Metro… In Dino Movie Review: A Refreshing Take on Urban Life with Soulful Music

Anurag Basu’s Metro…In Dino is a unique musical drama delving into the complexities of modern relationships across different generations. Despite its lengthy runtime of 162 minutes, the film remains engaging, largely due to its fast-paced, multi-layered narrative and innovative use of music.

Basu’s story is relatable and very much in tune with contemporary relationship dynamics, and his screenplay is largely effective, smoothly transitioning between its numerous plots. Dialogues, penned by Sandeep Srivastava and Samrat Chakraborty, strike a balance between realism and dramatic flair. However, the film’s initial ten minutes can be disorienting, dropping viewers into the characters’ lives without a conventional introduction. The second half also sees some plotlines, particularly Monty and Kajol’s, veering into over-the-top territory.

Direction and Music

Anurag Basu’s direction shines, especially in his unique integration of music. Like his previous film Life in a Metro (2007), Pritam and his team are visible on screen, but Metro…In Dino takes a bold step, infusing dialogues with song, akin to Hollywood musicals. This stylistic choice, though attempted in Jagga Jasoos (2017), feels fresh here given the contemporary setting. Each story segment has its charm, but Monty and Kajol’s track is a standout, providing hilarious moments as Monty unknowingly navigates the dating app. The film also includes a heartfelt homage to Irrfan Khan’s character from the original Metro.

Star Performances

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, but Pankaj Tripathi truly steals the show. His portrayal of Monty is outstanding, blending innocence with nuanced emotional depth, making it one of his most accomplished performances yet. Konkona Sen Sharma is equally terrific as Kajol, providing a strong counterpoint to Tripathi. Sara Ali Khan is competent, while Aditya Roy Kapur effortlessly embodies his role. Fatima Sana Shaikh once again proves her mettle as a powerful performer. Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher are lovely, living up to expectations. Ali Fazal leaves a significant mark despite limited screen time. The supporting cast members all contribute effectively to the film.

ConclusionOverall, Metro…In Dino stands out as a refreshing and unique musical entertainer. It succeeds due to its relatable characters, an engaging blend of humor and drama, and stellar performances from its cast, especially Pankaj Tripathi. The film is poised to resonate strongly with multiplex audiences, connecting with its unique heart and soul.