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Metro In Dino Review
There’s a certain magic associated with an Anurag Basu film. You expect a beautiful, chaotic, and heartwarming exploration of human relationships, especially when the cast includes powerhouses like Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, and Neena Gupta. With “Metro… In Dino,” the spiritual successor to a beloved classic, expectations were sky-high. But does it reach that destination? After watching, I can say it gets lost in the very city it tries to navigate.
A Colorful Start That Leads Nowhere
The film opens with a vibrant, colorful splash, immediately pulling you in with its visual flair. But this initial charm quickly fades. The first 20-30 minutes are a slog, with the narrative being spoon-fed through a series of unappealing and seemingly endless songs. You have a screen full of immense talent, yet there’s no magic. The story feels like a checklist of every cliché imaginable: the problems of newlyweds, the confusion of unwed couples, and the classic squabbles of older partners. It’s a story we’ve seen, heard, and lived a thousand times before.
Forty minutes in, I found my interest had completely vanished. The film felt like it was touching upon every human emotion and problem but never committing to any. It’s a touch-and-go affair; the moment you begin to feel a connection or an emotion, the script abruptly jumps to another character’s storyline, leaving you with emotional whiplash. The movie is full of confused people, and frankly, the direction feels just as confused.
There is, however, a fleeting moment of comedic genius: a scene involving Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma planning their intimacy. It’s genuinely hilarious and a testament to their incredible chemistry, but a single scene cannot carry an entire film.
The Post-Interval Redemption, Led by Pankaj Tripathi
Just when you’re about to give up, the second half begins, and the film finally takes its expected turn onto the “road to redemption.” The narrative finds a bit of focus, the characters start seeking solutions, and even the songs begin to make more sense.
And this is where the film’s true saviour makes his grand entry: Pankaj Tripathi.
Every time the movie takes a dip, Tripathi arrives to rescue it. His performance is a masterclass in effortless acting. His unique way of apologizing to his wife is laugh-out-loud funny, and his on-screen fights with the equally brilliant Konkona Sen Sharma are the absolute highlight of the movie. Their scenes together are electric, real, and a joy to watch.
We also can’t forget the heartwarming track between Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher. They make you believe in timeless love, and their chemistry is a warm, comforting presence in an otherwise chaotic script.
Still Plagued by Flaws
Despite these stellar performances, the film can’t escape its fundamental flaws. The narrative jumps between storylines are jarring and prevent any deep connection with the characters. There are noticeable plot holes, like Neena Gupta’s character who was meant to stay for two days but inexplicably remains for a much longer, unjustified period.
Ultimately, the film meanders its way to a climax that is as predictable as it gets in Bollywood: run before you’re late to regret. It’s a message we’ve been served countless times, and it offers nothing new.
Final Verdict
“Metro… In Dino” tries to be a profound take on love, sacrifice, and relationships across different ages and dynamics. It has its moments, especially in the second half, where it finds a chord to resonate with. However, it’s a classic case of a weak, clichéd screenplay being held up entirely by the sheer talent of its actors.
The film is a testament to the fact that you can have the best ingredients, but if the recipe is flawed, the dish will be underwhelming.
Rating: 2 / 5 Stars
For the love of Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neena Gupta, and Anupam Kher’s performances, you might find some moments to cherish. But as a whole, “Metro In Dino” is a journey you can easily skip.
