Anurag Basu recently opened up about Metro… In Dino, a film that finds its roots in a casual office visit from the late Irrfan Khan. “Chal, ek aur Metro banate hain (Come, let’s make another Metro),” Irrfan had once told him while passing time between meetings — planting the first seed for this long-awaited spiritual sequel to Life in a… Metro.
Irrfan’s Legacy Lives On in Metro… In Dino
Basu originally wrote the story with Irrfan and Konkona Sen Sharma in mind, continuing the journey of their beloved characters, Monty and Shruti. “Ten years ago, as I told him, I had no story to tell. But a few years later, I thought why not,” Basu shared, adding, “It’s a new story because people living in the metro have changed since, as have their dreams and aspirations.”
After Irrfan’s passing on April 29, 2020, Anurag shelved the project. “That story is still with me, I don’t know when I will be able to bring it to the screen,” he admitted. During the making of Ludo, he began writing a different script that would evolve into Metro… In Dino. “Once I started writing, phataphat ho gaya (It happened fast),” he said.
Konkona’s Breakdown and Anurag Basu Moving Forward
When Konkona finally agreed to join the project, she had a deeply emotional moment while shooting in Goa. “She suddenly choked up and broke down,” Basu recalled. “We both missed him during Metro… In Dino, yeh film ussi ne to shuru kiya tha.”
The director also revealed that Irrfan initially didn’t want to do Life in a… Metro, thinking the role was too small. It was his wife Sutapa, who convinced him. “I owe her a lot,” Basu acknowledged.
While there won’t be a Metro 3, Basu is already working on Aashiqui 3, a franchise he hesitated to join. “Since it is about love and loss, heartbreak and heartache… we decided to make it as the third instalment.”