Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi has declared Anurag Basu his “favourite director” as the two team up for the much-anticipated relationship drama Metro…In Dino, set to release in UK cinemas on 4 July 2025.
Tripathi, known for his deeply nuanced and understated performances in films such as Newton, Mimi, and Gangs of Wasseypur, has shared his admiration for Basu’s distinctive and improvisational style of filmmaking.
“He’s a great director. I’ve wanted to work with him for many years. I’d love to do many more films with him if he ever casts me again, he’s my favourite,” Tripathi said in an interview with IANS.
The collaboration marks a significant pairing of two celebrated artists in Indian cinema, Tripathi for his character-driven roles and Basu for his emotionally layered, visually rich storytelling. Tripathi revealed that what sets Basu apart is his free-flowing creative process on set.
“We go to his sets freely, no heavy preparation, no rigid planning. I like to give my creative input, so there’s not too much rehearsal. The action and character are well prepared, but the scene itself is left open. We decide how it will unfold on the spot,” he added.
A Modern Exploration of Love
Metro…In Dino is billed as a contemporary exploration of love and human connection across generations, described by Tripathi as “a fresh take on modern relationships.”
Directed by Basu and featuring music by longtime collaborator Pritam, the film is being touted as a spiritual successor to Basu’s 2007 ensemble drama Life in a… Metro. That earlier film, critically acclaimed for its portrayal of love, loneliness, and infidelity in urban Mumbai, starred the likes of Irrfan Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Dharmendra.
In Metro…In Dino, Basu once again brings together a star-studded ensemble, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, and Tripathi himself.
Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in association with Anurag Basu Productions Pvt. Ltd., the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anurag Basu, and Taani Basu. With its emotional depth, diverse cast, and refreshing take on urban romance, Metro…In Dino is set to strike a chord with audiences when it opens in cinemas this summer.
