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Student of the Year is a Bollywood teen drama that was released on October 19, 2012. Directed by Karan Johar and produced under the Dharma Productions banner, the film is a colorful blend of youthful energy, romance, and competitive spirit. With its vibrant setting and a fresh star cast, including Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra, the movie explores the highs and lows of friendship, love, and ambition in the backdrop of a prestigious school competition. Its glamorous presentation and peppy soundtrack make it an entertaining watch for a wide audience.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around St. Teresa’s College, a prestigious institution that hosts an annual “Student of the Year” competition. The competition tests students on various fronts, including academics, sports, and cultural activities. The plot follows three main characters—Rohan Nanda (Varun Dhawan), Abhimanyu Singh (Sidharth Malhotra), and Shanaya Singhania (Alia Bhatt)—as they navigate friendship, rivalry, and love. Rohan is a rich brat with a carefree attitude, Abhimanyu is an ambitious scholarship student with big dreams, and Shanaya is the beautiful yet emotionally conflicted girl caught between them. The narrative builds up to the final showdown of the competition, unraveling secrets and testing relationships along the way.
What’s Good?
One of the most striking aspects of Student of the Year is its visual grandeur. Karan Johar’s signature style is evident in the lavish sets, picturesque locations, and vibrant costumes that bring the story to life. The cinematography by Ayananka Bose captures the opulence and youthful vibe of the film beautifully.
The debut performances of Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra are commendable. Each actor brings a distinct personality to their character, making them relatable and memorable. Varun shines as the charming yet flawed Rohan, while Sidharth’s portrayal of the driven and grounded Abhimanyu adds depth. Alia impresses with her grace and emotional expressions as Shanaya.
The music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, is another highlight. Songs like “Radha,” “Ishq Wala Love,” and “Disco Deewane” became instant hits and remain popular even today. The choreography is energetic and complements the peppy vibe of the movie.
The screenplay by Rensil D’Silva and Niranjan Iyengar keeps the narrative engaging, blending drama, humor, and emotion seamlessly. The dialogues are crisp and resonate with the youthful target audience. The underlying themes of ambition, love, and friendship strike a chord with viewers, making the story relatable despite its glamorous setting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Debut Performances: The three leads deliver strong performances, making a lasting impression despite being newcomers.
- Visual Appeal: The film’s production design, costumes, and cinematography create a vibrant and aspirational world.
- Music and Dance: The soundtrack and choreography are catchy, adding to the film’s entertainment value.
- Relatable Themes: The story’s exploration of relationships and personal growth resonates with viewers.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: The storyline follows a conventional path, offering few surprises for seasoned moviegoers.
- Over-the-Top Presentation: Some scenes and characters come across as overly dramatic, diluting the realism.
- Lack of Depth: While entertaining, the film doesn’t delve deeply into the characters’ emotional arcs or struggles.
Target Audience
Student of the Year is tailored for a younger audience, particularly teenagers and young adults who enjoy lighthearted dramas with a dose of glamour. Fans of Karan Johar’s style of filmmaking and Bollywood musicals will find the movie entertaining. It’s also a great pick for families looking for a fun, feel-good watch. The film’s themes of friendship, competition, and love make it appealing to viewers across different age groups.
Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
- Total Budget: Approximately ₹60 crore
- Worldwide Collection: Around ₹70 crore
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: ₹7.48 crore (India) | ₹1.6 crore (Overseas)
- Day 2: ₹9.36 crore (India) | ₹1.8 crore (Overseas)
- Day 3: ₹11.22 crore (India) | ₹2.1 crore (Overseas)
- Day 4: ₹4.73 crore (India) | ₹1.2 crore (Overseas)
- Day 5: ₹3.85 crore (India) | ₹1 crore (Overseas)
The film opened to strong box office numbers and managed to recover its budget within the first week. Its commercial success was driven by its youthful appeal, star power, and chart-topping music.
Recommendation
Student of the Year is an entertaining and visually appealing film that serves as a perfect launchpad for its debutante cast. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, its charm lies in its vibrant presentation and feel-good vibe. It’s a must-watch for fans of Bollywood musicals and lighthearted dramas. Recommended for a fun and relaxing movie night!
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating:
5.686/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sidharth Malhotra | Abhimanyu Singh |
| Varun Dhawan | Rohan Nanda |
| Alia Bhatt | Shanaya Singhania |
| Rishi Kapoor | Dean Yogendra Vasisht |
| Sana Saeed | Tanya Israni |
| Ram Kapoor | Ashok Nanda |
| Ronit Roy | Coach Shah |
| Sahil Anand | Jeet Khurana |
| Kayoze Irani | Sudo |
| Manjot Singh | Dimpy |
| Manasi Rachh | Shruti Pathak |
| Boman Irani | Harikishan Santa |
| Abdul Quadir Amin | Friend |
| Gautami Kapoor | Gayatri Nanda |
| Farida Jalal | Abhimanyu’s Grandmother |
| Akshay Anand | Abhimanyu’s Uncle |
| Manini Mishra | Geeta Singh |
| Prachee Shah | Coach Shah’s Wife |
| Kajol | Dancer in Dance Competition |
| Vaibhavi Merchant | Dance Competition Judge |
| Farah Khan | Dance Competition Judge |
| Sushma Seth | Dean Yogendra Vasisht’s Mother |
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