A row of old buildings overlooking a busy street emerges on a misty morning. Slowly, the shades change to usher in sunlight. Life gains momentum with people moving in diverse directions. What more cinematic expression can mirror those busy lives in a growing city?
Though cliched, those imageries unspool the incidents in *Life In A Metro.
The director’s initial dabbling with hurrying entities, crowded railway platforms and a slice of corporate greediness are reflected in spontaneous characters. While marriage is on the rocks for one couple, forgotten love gains an aura for two lovers - both in their late sixties. Adding to the intimacy and complexity are extra-marital affairs juxtaposed with singletons looking for affable partners.
Little stories of individuals and egoistic tendencies confluence in the brilliant performance of *Kay Kay Menon. *Not to leave the *Big-Brother *celebrity, Shilpa Shetty who seems to have discovered her acting skills. Whether as a frustrated wife or as a woman overcome with lust, Shilpa is extremely watchable. All the while, holding forte is Konkana Sen with her composed yet free flowing histrionics.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of young characters seeking happiness, the insertion of an aging Dharmendra and Nafisa Ali is an abberation to say the least. The presence of long-haired musicians is surely a novel approacch but not a welcome sequence.
Nevertheless, those lost aspirations and gripping ironies of daily existence on screen, leaves the metro audience, nostalgic.