Filmmaker Karan Johar is taking his popular Student of the Year franchise in a darker direction. The trailer for Student of the Year: After Dark introduces a murder mystery, twin sisters and a dangerous school competition.
Unlike the earlier films, which focused on romance, glamour and campus rivalries, the upcoming series explores secrets, ambition and betrayal. Its new storyline has already sparked mixed reactions among viewers.
Some fans welcomed the fresh approach. However, others compared the trailer to international teen dramas and survival thrillers.
Fans Spot Similarities With Riverdale and Squid Game
Social media users quickly drew comparisons between the series and popular shows such as Riverdale and Squid Game.
One viewer described the trailer as having Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why vibes. Another compared its competitive school setting to Squid Game.
Some viewers also referenced the Indian series Paanch and the novel That Night by Niidhi Upadhyay.
These reactions reflect early audience impressions rather than confirmed creative influences. Nevertheless, the comparisons highlight how the franchise’s new direction differs from its earlier instalments.
Shanaya Kapoor Plays Twin Sisters
Actor Shanaya Kapoor takes centre stage in a double role, playing twin sisters Aayesha Malik and Aditi. Aayesha, a popular student at St. Teresa Heritage School, dies under mysterious circumstances. However, Aditi refuses to believe that her sister’s death was an accident.
Determined to uncover the truth, Aditi enters the school’s fiercely competitive Student of the Year contest. She must navigate rivalries and hidden secrets while investigating her sister’s death.
The series also features Abhinav Singh, Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Deeya Damani, Adi Malik, Sheeba Chaddha and Vivek Gomber.
When Will Student of the Year: After Dark Release?
Directed by Reema Maya and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, the series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on November 13.
The project arrives 14 years after the original Student of the Year, released in 2012. That film introduced Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra to leading roles. Its 2019 sequel starred Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria.
Now, After Dark shifts the franchise towards suspense and murder, placing ambition and competition at the centre of its story.
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