Anurag Basu’s latest film, Metro… In Dino, a spiritual sequel to his 2007 classic, Life In A… Metro, has yet to hit the theatres, but early reviews are already pouring in on social media, and they are overwhelmingly positive. The film, slated for release on July 4, 2025, is being hailed as a heartfelt, musical ode to love in all its forms. Together with its ensemble cast and storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings, it seems to have struck a deep chord with early viewers.
Metro… In Dino: Anurag Basu’s latest hyperlink cinema
Metro… In Dino continues Anurag Basu’s tradition of making hyperlink cinema that weaves together the lives of diverse couples, from young lovers and struggling spouses to mismatched partners and elderly companions. The film, set in present-day urban India, explores the tangled emotional lives of four different couples. Each storyline intersects at crucial moments, ultimately celebrating love in all its complicated, chaotic, and beautiful forms.
Aditya Roy Kapur plays ‘Parth’, a commitment-phobic guy who unexpectedly falls in love with Sara Ali Khan’s character, ‘Thumri, aka Chumki’, who is already engaged to someone else. Neena Gupta (‘Shivani’) and Anupam Kher (‘Parimal’) play an older couple who reconnect after years. Ali Fazal (‘Akash’) and Fatima Sana Shaikh (‘Shruti’) portray a couple dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, while Konkona Sen Sharma (‘Kajol’) and Pankaj Tripathi’s (‘Monty’) storyline touches on infidelity and emotional stagnation in marriage.
Image Source: IMDb
Netizens laud Metro… In Dino, for its poignant tale of love
Early viewers who caught early screenings of the film flooded social media with their reviews. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), reviews are pouring in with admiration for Metro… In Dino. One user tweeted, “Metro… In Dino is a heartwarming and nicely shot film about different people and their relationships in a big city. It’s a sequel to Life in a… Metro, and it has that same emotional vibe.” Another user wrote, “#MetroInDino is a sweet heartfelt ode to love and pure emotion, a beautiful ride through love, heartbreak & hope. Stellar cast, soulful music. Rating – 3.5/5.”
Fans were especially vocal about the film’s relatable storytelling and realistic portrayals of urban relationships. RJ Divya Solgama posted a detailed review of the film on her X handle, rating it 4 stars. A part of her review reads:
“Anurag beautifully presents his characters through his sense of music and makes you part of their worlds. The first half of the film is like a breezy ride with loads of musical conversations and character introductions. The second half has some of the best songs and some fabulous, heartfelt scenes… The scenes keep you glued to the film and its light narrative. The music by #Pritam and #Papon is like an additional screenplay, full of heart… On the flip side, the length is a bit of an issue, followed by a couple of stories that were a little stretched… If music is your food, then this is your feast to enjoy.”
What are the critics saying?
Critics’ reviews are also largely positive, with many calling the film a cosy, warm hug with its simple yet brilliant storytelling. The Times of India has rated Metro… In Dino, a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a ‘chaotic yet charming successor to the celebrated prequel.’ Firstpost gave it the same rating as TOI, highlighting the standout acting of the entire cast, and how even the caricatured performances, especially by Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma, drive home powerful messages of second chances and redemption.
Viewers and critics praised the emotional depth of Basu’s latest film, which, combined with Pritam’s soundtrack and Papon and Arijit Singh’s soulful voices, enhanced the magical charm and essence of the story. However, some reviews pointed out excessive caricature in certain parts, adding that the pacing slows slightly in the second half but does not diminish the film’s emotional impact.
Final word: Metro… In Dino is a warm, fuzzy hug that’s poised to resonate
While many viewers were sceptical about whether Metro… In Dino could do proper justice to its cult classic prequel, the early reviews confirm that Anurag Basu has successfully recaptured the emotional depth, musical magic, and narrative charm that defined Life in a… Metro, while offering a fresh, contemporary take on love in today’s urban world. With consistently high ratings ranging from 3.5 to 4 stars, the film stands out as a heartfelt and musical exploration of love in the modern metropolis.
It’s safe to say that Metro… In Dino is set to make a breakthrough from its very first day of release. So, run, don’t walk, and book that weekend show!
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