Hardly surprising then that Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R.Madhavan and Sharman Joshi is being touted as the year’s biggie. A story about three friends studying to be engineers, the travails of student life and a love story all rolled into one, it is the film that everybody in the industry is waiting for. The first look unveiled at a press conference certainly had everyone asking for more.

That Aamir Khan, the hero of the film, is looking mint- fresh and as young as the college fachcha (slang for fresher) certainly helps. Like Hirani’s earlier films, this one too has a message though he’s unwilling to divulge too much at this stage. As the promos suggest, the story about the unending race that begins in our childhood—for good grades and entry to hallowed educational institutions is certain to find takers across age groups. While Wake Up Sid connected to the audience with its simple coming-of-age story, 3 Idiots could well go a step further. The core message - that pursuit of excellence, as different from success, makes a far more satisfying journey - is relevant across age groups. It is a philosophy that both producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Hirani hold close to their hearts and with the perfectionist Khan playing the lead, this one is likely to establish a huge connect with young India.

Speaking of sneak-peeks at film visuals, the poster of Paa is intriguing. A tall man (presumably Mr B) standing with a big cardboard box covering his face! Big B playing son (who ages rapidly due to progeria, a disease that makes him age faster than his actual biological age) to Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan, this film with its novel concept and helmed by Balki, the man who gave us Cheeni Kum, is certainly turning the idea of youth on its head.

Meanwhile Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Imran Khan once again tie-up - Ranbir perhaps has an edge with the success of Wake Up Sid- as youth favourites. Shahid Kapoor firmly secured his place as a young favourite with his very impressive outing in Kaminey and with his appeal among the college-going crowd he looks set to retain his popularity. Imran too has a following and is likely to climb higher on the popularity charts with his next -I Hate Love Stories.