We are talking about Anurag Basu’s 2007 film “Life in a… Metro,” which is a moving portrayal of the complexities of urban life. The film weaves together the lives of multiple characters, each struggling with their personal dilemmas, against the backdrop of a bustling Mumbai. The narrative style of the film is unconventional, as it uses a non-linear storytelling approach to unravel the interconnected stories. This style reflects the chaotic and intertwined nature of city life, where personal spaces and stories overlap.
Old timers often complain about the lack of substance in today’s film, and to some extent, rightly so. Film writing has suffered greatly in recent years; it is not relatable, and there are not many stories that concern common men, whose characters are either wealthy or criminal.
But today we are not talking about those; we are talking about a gem of a movie. A movie that has multiple relatable stories, a stellar star cast, and was made with the utmost sincerity and honesty. It has a message, it is emotional, it is musical, it has comedy, it has drama, and it has Irrfan.
We are talking about Anurag Basu’s 2007 film “Life in a… Metro,” which is a moving portrayal of the complexities of urban life. The film weaves together the lives of multiple characters, each struggling with their personal dilemmas, against the backdrop of a bustling Mumbai. The narrative style of the film is unconventional, as it uses a non-linear storytelling approach to unravel the interconnected stories. This style reflects the chaotic and intertwined nature of city life, where personal spaces and stories overlap.
The characters in Anurag Basu’s “Life in a Metro” are a mosaic of individuals, each representing a different facet of urban life in Mumbai. The film’s narrative delves into the lives of nine central characters, each entangled in their personal quests for love, fulfilment, and self-discovery amidst the city’s relentless pace.
Shikha, portrayed by Shilpa Shetty, is a homemaker trapped in a loveless marriage with Ranjit, played by Kay Kay Menon. Her character arc is a poignant exploration of sacrifice and societal expectations as she grapples with her feelings for Akash, an aspiring actor portrayed by Shiney Ahuja. Shikha’s story reflects the dilemmas faced by many women, torn between personal happiness and familial responsibilities.
Ranjit, on the other hand, is having an extramarital affair with his subordinate Neha (Kangana Ranaut). His character embodies the moral ambiguities and hidden lives led by individuals in a metropolis. Neha, caught in the web of Ranjit’s promises, represents the vulnerability and aspirations of young women seeking stability and affection.
Sharman Joshi‘s character, Rahul, is the quintessential ‘nice guy’ who unknowingly aids his boss Ranjit’s affair by lending his apartment for their rendezvous. His unrequited love for Neha adds another layer to the complex interplay of relationships within the film.
Shruti, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, is Shikha’s sister and a 30-year-old virgin searching for love through matrimonial sites. Her encounters with Monty, an eccentric but endearing character played by Irrfan Khan, bring humour and warmth to the narrative. Their interactions highlight the awkwardness and innocence of seeking companionship in a city that can often feel isolating.
The film also touches upon the theme of second chances at love through the subplot of Amol and Vaijanti. Played beautifully by Dharmendra and Nafisa Ali, the veterans shows the chemistry which is rare in modern times. Their reunion after years apart is a tender portrayal of enduring love and the idea that it’s never too late to rediscover happiness.
Apart from the human character, Mumbai is also a character of sorts in the narrative. The city’s sprawling metropolis serves as a canvas for the stories to unfold. With each location within Mumbai adding a layer of depth to the story. Basu captured the city’s dichotomy of hustle and solitude with great success. From the crowded local trains to the quiet sea-facing promenades, the viewr can almost feel the city. The characters navigate through the concrete jungle, seeking connections and solace. The characters, much like the city’s millions of inhabitants are searching for their own paths.
Basu’s narrative is complemented by the film’s music. Composed by Pritam, Suhail Kaul, Soham Chakraborty, and Bangladeshi singer James, the music is the backbone of story. The musicians are shown in the movie as a band and play a crucial role in driving the story forward. The songs were written by Sayeed Quadri, Sandeep Srivastava, and Amitabh Verma. The soundtracks like “Alvida (KK and James),” “Baatein Kuch Ankahein Si (Adnan Sami),” “In Dino (Soham Chakraborty),” “O Meri Jaan (KK),” and “Rishtey (James),” with their mix of melancholic and upbeat tunes, mirror the emotional rollercoaster that the characters endure.
One of the other standout aspects of the film is the cinematography by Bobby Singh. From capturing struggles of the daily life to capturing the mood and emotions of characters, Bobby’s work speaks for itself. The use of light and shadows is a consistent feature of its cinamatography, especially in emotional and dramatic scenes. You will notice Bobby shot the portions dealing with darker themes and emotional moments at night with exceptional lighting. On the other hand the comedic or light themes are shot in daytime light.
Anurag Basu always knew to take inspiration from foreign films, which he borrowed liberally in this film too, but it was very intelligently and thoughtfully done. He touched on the subjects of films like “The Apartment (1960),” “Brief Encounter,” “Bridges of Madison County,” and a few more.
All the performances in “Life in a Metro” are noteworthy, with each actor bringing depth to their roles. The ensemble cast, including prominent names like Dharmendra, Nafisa Ali, Shilpa Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Shiney Ahuja, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, and Sharman Joshi, deliver compelling portrayals. But for me, the standout was Irrfan Khan. Monty is a character, if not portrayed by him, would have been a clown. Irrfan was a fresh breath of air, and when he was on screen, you couldn’t help but smile in an otherwise heavy film.
Life in a Metro on IMDB
