“Metro In Dino: Music, Love, and Life in the City”

‘Metro In Dino’, written and directed by Anurag Basu (known for Barfi! and Life in a… Metro), is a contemporary musical romance that explores love across five generations. Set in bustling metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, the film delves into the romantic journeys of individuals as they navigate themes of sexual identity, commitment, marriage, and the reflections that come with old age—whether of fulfilment or regret. Each story is distinct yet subtly interconnected, with these intersections providing depth and a sense of closure to every character’s arc by the film’s end.

One of the most memorable stories is that of Kajol and Monty, portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma and Pankaj Tripathi. Their narrative explores the complexities of a middle-aged marriage that appears picture-perfect on social media but is fractured behind closed doors. Beneath the surface lies a relationship strained by infidelity and emotional disconnect, reflecting a common struggle among couples who have long exited the honeymoon phase. As intimacy fades, passion dims, and communication breaks down, they find themselves caught in a cycle of arguments and silence—so much so that even a shared glance at a social gathering feels unfamiliar, as though there’s nothing left to say.

What ‘Metro In Dino’ does best is subtly break away from the conventional romantic narrative where the protagonists inevitably end up together in a neatly wrapped happy ending. Instead, the film explores love in its many stages and forms. Through Pihu’s story (Kajol and Monty’s daughter), it portrays teenage exploration of sexual identity, marked by uncertainty that’s treated with empathy and normalcy. The young-adult relationship between Chumki and Parth reflects the confusion and growing pains of early love. Akash and Shruti, a newlywed couple, face the harsh realities of adult life when Akash quits his job to pursue music, and Shruti—bearing the financial strain of living in a metro city—is forced to abort her child. The middle-aged phase of love, as seen in Kajol and Monty’s crumbling marriage, reveals how passion and connection can fade over time. Finally, the story of Shibani reuniting with her college lover Parimal doesn’t lead to a romantic resolution but instead offers her a chance to relive a part of herself long buried. Through each of these narratives, ‘Metro In Dino’ presents love not as a destination, but as a deeply personal and evolving journey.

Furthermore, the story unfolds in a uniquely musical fashion, with Pritam reviving the band ‘Metro’, originally formed in 2007 for ‘Life in a… Metro’—now featuring a fresh lineup including Papon, Sashwat Singh, Raghav Chaitanya, and Pritam himself. This musical narration sets the film apart in today’s cinematic landscape. Characters occasionally break the fourth wall to narrate their own stories, directly engaging with the audience and blurring the line between viewer and storyteller. The film boasts a beautifully curated soundtrack that seamlessly weaves into the narrative, functioning as an essential storytelling device rather than a decorative afterthought. Unlike the conventional three-minute song inserts often used in Bollywood, which audiences now tend to skip or treat as intermissions, the music in ‘Metro In Dino’ matters. It acts as a theatrical, almost stage-like narrative tool, echoing the traditions of musical theatre. The result is an immersive experience that keeps the audience emotionally invested, tapping their feet, humming along, and swaying in their seats.

‘Metro In Dino’ presents open-ended resolutions, leaving space for wonder and interpretations. As an audience member, it would not be a stretch to say that I was completely engaged for the entirety of the movie. Anurag Basu beautifully touches upon the several challenges faced by the contemporary couple in every stage of their romantic endeavour, whilst also keeping the energy and light-hearted humour alive. I believe that in a dungeon of movies like ‘Animal’ and ‘Arjun Reddy’, where the director boasts realism in the realm of love, directors and writers like Anurag Basu light a small candle of unforgettable and truly relatable stories like ‘Metro In Dino’.

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