Ali Fazal Calls Anurag Basu a Genius, Shares Unexpected Scene with Pankaj Tripathi in ‘Metro… In Dino’
Actor reveals how a surprise moment on set left him stunned: "I didn't even know Pankaj ji was in the car!"
Mumbai, June 12 (TheTrendingPeople): Bollywood actor Ali Fazal, known for his intense roles in Mirzapur and Victoria & Abdul, has shared his admiration for acclaimed director Anurag Basu, calling him a “genius” ahead of the release of their upcoming collaboration ‘Metro… In Dino’.
In a candid conversation with IANS, Fazal opened up about the unique storytelling technique used in the film, the clever surprises on set, and a memorable moment involving fellow actor Pankaj Tripathi that he didn’t even realize had happened until much later.
A Trilogy Comes Full Circle
‘Metro… In Dino’, scheduled for release on July 4, 2025, marks the final installment in Anurag Basu’s trilogy of hyperlink films, following the successes of Life… In a Metro and Ludo. These films are known for their interwoven stories where characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways.
Ali Fazal elaborated on this storytelling approach:
“In Ludo, all the characters didn’t know where the others were coming from, especially in the climax. It’s pretty much the same here as well. That’s what I love about Anurag sir—he always keeps us guessing, even when we’re shooting the scenes.”
The Surprise of a Hidden Co-Star
Fazal revealed a particularly surprising moment during the shoot that showcased Anurag Basu’s unconventional directing style. The actor was shooting a scene where a car nearly hit him — a moment he believed was just a standard shot involving a picture vehicle.
“I have a shot in the film when I come in front of a car. The car almost touched me. I took that shot thinking it was a regular vehicle with a stunt driver.”
What Fazal didn’t know was that veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi was sitting inside the car, delivering a dialogue.
“Later, during the film’s promotion, Pankaj ji casually told me, ‘When you came in front of the car, I said a line’. I was like, ‘Which car?’ Then he said, ‘The white one’. It suddenly hit me — he was in that car! I had no clue!”
Fazal chuckled while recounting the incident and added:
“I like these little surprises. It keeps the experience alive and authentic.”
A Powerful Team Behind the Scenes
‘Metro… In Dino’ is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with Anurag Basu Productions Pvt. Ltd. The film is produced by a powerhouse team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anurag Basu, and Taani Basu.
The ensemble cast and the film’s fresh take on urban relationships have already created a buzz. With music, drama, and Basu’s trademark narrative magic, expectations are high for the film to deliver both box-office success and critical acclaim.
Ali Fazal’s Evolving Career
Ali Fazal has become a name to reckon with, not just in Indian cinema but also on international platforms. With films like Death on the Nile and the Amazon Prime Original Mirzapur, he has successfully balanced mainstream and offbeat roles.
‘Metro… In Dino’ reunites him with Pankaj Tripathi, his Mirzapur co-star, but in an entirely different cinematic setting. Fazal’s excitement about this project is evident, and his recent comments highlight his deep respect for Anurag Basu’s creative process.
What to Expect from ‘Metro… In Dino’?
- A hyperlinked narrative tying together multiple urban tales
- Strong performances from a stellar ensemble cast
- Signature Anurag Basu emotional depth and visual flair
- Surprising plot connections and storytelling twists
- Scheduled theatrical release on July 4, 2025
As the film’s release date approaches, anticipation is building across social media and among cinema lovers, particularly fans of Basu’s earlier works.