Released on May 11, 2007, Life in a… Metro is a Hindi-language drama film directed by Anurag Basu. This film beautifully captures the struggles, aspirations, and emotions of urban life, focusing on themes like love, ambition, infidelity, and loneliness. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Kay Kay Menon, Shilpa Shetty, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Shiney Ahuja, and Kangana Ranaut, the movie presents a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of Mumbai. The film’s soulful music, composed by Pritam, adds emotional depth to the storytelling. In this review, we will break down the film’s plot, strengths, weaknesses, box office performance, and target audience, providing a comprehensive look at why Life in a… Metro remains a memorable cinematic experience.
Plot Summary
The film follows the interwoven lives of nine individuals navigating love, career, and relationships in the fast-paced life of Mumbai. Each character struggles with personal dilemmas—some searching for love, others battling heartbreak or ambition. Rahul (Sharman Joshi) rents out his apartment to senior executives for their secret affairs, but he has dreams of moving up in life. Shikha (Shilpa Shetty) and her husband Ranjit (Kay Kay Menon) are trapped in a loveless marriage, leading to extramarital complications. Meanwhile, Shruti (Konkona Sen Sharma) and Monty (Irrfan Khan) struggle to find meaningful relationships. Their paths intersect unexpectedly, leading to life-changing moments. The film masterfully blends emotions and realism, offering a slice-of-life narrative with a compelling screenplay.
What’s Good?
1. Stellar Performances
One of the movie’s strongest aspects is its powerful acting. Irrfan Khan, in particular, shines as Monty, delivering a mix of humor and heart. Konkona Sen Sharma is equally brilliant as Shruti, portraying the vulnerabilities of a modern working woman. Shilpa Shetty and Kay Kay Menon bring intensity to their complex marital struggles.
2. Direction and Storytelling
Director Anurag Basu excels in weaving multiple stories seamlessly. The transitions between narratives feel smooth, and each subplot is given enough depth to resonate with the audience.
3. Music and Background Score
The soundtrack by Pritam is one of the movie’s biggest highlights. Songs like “In Dino” and “Alvida” perfectly capture the mood of the film. The rock-band sequences, where the musicians perform in the background, add a unique storytelling element.
4. Cinematography and Realistic Themes
The cinematography captures the chaotic beauty of Mumbai. The film’s realistic approach to relationships—focusing on loneliness, compromises, and ambitions—makes it deeply relatable.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Realistic characters that feel genuine and relatable.
- Strong screenplay that keeps the audience engaged despite multiple narratives.
- Emotional depth in storytelling, avoiding over-the-top drama.
- Brilliant music that enhances the film’s emotional impact.
Weaknesses:
- The multiple storylines might feel overwhelming to some viewers.
- Some subplots, like Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut’s track, could have been explored more deeply.
- The pace slows down in certain portions, affecting engagement levels.
Target Audience
Life in a… Metro appeals to viewers who enjoy realistic dramas with emotional depth. It is ideal for:
- Fans of slice-of-life movies with strong character arcs.
- Those who appreciate music-driven narratives.
- People who enjoy films about relationships, ambition, and urban struggles.
- Viewers who prefer mature storytelling rather than typical Bollywood commercial cinema.
Box Office Details
| Details | Figures (INR Crores) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 9 Crores |
| India Lifetime Collection | 16 Crores |
| Overseas Collection | 8 Crores |
| Worldwide Gross | 24 Crores |
Day-wise Box Office Collection (India & Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (Cr) | Overseas Collection (Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| Day 2 | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| Day 3 | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| Day 4 | 3.0 | 1.8 |
| Day 5 | 2.8 | 1.6 |
The film had a moderate box office run, performing well in urban multiplexes but struggling in smaller centers. Its appeal among urban audiences and music lovers helped it gain cult status over time.
Recommendation
Life in a… Metro is a thought-provoking drama that captures the essence of modern relationships and city life. With stellar performances, soulful music, and an engaging narrative, the film is worth watching for those who appreciate realistic storytelling. If you enjoy films with deep emotions and intertwined narratives, this one is highly recommended.
