Title: Metro In DinoDirector: Anurag BasuCast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Konkona Sen Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Anupam Kher, Neena GuptaWhere: In theatres near you Rating: 3.5 StarsThis film dexterously weaves the bittersweet love stories and fragile relationships of four urban couples in a modern-day setting, capturing the nuances of contemporary sensibilities with authenticity and heart. At its core, it is a film about yearning—yearning for connection, for understanding, for a second chance at love.Emotions flow not just through dialogue and performance but also musically, voiced live by three singers on stage, including music director Pritam and vocalist Papon. This device, though slightly jarring at first and undeniably ambitious, grows in significance as the film progresses. Gradually, it melts into the narrative, enriching the emotional landscape rather than distracting from it.Themes of love, break-ups, infidelity, mid-life crises, unrequited longing, and unfulfilled dreams are handled delicately and with maturity. These threads are stitched together through the lives of four couples—Chumki (Sara Ali Khan) and Parth (Aditya Roy Kapur), Parimal (Anupam Kher) and Shivani (Neena Gupta), Shruti (Fatima Sana Shaikh) and Akash (Ali Fazal), as well as Kajol (Konkona Sen Sharma) and Monty (Pankaj Tripathi). Their lives intersect—or at least brush past one another—in ways subtle and striking, but what binds them all is the universal pursuit of love in its purest, most elusive form.The film’s emotional heft is thoughtfully balanced with levity—light-hearted interludes, humour, and witty dialogues that breathe life into the script. The characters are flawed, sometimes infuriating, yet always human. Their imperfections aren’t just acknowledged but embraced, making them deeply relatable. Their decisions, however questionable, seem rooted in context and emotional truth.The screenplay is layered and intricate, and while the first thirty minutes feel a touch scattered—with numerous characters and subplots introduced in quick succession—the film soon settles into its flow. Once it does, it draws you in completely, immersing you in its emotional undercurrents.Writer-director Anurag Basu once again proves himself a master of emotional storytelling. With characteristic finesse, he crafts a narrative laced with tender insights and quiet wisdom. He shares life’s lessons generously but refrains from judgment or moralising, allowing viewers to draw meaning from each character’s journey—an approach both respectful and impactful.Performance-wise, the ensemble delivers with conviction. Aditya Roy Kapur shines as the charming yet commitment-phobic Parth, carrying a carefree energy that hides deeper fears. Sara Ali Khan brings endearing vulnerability to Chumki, a woman confused yet optimistic, viewing life through love-tinted glasses. Pankaj Tripathi’s comic timing is razor-sharp, elevating scenes with quiet brilliance, while Fatima Sana Shaikh delivers a nuanced, poignant portrayal of Shruti. Veterans Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta are sincere, but they offer little in terms of emotional layering.Pritam’s music is more than accompaniment—it’s a narrative device. The songs are charged with emotion and lyrical resonance, capturing the characters’ inner lives and underscoring the film’s themes.At 162 minutes, the film may seem indulgent, but Basu ensures the viewer’s emotional investment pays off. As you leave the theatre, with love prevailing over life's tribulations, it’s hard not to feel a smile tug at your lips—the kind that lingers, not because all is resolved, but because hope endures.