Metro In Dino
Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
“Metro In Dino,” Anurag Basu’s latest directorial venture, arrives with considerable anticipation, particularly given the filmmaker’s largely commendable filmography over the past two decades. It serves as a spiritual successor to “Life In A Metro,” a film widely regarded for its innovative approach within mainstream Bollywood. This new installment once again delves into the intricate lives of individuals navigating the complexities of metropolitan existence. The narrative, as a sequel, offers a refreshing perspective on these urban tales. This review will offer a comprehensive analysis, catering to both the general audience and discerning cinephiles.
Strengths of the Narrative and Direction
The film’s strength lies significantly in its unique blend of realism and whimsical elements. Since “Barfi!”, Anurag Basu has refined a distinct directorial style that seamlessly integrates comedy, grounded reality, and a dreamlike aesthetic. This template, also evident in “Ludo,” is employed here, though “Metro In Dino” pivots from dark comedy to focus on the authentic conflicts faced by city dwellers. Basu ensures these conflicts resonate deeply, whether depicting a husband contemplating infidelity or a young couple confronting a profound decision regarding parenthood. Humor is masterfully woven into these serious narratives, eliciting laughter, fostering relatability, and at times, evoking genuine emotion.
Another commendable aspect is the film’s intricate interconnected storytelling. Anurag Basu demonstrates a remarkable command over anthology filmmaking within the mainstream sphere. Unlike many anthologies where narratives often feel disparate, Basu skillfully interlinks six, seven, or even eight distinct stories. The seamless weaving of multiple narratives is particularly striking, as each character, while pursuing their primary arc, also plays a crucial role in the journeys of others. This intricate structure ensures that the 2-hour 45-minute runtime feels entirely justified and pertinent to the unfolding drama.
A note for cinephiles: Subtle influences from the classic Hollywood film “The Apartment” can be observed in both “Metro” films, suggesting a thematic inspiration for Basu.
Furthermore, the film’s musical score and signature cut-away shots are notable. Music was a pivotal element in the original “Life In A Metro,” and its innovative integration was a fresh experience for audiences at the time. “Metro In Dino” revives this creative choice, featuring Pritam and the band members performing in various situational contexts, enriching the film’s atmosphere. While music is often a functional component in Indian cinema, in “Metro In Dino,” it transcends this role to become a significant character in itself, undeniably enhancing the viewing experience.
Performances: A Mixed Bag of Surprises
The acting ensemble delivers a range of performances, with several noteworthy turns.
Pankaj Tripathi delivers a commendable performance as Monty, a role that evokes memories of Irrfan Khan’s character in the predecessor, serving as a subtle tribute to the late actor’s effortless genius. Tripathi makes the character his own, proving his consistent appeal.
The chemistry between Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh is genuinely impressive. Their storyline is particularly emotional, containing moments capable of moving audiences to tears, underscoring the underutilization of these talented actors in mainstream Bollywood.
However, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sara Ali Khan emerge as unexpected highlights. Aditya Roy Kapur embodies a somewhat stereotypical urban archetype, yet he infuses the character with a distinct ownership. His character’s idiosyncratic humor adds a unique energy to the film. Conversely, the portrayal of his character’s profession (a travel blogger) feels caricaturish, lacking both humor and relatability. Sara Ali Khan, often critiqued for her acting, fits her character’s eccentricities well, which are further justified by her backstory, making this one of her more fitting roles.
Konkona Sen Sharma, as expected, delivers a nuanced performance, though one wishes her character had been afforded more scenes with greater depth. Overall, the acting department largely holds its own.
The Glitches: Uneven Subplots
The film’s primary drawback lies in its uneven and, at times, unsatisfying subplots. This constitutes a significant flaw; the sheer number of narratives means some character arcs fail to resonate with the intended impact. For instance, the storyline involving Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, and Shaswata Chatterjee feels artificial and overtly staged. Similarly, the subplot concerning a teenager discovering her love interest is notably underdeveloped. While an attempt to include diverse age segments is evident, this particular segment falls flat.
In contrast to the tightly woven subplots of “Life In A Metro” and even “Ludo,” “Metro In Dino” exhibits inconsistency in its second half. The predecessor maintained a relentless narrative momentum leading to satisfying payoffs, a consistency that “Metro In Dino” struggles to uphold. Consequently, characters like Kikana feel underutilized, and some of Ali Fazal’s situations appear repetitive. Had these aspects been refined, the film’s overall impact would have been considerably greater. While “Metro In Dino” is a heartwarming and enjoyable watch, it ultimately falls short of leaving the profound impression it aspires to.
Verdict and Ratings
For the Mass Audience: “Metro In Dino” merits 3.5 stars. It is precisely crafted for audiences seeking real-life stories infused with entertainment, possessing all the hallmarks of a genuine mainstream film.
For the Cinephile Audience: From a cinephile’s perspective, the film receives 3 stars. It possessed the potential for greater cinematic achievement. An additional half-star is awarded solely for the exceptional musical score. Nevertheless, Anurag Basu’s decision not to succumb to conventional box office trends is commendable. As a filmmaker, his commitment to his artistic choices is noteworthy, making “Metro In Dino” a film cinephiles should consider watching, even if it’s on an OTT platform.
