Metro… In Dino is a spiritual sequel to his acclaimed 2007 film Life… in a metro ‘Metro… In Dino’. It intertwines various narratives of love, heartbreak, finding oneself, and rediscovering love, all set to the dynamic and lively Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. It has an ensemble cast that includes Tripathi, Sharma, Ali Khan, Aditya, Fatima, and Sana, Fazal, Neeru, and Anupam Kher. It tackles complex, almost unprecedented themes of modern-day relationships in urban India
Story & Themes
It reveals the ‘life and love of about four couples, spanning across multiple hetero and homo relationships, while chronologically piecing the couples together through the years in an episodic anthology film.
It explores social meaning about cheating, neglect, rediscovery, ambition, trying to decipher where relationships fit in, and trying to rediscover rational and equilibrium for meaning in life.
The story is focused on women. Unlike the original film where women had to capitulate to Love, here the focused, self-empowered women redefine their spaces.
The music by Pritam, as in all his films, is and forever will be one of the strongest emotive tools in storytelling. The score adds emotional depth and nostalgia, and in this one, even deepens some of the film’s more character-driven passages.
Performances
At the forefront of the film is Konkona Sen Sharma (Kajol) and Pankaj Tripathi (Monty). They provide great subtlety and veracity to the age-old couple’s emotional distance and everyday struggles.
Critics celebrate Tripathi for intertwining warmth and humor into his role, while Konkona is praised for her performance as a woman on the cusp of transformation.
As college sweethearts reconnecting after decades, Neena Gupta (Shivani) and Anupam Kher (Parimal) infuse the film with poignant charm and nostalgia in some of its most touching scenes.
With Sara Ali Khan (Thumri/Chumki) and Aditya Roy Kapur (Parth) characterized as young lovers, a delightful romantic subplot unfolds. Sara’s earnest portrayal, coupled with her quirky appearance, makes her particularly memorable.
Portraying Shruti, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Akash, Ali Fazal, depict a couple struggling with work-life balance and mortal dilemmas. Fatima’s emotional arc particularly stands out.
Which Character Is Highlighted the Most?
Critics have consistently lauded Konkona Sen Sharma’s performance as Kajol, and for good reason—she is the character most entwined with the film’s marketing and storytelling. Every step of her journey of self-discovery, agency, and transformation is woven into the film’s core. Her work as Kajol is noted for the depth and authenticity she brings, making her the emotional backbone of the narrative. As her husband, Kajol, Tripathi’s Monty is also crucial to the film but it is Kajol’s agency and decisions that shape the narrative and dominantly drive the story.
Strengths
Everyone’s work is immensely strong but the standouts include Konkona Sen Sharma and Pankaj Tripathi. It tells the story of city life with its disorder and loveliness in a way that a lot of people can connect with.
Positive attributes include active women who shape their own futures. Music that is closely tied to the emotional moments in the movie strengthens its impact.
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Weaknesses
Some narratives feel overly drawn out and the second portion of the film drags. A few story arcs are left uncomplicated due to the anthology structure, which does not allow all stories to be explored with the same detail.
Conclusion
Like its predecessor, Metro… in Dino captures the heart and soul of contemporary life, but it also deepens its emotional layers. It features outstanding performances, particularly from Konkona Sen Sharma, and candid representation of love in today’s urban settings. As long as you appreciate music-drenched, heartfelt character dramas, this one will be a rewarding watch.
Writer : Pranjal Bapna