Student Of The Year – After Dark REVIEW: Shanaya Kapoor Shines In A Double Role As Glamour Meets A Murder Mystery

Film:
Students Of The Year - After Dark

Director: Reema Sengupta

Writer: Reema Sengupta

Cast: Shanaya Kapoor, Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Mannat Duggal, Deeya Damimi, Sheeba Chaddha and Harsh Chhaya

Runtime: 6 episodes (35 minutes each)

Platform: Jio Hotstar

Students Of The Year – After Dark Review

The Student Of The Year franchise has always been synonymous with glamour, fashion, friendship, romance and college rivalries. From larger-than-life campus settings to complicated young relationships, the films have created a distinct space in Bollywood’s coming-of-age genre. 

However, Student Of The Year: After Dark takes a rather different route. This time, the familiar college setting gets a dark makeover, with murder, mystery and suspense taking centre stage. Consisting of six episodes, the series moves beyond the usual college drama and introduces a murder mystery that keeps its characters and the audience guessing. The shift in genre makes it an interesting addition to the franchise, even though it has a few shortcomings.

What Works

The biggest strength of Student Of The Year: After Dark is its intriguing premise. The queen bee of St. Teresa’s College, Ayesha Malik, is found dead in a frozen lake, and her death soon becomes a viral sensation. While the college is busy dealing with the shocking incident, her twin sister, Aditi, decides to investigate what really happened. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins looking beyond the glamorous faces and popular groups of the college.

The narrative does a decent job of creating curiosity around its characters. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and as Aditi gets closer to the truth, several secrets and complicated relationships come to light. The series also explores the insecurities, competition and struggles that exist beneath the seemingly perfect college life.

Another major highlight is Shanaya Kapoor’s double role. Playing two sisters with contrasting personalities gives her an opportunity to explore different shades as a performer. Her presence adds to the intrigue, and she manages to hold attention in both roles.

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Technical Analysis

Director Reema Maya brings a fresh vision to the familiar Student Of The Year universe. Replacing the usual romantic drama with a murder mystery is a welcome change. The college setting retains its glamour, but the darker atmosphere gives the series a different identity.

The storytelling gradually reveals the secrets surrounding Ayesha’s death, keeping the investigation at the centre of the narrative. The direction manages to balance the college drama with suspense, although the pacing could have been more consistent. 

Overall, the technical treatment supports the show’s attempt to step away from the franchise’s conventional format.

Star Performances

Shanaya Kapoor gets a significant opportunity to showcase her acting range with a double role. As Ayesha and Aditi, she brings two different personalities to the screen. While one character is associated with the popularity and glamour of college life, the other is driven by emotions and the determination to uncover the truth. Shanaya makes her presence felt and carries much of the narrative’s intrigue.

Divik Sharma adds to the ensemble with a performance that fits into the series’ college setting. His character contributes to the unfolding drama.

Manya Grover brings an interesting presence to the narrative and adds to the dynamics between the young characters.

Mannat Duggal plays her part in the ensemble, contributing to the college drama and its complicated relationships.

Deeya Damimi adds another layer to the young ensemble, helping build the world of St. Teresa’s College.

Sheeba Chaddha brings her experience to the screen and adds weight to the ensemble.

Harsh Chhaya makes his presence felt, adding to the dramatic proceedings.

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Conclusion

Student Of The Year – After Dark deserves credit for attempting something different with an established franchise. The combination of college glamour, complicated friendships, secrets and a murder mystery makes for an engaging watch. 

Shanaya Kapoor’s double role is one of the series’ biggest highlights, and Reema Maya’s distinct vision gives it a fresh identity. While the storytelling and pacing could have been tighter, the series manages to hold attention with its central mystery. It may not be a flawless thriller, but it is an interesting departure from the franchise’s familiar territory.

Watch the trailer of Students Of The Year – After Dark here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.