Metro... In Dino: A Confused Journey Through Modern Love

Anurag Basu’s much-anticipated film Metro... In Dino (2025), touted as the spiritual sequel to his 2007 hit Life in a Metro, attempts to explore the complexities of modern relationships across four Indian metro cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune. Despite a star-studded ensemble cast including Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, and others, the film has received mixed to negative reviews for its confused narrative and uneven execution.

Plot and Premise

The film weaves multiple storylines centered on contemporary couples grappling with love, identity, and intimacy in fast-paced urban settings. Each subplot aims to reflect the evolving dynamics of relationships, touching on themes like sexual harassment, LGBTQ+ exploration, and the search for connection amid metropolitan chaos.

Sara Ali Khan’s character, a spirited independent woman, faces harassment at work but takes nearly two and a half hours to confront her lustful boss—a scenario criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of workplace issues and lack of institutional support like a POSH committee. Meanwhile, her character advises her niece, who is confused about her sexuality, to “try out” both male and female friends, leading to an awkward and problematic scene where the niece kisses a female friend without consent.

Other storylines involve characters of varying ages dealing with intimacy and relationship challenges, including a memorable subplot featuring Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma. However, some sequences, like Konkona’s character wandering aimlessly in Goa, have been described as incoherent and unnecessary.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have found the film’s writing and direction lacking clarity and depth. The screenplay is often described as “confused” and “warped,” undermining the potential of the ensemble cast. The music by Pritam and Papon, intended to enhance the narrative, is criticized for being overbearing and repetitive, with songs interrupting the flow rather than complementing the story.

Sumeet Nadkarni’s review for Adgully gave the film a 2-star rating out of 5, citing:

• Acting: 3/5
• Direction: 1.5/5
• Music: 1/5
• Story, Screenplay, Dialogue: 1.5/5
• Cinematography: 3/5
• Editing: 2/5
• Costume Design: 3/5
• Production Quality: 2/5

The overall sentiment is that despite strong performances by some cast members, the film fails to engage or resonate emotionally, leaving viewers disconnected.

Contrasting Opinions

While some viewers appreciate the attempt to portray modern urban relationships with nuance, many feel the film falls short of the emotional intelligence and narrative coherence of its predecessor, Life in a Metro. The sequel’s attempt to address contemporary issues like workplace harassment and sexual identity is seen as surface-level and mishandled.

On platforms like BookMyShow, audience reviews vary, with some praising the film’s quiet charm and layered storytelling, while others criticize its pacing and character development.

Why Did It Miss the Mark?

• Overloaded Subplots: The film juggles too many stories without adequate depth or connection, causing confusion.
• Inconsistent Tone: Attempts at humor and drama clash awkwardly, diluting the impact of serious themes.
• Weak Direction: Anurag Basu’s direction is seen as unfocused, with scenes that meander or feel forced.
• Music Overuse: Frequent song sequences disrupt the narrative flow rather than enhance it.
• Problematic Portrayals: Some character arcs, especially involving sensitive topics, lack sensitivity and realism.

Final Thoughts

Metro... In Dino aimed to be a reflective, multi-layered exploration of love and relationships in India’s metros but ends up feeling like a muddled ride. Fans of the original may find it disappointing, while new viewers might struggle to connect with its fragmented storytelling.