Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Basu has revealed an emotional insight about his upcoming film ‘Metro… In Dino’, sharing that it was originally conceptualised with late actor Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma in mind. The film, a spiritual successor to his 2007 hit Life in a… Metro, has been long awaited for its poignant portrayal of urban relationships.
Genesis Of ‘Metro… In Dino’
Speaking about the film in a recent media interaction, Basu said:
“When we started working on this film, it was supposed to be a continuation of Irrfan and Konkona’s story. The idea was to explore where they would be today after so many years. Unfortunately, life had other plans.”
The director added that the original script focused on how Irrfan’s character Monty and Konkona’s Shruti navigated their relationship years after their memorable arc in Life in a… Metro.
Why The Concept Changed
Irrfan Khan, who passed away in April 2020 after battling a neuroendocrine tumour, left a void not just in the film industry but also in stories that were being designed around his natural brilliance. Basu admitted that his demise forced a change in script direction:
“Irrfan was not just an actor in the film; he was a collaborator and friend who inspired a lot of these stories. After his passing, it didn’t feel right to continue the narrative without him.”
This emotional setback pushed Basu to reimagine Metro… In Dino as a fresh take on urban loneliness, human connection, and hope in modern India.
About The New Film
‘Metro… In Dino’ is expected to be an anthology-style narrative interweaving multiple stories, much like its predecessor. The cast includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, and Konkona Sen Sharma.
Key Cast Table
| Actor | Confirmed Role | Known Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Aditya Roy Kapur | Lead male role | ‘Aashiqui 2’, ‘Malang’ |
| Sara Ali Khan | Lead female role | ‘Kedarnath’, ‘Atrangi Re’ |
| Konkona Sen Sharma | Returning in new arc | Critically acclaimed performer, National Award winner |
| Pankaj Tripathi | Supporting pivotal role | ‘Mirzapur’, ‘Newton’ |
| Neena Gupta | Maternal character | ‘Badhaai Ho’, veteran theatre artist |
An Ode To Irrfan Khan
Basu said the film will carry an underlying tribute to Irrfan’s legacy:
“Even though he is not physically in the film, his essence remains in the script. The humour, warmth, and subtle wisdom he brought to his character continue to inspire me.”
This sentiment resonates with industry colleagues, as Khan’s portrayal of the street-smart yet sensitive Monty remains etched in public memory for its authenticity.
Film Themes: Connecting Modern India
‘Metro… In Dino’ will explore:
- Urban isolation despite crowded cities
- Fragile yet intense relationships built on fleeting connections
- Generational differences in love and career pursuits
- The invisible struggles of metro life with humour and realism
Production Timeline & Release Plans
The film’s production, initially delayed due to the pandemic and multiple scheduling conflicts, resumed in mid-2024. According to insiders, principal photography has wrapped up and post-production is underway, targeting a theatrical release in late 2025 or early 2026.
Production Analysis Table
| Phase | Timeline | Challenges Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Script writing | 2019-2020 | Irrfan’s health, pandemic delays |
| Pre-production | 2021-2022 | Cast reconfiguration post-Irrfan |
| Filming | 2024 | Scheduling high-profile ensemble |
| Post-production | Mid 2025 | Editing interwoven storylines, soundtrack integration |
Music: Reuniting With Pritam
Composer Pritam, who delivered the hit album of Life in a… Metro with songs like “In Dino” and “Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si”, is returning for this film’s soundtrack. Basu confirmed that music will remain central to storytelling:
“Music is the soul of my cinema. With Pritam, there is a rhythm that elevates simple scenes into memorable moments.”
Fans’ Emotional Connect
For many fans, the news has evoked nostalgia and bittersweet memories of Irrfan’s effortless acting. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments celebrating Khan’s legacy while expressing curiosity about the fresh narrative direction.
The Legacy Of Life In A… Metro
Released in 2007, Life in a… Metro explored urban love stories with realism, featuring Shilpa Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Kangana Ranaut, Sharman Joshi, Dharmendra, Nafisa Ali, alongside Irrfan and Konkona. The film’s realistic portrayal of contemporary relationships, office dynamics, infidelity, and loneliness marked Basu as a master of ensemble storytelling.
Director’s Future Plans
Basu is also working on other projects including ‘Aashiqui 3’ with Kartik Aaryan and a biopic on Kishore Kumar with Ranbir Kapoor. However, he stated that Metro… In Dino remains closest to his heart due to its emotional and creative genesis linked with Irrfan.
Conclusion
As Bollywood gears up for the release of ‘Metro… In Dino’, Anurag Basu’s revelation about its original concept with Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma adds a deeper emotional layer to its anticipation. While the film has moved on to new characters and arcs, its soul remains anchored in the stories that actors like Irrfan brought to life with unmatched grace and humanity.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice on film casting, production contracts, or creative rights. Readers are advised to consult official film production releases for definitive details on casting, storylines, and release dates.
