Metro In Dino, Anurag Basu’s spiritual sequel to the iconic Life in a… Metro (2007) is a refreshing return to a storytelling style that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of modern relationships. Back in 2007, Life in a Metro broke the mould of mainstream Bollywood cinema, offering a raw, unflinching look at the messy, tangled lives of modern Indians navigating love in all its faults and stars. The new film, Metro In Dino, stays true to that spirit while updating the lens to reflect the evolving nature of relationships in today’s India.

The trailer had me hooked from the start, with its promise of a nuanced take on love—one that mirrors the sincerity and complexity of relationships portrayed in the Modern Love series, both in its New York and Mumbai incarnations. Much like Modern Love, which started as a New York Times column and expanded into a podcast, TV series, and a global phenomenon, Metro In Dino delves into the many facets of love. Each story is unique, but all share a common thread of exploring love with its imperfections and heartbreaks.

Watching Metro In Dino, I was reminded of why I’m so drawn to stories that portray love in all its glory and agony. The film doesn’t try to idealise love or sugarcoat the complexities that come with it. Instead, it presents a spectrum of relationships, some hopeful, some tragic, and others full of regret, but all honest in their portrayal of what love really feels like.

While the film may not be perfect, it’s hard not to be swept away by its sincerity. There’s a certain charm in its flaws, much like the relationships it portrays. The ensemble cast brings each character’s story to life with an authenticity that’s hard to ignore. The film’s ability to strike a balance between humour, sadness, and self-reflection makes it feel real and relatable. In the end, Metro In Dino is a reminder that love is never just one thing; it’s a lot of things, and in the chaos of it all, there’s beauty to be found.

P.S. My Letterboxd handle is @BhumikGrover.