SHIRSHA MITRA

*Review: Life in a Metro (2007)* I first watched *Life in a Metro* in 2021, locked down by COVID, and it was an epiphany. Rewatching it yesterday revealed even deeper layers. Irrfan Khan's character embodies the intelligent extrovert, while Shilpa Shetty's role as the sacrificial homemaker resonates deeply. The film's beauty lies in its delicate balance of joy and sorrow. Ultimately, life in the metro is all about finding that balance amidst the chaos. *Life in a Metro* is an ensemble drama without a central character, exploring the lives of ambitious young professionals and an estranged elderly couple. Dharmendra returns to Nafisa Ali, seeking reconciliation after years apart. Sharman Joshi's character lends his apartment to colleagues for discreet liaisons, while Kay Kay Menon and Shilpa Shetty portray a strained marriage. Shilpa's character forms a connection with Shiny Ahuja on her visits to Nafisa Ali, now in an old age home. Irrfan Khan's standout performance as a man searching for love adds depth. The film's interconnected characters and narrative jolts question whether life in the city beats you down or simply moves on.