Student Of The Year: Movie Review

Rating: 

Review: Two boys, one girl and a high-school romance… going by the trailers you may have thought the story is simple. In reality it isn’t. Here we encounter a glossy affair, called St.Teresa’s located (fictitiously) in Dehradoon. When it comes to Karan Johar’s work on screen, you really can’t expect subtlety. 

Student of the Year is the latest and one of the biggest films this year made under the magnanimous Dharma Productions banner, directed by the new-age romance weaver, Karan Johar himself. As seen in the past, all his films have well-known actors who’ve been seen on various platforms that K Jo brings together. Some of them are the faces you may have not seen for many years now. Then, there is the full-of-life, Rishi Kapoor, who doesn’t cease to exude charm whenever he speaks and acts. His character as Dean Vashishth was the most enjoyable one. Sharing some screen space are Boman Irani, Farida Jalal, Ram Kapoor, Gautami Kapoor (last seen in Ghar Ek Mandir opposite her husband), Ronit Roy and so many more. The perfect amalgamation of such seasoned talent couldn’t have got any better, I believe.

The debutantes, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra were spectacular as first-timers. Especially the boys, all oozing with talent. There were many Gossip Girl moments, as well as those that I would like to call ‘Poo’ moments ala Kareena Kapoor’s role as the bimbette in K Jo’s dream project,Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The great divide that exists in the society, that of the upper class and middle class, has been highlighted once again here. When Aamir Khan got into a duel with Deepak Tijori back then in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, you felt bad for Aamir Khan every time he failed. This film, on the other hand, comes with high-octane drama but the feeling dies along the path. The result of the Triwizard Tournament-like competition called Student Of the Year is inevitable. No points for guessing who wins.

Next year’s best debutant award may be shared by the two leading boys in the film. You would keep wondering who was better of the two, yet not zero-in on either. If a masala Bollywood flick is your cup of tea, go watch this film, you will enjoy it for all the good reasons. The songs make the frilly drama even better, for the foot-tapping music, most of the songs that you have heard before, just remixed and re-enacted. At some point, the film was a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai meets Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, but I reminded myself how this one was a tad-bit different. It is winner at the BO. Also, a surprise appearance is from one of the most renowned actresses in the industry who also happens to be K Jo’s lucky mascot. While you may have already guessed it or read about it, you will still enjoy what you see on screen.

Verdict: High-school romance fizzles out with the competitive feeling, yet keeps you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Saumya Sharma

Movie Details:

Release date: Oct 19, 2012
Language: Hindi
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Teenage
Cast & Crew: Siddharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor
Director: Karan Johar
Music: Vishal-Shekhar
Length: 2 hrs 21 mins