Some characters get lost in the crowd, and a few stories don’t get the closure or weight they deserve.
- Compared to the Original: For fans of Life in a… Metro, this film may feel a bit more commercial and less emotionally raw. The poetic stillness and aching simplicity of the original aren’t as present here.
Critics and Audience Response
- NDTV called it a “worthy, timely if imperfect sequel,” especially applauding the women-led narratives.
- Indian Express described it as “annoying and exhilarating in equal measure,” appreciating the emotional layers but critiquing the cluttered execution.
- Hindustan Times gave it 3.5 stars, calling it “messy, musical, and deeply human.”
- Rediff was less generous, pointing out that the film tries to do too much and ends up not taking enough risks.
Still, general audience reactions have leaned positive, especially praising the music and relatability of the urban love stories.
Final Verdict
Metro… In Dino is a vibrant, occasionally uneven but deeply sincere film. It may not hit all the emotional notes perfectly, but it strikes enough chords to leave an impression. Whether you’re in love, out of love, or simply navigating the confusing spaces in between, there’s likely something in this film that will speak to you.
If you enjoyed Life in a… Metro or are a fan of ensemble dramas with a strong musical soul, this one is worth a watch.
The tickets for the movie are available on BookmyShow and District.
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