A year after the classic 'Deewaar' (1975),the Yash Chopra-Amitabh-Shashi combination joined forces once again. But unlike the hard-hitting action-drama, this time they teamed up for a simple, poetic romantic drama.

I am normally a big fan of multi-starrers and family dramas and this is a big reason for my liking this film. The film has about 9 central characters and all of them manage to leave a mark. Also a film starring Big B and Shashi Kapoor is always a must-watch for me. The crackling chemistry they shared between them was far superior to any of the leading heroines of those times. No wonder they did more films together than with any particular heroine!

But in most of these films there is a perennial complaint of Big B tending to overshadow Shashi. But 'Kabhi Kabhie' is a heart-warming exception. Not just compared to Bachchan; but out of the entire bouquet of characters, it's Shashi who creates the biggest impression. His ever- smiling charming persona with a big heart of gold, is a complete delight. My favourite scene was where he went under the table to snoop on his son's telephonic conversation. Also the confrontation scene between him and Bachchan towards the end was terrific. It's just for him, that one could see the film time and again!

The other attraction of the film is we get to see stars like Big B, Shashi, Rakhee and Waheeda Rehman, who were in their youth; being projected in older roles. If these characters were to be played by actors who matched the age, then the film would lose half the charm.

One expects a tight narration in multi-starrers; but here the tone was kept deliberately simple. It's obvious from the start that it's gonna be a very poetic film. But unfortunately this makes the film quite boring and monotonous at parts. In fact the original premise of the Amitabh- Rakhi romance ultimately turns out to be a mere subplot. One certainly expected something more here. But just on the verge of the climax where it appeared we were headed for a melodramatic finish, we are treated to a sudden chase-sequence which was a delightful surprise. The sequence is brilliantly shot with horses, jeeps and motorbikes embroiled in a trail with blasts going off on the picturesque Kashmir mountains behind. It's the ideal finish required for a film like this.

Music by Khayyam and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi are highlights of the film. But there are just too many songs in the 2nd half which obstructs the pace of the film.

This was a terrific example of the versatility of Chopra who could switch effortlessly between two diverse genres. Although, he is mostly remembered as a 'King of Romance', personally I find him more capable in the action-ventures like 'Deewaar', (1975) 'Trishul' (1978) and 'Kala Patthar' (1979). As a result, 'Kabhi Kabhie' fails to match up to those standards; but is still the best romantic film of Chopra after 'Chandni' (1989).

Many consider it to be a great romantic film or even a poetic film. But for me, this film is special just because of Shashi, the star-cast and for getting to see a whole bunch of actors playing characters far older than their real age!

Yash Chopra's ability to make a mainstream film which is hopelessly romantic on the one hand but then, at the same time, infuse it with a sort of delicate realism when it comes to his portrayal of relationships, is quite a rarity in commercial Hindi films. Mind you, Kabhie Kabhie is neither an art film nor a middle-of-the-road, Hrishikesh Mukherjee-style sort of film, but it has this believability about it which makes it entirely different and superior to the usual fare of the times. Due credit goes of course to the script by Sagar Sarhadi and Chopra's direction. Few mainstream films of the times showed a husband and wife lying on their bed and having a casual conversation after waking up, the wife taking a bath, other female characters sitting and sewing for leisure or reading a newspaper. This situational matter-of-factness, which is also true of the poetic but rich dialogue, is characteristic of Chopra's profound narrative style, as evidenced in his other films of the time, like Deewar, Trishul, and Kaala Patthar, and it makes his films consistently engaging.

At the same time, the film never gives up its commercial mass appeal. The characters are mostly affluent and urban, although like always Chopra presents how flawed they are, how many mistakes they make, and of course the price they pay for their actions. As one would expect, the setting is pretty gorgeous, with our players all living in big, often luxurious houses, and their lifestyle is one to envy. Indeed, Kabhie Kabhie is a melodrama, but, as mentioned above, the delivery makes it always ring true even if sentimentality is unavoidable in this kind of story. It's just much more subtle than most films of its kind, and its poetic quality makes even less appropriate parts fit well within the context the film. As a cinematic experience it is just great entertainment - the film is beautifully shot, and the music, oh the music - Khayyam, the legendary musician does wonders to the film and it is his songs which make the film so memorable today. The songs give life to the film and inject meaning even into the weaker parts.

Kabhie Kabhie is an ensemble film, and needless to say, those were the days of Amitabh Bachchan's consistent rise to cinematic immortality. His depth and restraint work so well for both the character and the film, playing well in accordance with Chopra's controlled direction. Raakhee is also quietly dignified and authentic. Sadly, their appearance once the story jumps many years forward, is not entirely convincing, but they do well. Shashi Kapoor plays second-fiddle to Bachchan like in so many other films from Deewaar to Trishul, and he does a typical job, which is good. Waheeda Rehman can be counted on to give exactly what she gives here - a remarkably realistic performance. The weak links for me, not because of their acting, but because of their placement in the story, the lovely couple of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, both working hard to highlight how young and bubbly they are. Singh of course gets meatier part which carries the narrative forward. Simi Garewal is very good in a smaller part. Flawed it may be, but Kabhie Kahbie is a classic worth revisiting.

Review By Kamal K

The movie has got some really good songs, most of my favourite old songs are from this movie. The Evergreen Hits with really deep meaning and such a melody.

Didn't like the story much, although the start was good. But the movie surely gives some good messages for life...