A Modern Musical About the Human Heart
Director AnuragBasu returns with 'METRO…IN DINO', an ambitious and heartfelt spiritual successor to his acclaimed 2007 film, 'Life in a… Metro'. Weaving together multiple storylines set against the backdrop of bustling Indian cities, the film explores the intricate, often messy, complexities of modern relationships. It distinguishes itself with a bold narrative choice, functioning as a full-fledged musical where characters often break into song to express their thoughts and dialogues. This unique format, combined with a powerhouse ensemble cast and a deeply relatable core, makes for a refreshing and engaging cinematic experience.
A Tapestry of Interconnected Lives
The film presents a mosaic of characters grappling with love, loneliness, and ambition. The central and most comedic plot follows Monty (PankajTripathi) and Kajol (KonkonaSen Sharma), a long-married couple whose relationship has lost its spark. On the advice of a colleague, Monty ventures into the world of dating apps to reignite his marriage, leading to hilarious and disastrous results.
Another storyline revisits the theme of second chances through Kajol’s parents, Shivani (Neena Gupta) and Sanjeev (SaswataChatterjee). Trapped in a soulless marriage, Shivani finds a glimmer of excitement when a college reunion offers her the chance to reconnect with her former boyfriend, Parimal (AnupamKher).
The younger generation’s struggles are represented by two other plots. One involves Kajol’s sister, Chumki (Sara Ali Khan), whose accidental encounter with a stranger, Parth (Aditya Roy Kapur), creates chaos in her engagement. The other follows Parth’s friend Shruti (Fatima Sana Shaikh) and her husband Akash (Ali Fazal), a couple torn between her desire for a child and his dream of leaving a corporate job to become a singer. These disparate lives intersect in unexpected ways, painting a broad picture of contemporary urban life.
Direction, Music, and Performances
AnuragBasu’s direction is confident and stylish. He masterfully juggles the multiple narratives, ensuring the lengthy 162-minute runtime feels constantly engaging. The film’s biggest strength is its music, composed by Pritam. With over a dozen songs woven seamlessly into the narrative, the soundtrack becomes a character in itself, driving the story forward. The decision to use sung dialogues, a style Basu experimented with in 'JaggaJasoos', works effectively here in a more grounded setting.
While the film falters occasionally—the beginning can feel abrupt, and some second-half plot points strain credulity—the overall experience is elevated by its exceptional cast. While every actor delivers a commendable performance, it is PankajTripathi who truly shines. His portrayal of Monty is a masterclass in comedic timing and vulnerability, arguably one of his finest performances to date. KonkonaSen Sharma is equally brilliant, and the supporting cast, including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Neena Gupta, and AnupamKher, all leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, 'METRO…IN DINO' is a standout film. It is a one-of-a-kind musical entertainer that successfully blends humor and drama, powered by relatable characters and unforgettable performances. It is a movie with heart and soul that is well-positioned to connect deeply with multiplex audiences.
