Series: Student of the Year: After Dark
Director: Reema Maya
Cast: Shanaya Kapoor, Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Abhinav Singh, Deeya Damani, Adi Malik, Sheeba Chaddha, Vivek
Gomber and Harsh Chhaya
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Drama
Language: Hindi
Streaming Platform: JioHotstar
Episodes: 6
Rating: 3.5/5
Story
Now consider a situation where the glamorous university campus, complete with all the popular students and their friends and foes, turns into a murder mystery plot! That is the intriguing concept behind Student of the Year: After Dark.
Unlike most other college love and friendship stories related to the Student of the Year series, this one takes an entirely different path. It talks about the twin sisters Aayesha and Aditi, who are played by Shanaya Kapoor. As soon as Aayesha, a popular student at St. Teresa’s, dies in mysterious conditions, her twin sister Aditi refuses to believe anything.
In search of the truth behind the murder, Aditi goes back and digs up the past life, friends and associations of her sister. While searching for answers, Aditi starts getting closer to uncovering some shocking secrets, tangled friendships and surprising facts!
The amazing thing is that everyone has some secrets hidden! As the plot progresses, the mystery grows even more, making it hard to guess whom to believe.
What Works?
The most outstanding feature of the TV show Student of the Year: After Dark is its fresh perspective on the franchise. Rather than relying solely on romance in college, glamor, and music, the series adds murder, suspense, and psychothriller elements.
Although the setting at college appears glamorous, there is something eerie lurking behind it all. The contrast is perfect for the plot and adds a unique flavor to the show.
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The plot also has sufficient turns and conflicts between characters to keep viewers interested. Although it takes some time for the first episodes to introduce viewers to the main characters and their dynamics, the plot gains momentum gradually.
Performances
The actor who receives maximum exposure here is Shanaya Kapoor, who impresses with her performance. It is not easy to act in two different roles, but Shanaya Kapoor successfully manages to do this, and her characters Aditi and Aayesha have completely different personalities.
The most fascinating thing about the portrayal of the character of Aditi is the range of emotions that the actress portrays. From sorrow and bewilderment to determination and bravery, Aditi changes a lot.
Among other actors playing the roles of young people we should mention Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Abhinav Singh, Deeya Damani and Adi Malik. They add their characters and emotions to the story, keeping the intrigue alive.
In the supporting cast we can find veteran actors like Sheeba Chaddha, Vivek Gomber and Harsh Chhaya.
Direction, Music and Technical Aspects
It is a praiseworthy effort by the director Reema Maya to explore a well-known franchise in an entirely new way. The dark plotline, stunning visuals, and mystery-filled aura of the show add a unique twist to it.
A lot can be said about the cinematography of the movie. Especially the contrast that has been brought in through the bright color scheme of the college life and dark aspects of the investigation deserves admiration.
Background score is yet another factor which enhances the suspense factor of the show. But there was a need to keep the script shorter in certain parts.
What Doesn’t Work?
Student of the Year: After Dark has an exciting premise; however, the series is not without flaws. The first episodes spend some time setting up the mystery, which might be too slow for people who want something that keeps them on edge right away.
Also, some developments concerning the characters can be improved. Although the plot is full of twists to make viewers interested, there are some elements which were too predictable.
The writing could be better, particularly where linking different characters and their secrets was concerned. However, that does not mean that they ruin the overall viewing experience.
Final Verdict
Student of the Year: After Dark is an intriguing deviation for a film series which is known for romantic themes in the backdrop of college life.
With a murder mystery in the heart of the plot, a slick production, and the promising acting by Shanaya Kapoor, this six-part mini-series presents an unusual take on the campus drama.
Even if it isn’t quite the thriller to be counted as the best of the genre, this show will definitely offer sufficient intrigue and surprises for any fan of mystery plots.
Should You Watch It?
If you love mystery thrillers with murder and complex relationships set in a college environment, then Student of the Year: After Dark should definitely be on your list.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Decision: An interesting mystery story that shows us that college is not all about glamour and romance!
Student of the Year: After Dark is currently available on JioHotstar.
