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A Musical Journey Through Relationships

In a familiar setting, Pritam and his fellow musicians continue to perform atop skyscrapers, while life below unfolds with its mix of romance and heartbreak. Drawing inspiration from the iconic film Love Actually, Anurag Basu presents a somewhat uneven yet ultimately rewarding narrative centered on four couples navigating the complexities of their relationships, seeking a balance between staying together and parting ways.

Certain storylines resonate well, particularly the one featuring Ali Fazal as a struggling musician and Fatima Sana Sheikh as his remarkably patient pregnant partner. However, not all segments achieve the same success. The musical format stands out, with some choreography being particularly impressive, especially during a pub performance where couples reminisce about their first encounters. It's refreshing to see music integrated so seamlessly into the film.

However, it would have been beneficial for Basu to tone down the focus on relationship dilemmas, as some moments veer into absurdity. The segment with Konkona Sen and Pankaj Tripathi starts off amusingly but quickly descends into the ridiculous, undermining the chemistry between the two seasoned actors.

Konkona's actions in the latter half, including her interactions with a younger man, raise questions about gender double standards. While a man straying in a marriage is often condemned, a woman's similar actions are treated lightly. The storyline involving Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta begins with empathy for the housewife's lost aspirations but devolves into a portrayal that challenges Basu's grasp of modern urban relationships.

Basu's earlier works, including the film from eighteen years ago and Ludo, showcased a stronger command of thematic elements. Here, the humor often falls flat, and the performances by Aditya Roy Kapur and Sara Ali Khan come off as overly theatrical, resembling a stand-up routine rather than genuine interactions.

A more restrained approach to storytelling could have prevented some characters from appearing overly self-involved. The most relatable duo remains Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Sheikh, whose struggles feel authentic and resolvable, unlike the others who seem to lack sincerity.

Additionally, the subplot involving a young teen grappling with her sexual orientation raises unnecessary questions about identity at such a tender age. In attempting to encompass the full spectrum of human relationships, from adolescence to later life, Metro In Dino occasionally loses its focus. Nevertheless, it remains a film worth watching for its blend of music and drama, even if it falters at times.