“Metro… In Dino” marks the return of Anurag Basu, and as for his previous movies, one can expect a tapestry of interlinked tales, usually revolving around Kolkata, with the monsoon season playing a key role in this film. Like many of Basu’s works, “Metro... In Dino” does not have a central, winding plot as the focus of the film is to encapsulate the quiet, messy unpredictability of human existence and relationships.As the film progresses, an ensemble cast portrays a collection of stories in different stages of love, companionship, and alienation. Imagine middle-class lives filled with unvoiced emotions and the bittersweet realizations that often accompany a rainy evening. And while the cities doling out extravagant monsoons look like a dream to some, this movie doesn’t dwell on any implausible climaxes. Instead, the calm turmoil is hidden within quiet stares, strained dialogues, and the emotional weight carried by the characters. This film deeply immerses you in the feeling rather than unwrapping the plot gradually, giving you pieces as you go along.Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro... In Dino’: A Beautifully Chaotic Bit of Life Filmed in the RainBasu's films often highlight relatable characters, and this one is no different. You may find pieces of yourself or those close to you in these characters - their aspirations, their self-doubt, their everyday lives. The casting is mostly interacting well, providing expected compassion to warmth to the narrative, preserving its wholeness. I particularly note Kumar Sen Sharma because of her easy alignment to Basu’s caring representation of a woman managing life's struggles.It has an understanding of chaotic realities, embracing untidy complexities: life dances to a rhythm often disguised as confusion but laden with life-altering encounters, calls for restrained, profound love, weaving strands of beauty even in chaos. The emotionally charged beauty of life stands clearly in the film. Moreover, the monsoon-soaked setting enhances this mood of brooding contemplation while perfectly complementing the themes.Nonetheless, the film's very nature — its intended absence of a focus plot — may serve as a double edge sword, as well. It has a fragmented feeling, almost like a series of snapshots that do not blend entirely. Some character storylines seem to be abandoned and unresolved. The chaos in this case is not only thematic, but structural as well. Whether it works for you will entirely depend on your set of expectations. Should you want a clear-cut plot, the journey may feel aimless.In any case, “Metro… In Dino” is a film that relies on a deep emotional connection for its effectiveness, alongside a deeply human form of gentleness. Such an emotionally observant form superficial depictions of imperfect lives brings a sense of relatability. The work of Anurag Basu is often accompanied by glaring imperfections. In this particular case, the tenderness glimpses of life make the film enjoyable despite its many flaws and deepen its impact. More importantly, it highlights the idea that the chaotic nature of life is, in fact beautiful.
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