Always Kabhi Kabhi

Always Kabhi Kabhi is a 2011 Bollywood film, directed by Roshan Abbas, is an ode to the unforgettable days of high school filled with fun, friendship, and frivolity. It highlights an amalgam of feelings which are accompanied by the sweetness and bitterness of early youth. The film stars Samir Chandra, Lillete Dubey and Satyajeet Dubey among many others, and its gritty yet fun narrative capture the lengthy list of woes and victories that are a staple in shaping the journey of teenagers transitioning into adults.

The story is centered around four main characters – Tariq Naqvi played by Satyajeet Dubey, Nandini Oberoi portrayed by Zoa Morani, Sam aka Sameer Khanna essayed by Ali Fazal, and Aishwarya Dhawan portrayed by Giselli Monteiro. These four youngsters, each with their distinct personality, quirks, dreams, and dilemmas, make up the beating heart of St. Marks, a wholesome, typical high school, full of ambitious and energetic students.

Tariq is the class geek, intelligent, a tad introverted, and an overachiever. He aspires to break free from the shackles of routine and pursuit of always being at the top. On the other hand, we have the fashionista Nandini, who is determined to become Mrs. Bollywood someday and for whom life is an endless party, being the popular girl. Standing in stark contrast to them is Sam, the cool dude and aspiring rockstar who plays the guitar unquestionably well and harbors the desire of reaching the music world's zenith. Lastly, there’s Aishwarya, the strong, silent, and diligent newcomer, grappling with the intricacies of city life while keeping a secret hidden deep in her heart.

As they navigate their high school journey, their lives periodically intersect, bringing forth a tapestry of emotions, relationships, dreams, and the pressures of teenage life. Their fears, aspirations, and ambitions are under the microscope, as they grapple with the rigors of the education system, parental expectations, peer pressure, coming-of-age crises, and the first throes of love and heartbreak.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for their final exams and a prom night, the four main characters find themselves embroiled in a whirlwind of incidents when out of the clear blue, a charismatic new principal joins their school. His rules and methods are not to everyone's liking, and his oppressive measures put our protagonists and their classmates under immense stress, forcing them to reconsider their dreams and ambitions.

"Always Kabhi Kabhi" portrays the fascinating story of these four high school kids with a delicate balance of joy and melancholy. It highlights the inherent conflicts that exist between the generation of today and the ones before them, in an engaging and entertaining manner. This film explores the strange tennis match of life, where the ball keeps going back and forth between 'Always' and 'sometimes', i.e., 'Kabhi Kabhi.' The narrative is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, drama, and even thriller, skillfully interlaced with the high-energy Bollywood music that keeps the cinematic rhythm alive.

Directed by Roshan Abbas, the film brings alive the charm and tremors of teenage life, painting a vivid picture of the current Indian schooling system too and its impact on student life. It tries to bring a fresh and youthful perspective, making it an enjoyable watch for people of all age groups, particularly resonating with the young generation.

Overall, Always Kabhi Kabhi is an engaging film that touches upon the troubles and triumphs of teenage life with levity and depth, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that is high school. Its seemingly simple but potent message manages to reach the viewer. The film serves as a reminder that sometimes it is quite alright to let loose and be lost in the labyrinth of life, and not always succumb to the pressure of achieving. Quite frankly, it underlines the importance of living our 'Always' in the 'Kabhi Kabhi.'