Always Kabhi Kabhi: Critical evaluation

Expectations on Always Kabhi Kabhi was high for the simple reason that Bollywood Baadshah Shahrukh Khan produces it. But sadly, the film directed by Roshan Abbas and featuring Ali Fazal, Giselli Monteiro, Satyajeet Dubey and Zoa Morani has stumbled at the very outset by failing to impress the critics. It has received from not so good to bad reviews from the film critics.

Film critic Nikhat Kazmi feels that the film lacks fun though it"s meant for the youth. “The film is a youth-oriented story but completely lacks the fun and games that are associated with this generation. There is a general lack of zeal in the proceedings and the pranks that the boys and girls play in the classroom border on the juvenile," she wrote, adding, “It's all foregone and predictable apart from being inordinately long. School is agony; school is ecstasy. Always Kabhi Kabhi captures neither and treads the staid middle ground."

Popular critic Taran Adarsh also feels that Always Kabhi Kabhi has failed to deliver what it should. “Though Roshan's intention behind making Always Kabhi Kabhi was noble, the film fails to deliver the main subject material. Audiences do not drive home a message. The screenplay is over packed and after sometime one wonders what the director and the writer were trying to say," he wrote. “In short it fails to strike a chord. Always Kabhi Kabhi just doesn't work!" he added.

The movie fails to impress Shubhra Gupta too. “Another teenage flick, dealing with themes of best friends forever, youthful angst, parental expectations, and peer pressure. Bollywood"s occasional dalliance with urban teens is now looking as if it"s here to stay, but Always Kabhi Kabhi is not exactly the best proponent of that genre, always looking as if it"s trying too hard, only very kabhi kabhi finding its voice," she wrote.

Shakti Salgaokar is of the opinion that the narration has confused the viewers and unnecessary songs spoiling the fun. However, she thinks it is the best choice for the week. “Always Kabhi Kabhi makes for a light watch with friends probably at a sleepover. But compared to the fare available this week (Bhindi Bazaar Inc and Bheja Fry 2), Always... certainly scores higher," she opines.

Well, the opinions of the critics will surely give the makers of Always Kabhi Kabhi sleepless nights. But we don"t know how the youngsters will respond to the film. Who knows the film relates to the youths of today! You never know!