'Udaan' to 'Stanley Ka Dabba': 7 Movies to watch before the college-frenzy sets in!

School has finally come to an end for tenth graders across the city and everyone's getting prepped up for the college applications that will come their way pretty soon. While all of them are delighted their board examinations are over, this summer will be far from unadulterated relaxation; there are a number of things to go through and contemplate, one of the most prominent for some being choosing which stream of subjects to get into.

So, to deal with and temper down the concoction of emotions, including confusion, fear, nostalgia and contentment, here are 7 Bollywood gems you must watch: 

1. Udaan

 
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Udaan follows the story of 16 year-old Rohan Singh, who has just been expelled from his boarding school in Shimla. Separated from his school friends, he has to live with his estranged, strict father and a half-brother he has no idea existed. The famous scuffle of arts vs engineering has been brought to light by the strong narrative of the movie, as Rohan fights to be a writer in a home that is bound by his father's own curtailed ambitions. The ultimate message of this movie is to follow your heart, no matter what anyone may say, and how it will definitely lead you to success or happiness, at the very least. The movie stars Rajat Barmecha and Ronit Roy.

2. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar

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A popular movie from the '90s , Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar is a heartwarming tale of brotherhood, bravery and love, set in the school years of the protagonists. Sanjay (played by an adorable Aamir Khan),  a blithe, young boy whose main goal in life is to woo a rich girl, must take his brother's place in a popular bicycle competition. The movie is quite strong in its portrayal of friendship and loyalty and will get you reminiscing about fun-filled times in school immediately, including all those inter-school sports competitions! 

3. 3 Idiots

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It would be surprising if there was a single person out there who hasn't already seen this beloved 2009 hit already. With a heartwarming story and brilliant soundtrack, it resonates with young minds quite well and reminds them not to strain their minds too much with regards to their future as all will be well if they believe in themselves and follow their dreams. The movie is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and stars Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan and Kareena Kapoor. 

4. Rang De Basanti 

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The plot of this movie centres around a filmmaker who wishes to portray the lives and struggle of freedom fighters in India and how the actors of the movie, 6 college students from Delhi, are affected as a result. Again, it is very strong in its portrayal of the power of friendship and it also explores our roles in a larger frame as the next generation of adults in the country. The cast includes Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth and Soha Ali Khan. 

5. Taare Zameen Par 

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If you love art and craft or you've spent your childhood in a boarding school, this movie is definitely for you. The plot follows a young dyslexic Ishaan who is shunned by his father (who is oblivious to dyslexia) due to his poor performance in school and sent off to boarding school. However, things take a fortunate turn as an art teacher at his new school helps unearth his budding abilities as an artist and showcases his uniqueness to the world. This movie will remind you of any special teachers you had throughout your school years, who unconditionally guided and supported you when you needed it.The movie stars Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan. 

6. Wake Up Sid!

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With amazing performances delivered by Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, Wake Up Sid! is a comedy-drama about a lazy and directionless college student. Although it is essentially about the relationship between Sid and Aisha, the plot also follows Sid's self-discovery as a photographer, after he flunks in college, and how he finally manages to be independent, something we all must learn to do slowly as we grow up. 

7. Stanley Ka Dabba 

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Stanley Ka Dabba revolves around a wildly imaginative and personable fourth-grader. At first, he seems to have everything except a mere tiffin box to carry for school. Noticing this, his class teacher asks everyone else to share their food with him. After a while, a rather gluttonous teacher warns Stanley he will be expelled if he does not carry his own lunch to school. For those who haven't seen the movie, the end will surely leave you in tears. The way the movie depicts the purity of a child and his will to learn and seek despite hard circumstances is particularly endearing. The movie stars Partho A. Gupte, Amole Gupte and Divya Dutta.