SOTY MOVIE REVIEWS THREAD ONLY

Firsly, I can't believe that I actually went to watch a film that I was trashing even before its release!🤔 (As I said in an earlier post somewhere, being NRIs, we are desperate to watch a hindi film...and take our chance with every film that is released in our country of residence!)

Secondly, I think this year, the award for best male debut is going to be impossible to decide! When Vicky Donor came, I thought no one could beat Aayushman Khurana...then Ishaqzaade released and I though that, wow...Arjun Kapoor will walk away with all the accolades! And now after watching SOTY, I can't seem to think of anyone else better to win the best debutant award than Siddharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan (Both...can't choose between them...they were both equally good⭐️)

Thirdly, I was the one bitching about Varun being praised by everyone in the Industry because he is David Dhawan's son...I am sorry, I take my words back.😳 Totally! The lad is just fantastic in the film...and though Siddharth was also picture perfect, Varun still walks away with the film in totality...with a performance that will win your heart! The reason might be that his character in the film is such that the audience sympathy goes to him, but still Varun elevates his role to another level altogether!

Fourth, I was partially right about Alia🤔...though she looks like a complete doll and has the most adorable smile I have seen on anyone...the poor girl has absolutely nothing to do in the film! She is just a prop...albeit a really pretty one! And the one scene in which she has to emote, she flounders like anything!

Some scenes between Shanaya and Abhi were so cute...the one where she comes in the hospital to meet his grandmother and the one where he comes to console her after she sees Rohan flirting with the other girl! (Alia is actually very cute to look at, more so when she smiles😃)

But Varun's character was the better written of the two in the film, hence for me, Varun had a slight edge over Siddharth!

Its odd though...Siddharth is conventionally more handsome, taller, more dashing and more masculine in appearance in comparison to Varun...but somehow Varun just steals your heart with his cheeky smile and boyish charm!😳 (Still can't believe he is David Dhawan's offspring! Was he adopted?😕) Varun's dialouge delivery needs a bit more polishing but otherwise he is superb on-screen...its impossible to believe that SOTY is his debut film...he comes across so confident and assured and is a complete natural!👏

Alia is adorable to look at but she had NOTHING to do in the film, except look pretty, which she does really well! Also, she looks so painfully young that its downright creepy to see her wearing bikini's and plunging necklines!🤢 She needs to don a school uniform and go back and prepare for her SAT's or something!

Siddharth is really easy on the eyes, dances like a dream (though not as good as Varun...that guy is like Elvis Presley's second avtaar or something!) and emotes with fluidity! He does seem a bit stiff in some scenes, but overall, I could not really find any fault with him! The reason why he might lag behind a wee bit from Varun in terms of popularity after this film will only have to do with his character in the film and nothing to do with him as an actor!

The music of the film is fabulous (Except the Ishq Wala Song...but only because I loved the spoof version so much that when I saw the actual song, I could not help but giggle on it!😆)...the background score especially is easy on the ears! The Piano music which plays during the silent dialouge between Abhi, Rohan and Shanaya during the wedding scene was really good!

In terms of negatives...there was too much skinshow going on! Especially with the boys!🤢 It was almost like soft-po*n at times...there was really no need to show close-ups of Siddharth and Varun's bodies after they come out of the swimming pool!😕 Every Single Time! Karan doesn't have to fulfill all his kinky fantasies on the audience!😆 Some of the close-ups of the boys were very embarassing...more so because, they were so unnecssary! (However attractive the boys might be, I don't think anyone is interested in watching their butt cracks through wet swimming trunks, apart from Karan Johar!😆)

The whole Gay thing between Rishi's character and the Coach was 😕 It was so half-baked and had nothing to do with the film or the story! (Though the interactions between Rishi's character and the Coach's wife were downright hilarious!😆)

Alia's character was majorly under-written and she had very little to do in the film as an actor. Her equation with Rohan and Abhi is never really explained and one fails to understand who loves whom in the end? The underlying theme of the film is obviously friendship and Karan should have just stuck to it without bringing in the additional romance angle, which did nothing to the story!

The gloss factor could have been a bit under-toned in the film! Though its wonderful to see gorgeous sets and breathtaking costumes, they somehow overwhelm the film in totality and bring down the other good aspects of the films! Superficiality is enjoyable but only upto an extent!

Overall, a highly entertaining film and one of Karan Johar's best work, after KKHH! He should stick to such films rather than try and make something like My Name is Khan! Karan's genre is candy-floss romance and he really excels in it, so no reason why he shouldn't keep doing something he is already good in! The film certainly put me in a cheerful mood and I have no shame in saying that I would much prefer to watch a SOTY over a Gangs of Wasseypur anyday!😆

On to the movie, it is very very KJo and the kind of movie he excels at making. The film doesn't have much of a story, but it is definitely entertaining! I love realistic movies as well but sometimes you just need that one movie where you can relax and enjoy it. SOTY provided just that. It's not trying to be realistic cinema or this pathbreaking film, it's candyfloss and KJo projects it like that as well, so at least you don't end up disappointed expecting some realistic/intelligent cinema.

The boys are so so so good! You could tell Varun knew how to act from the promos anyway, but I was a little apprehensive about Siddharth. And boy! Was I wrong! He is equally great and like many said, you just do not know who is better! It is very difficult to choose one out of the two, but I'll choose Siddharth only because I'm biased towards him. 😆

He's charming, he's handsome, he isn't a great dancer compared to Varun but he can dance (he isn't horrible at all) and he can act! I absolutely loved his entry, all three got lavish entries in the movie actually, but of course, Siddharth had a slightly bigger entry than Varun and Alia since he actually gets a full-fledged song (Kukkad, and what an addicting song!). Siddharth's entry reminded me of Hrithik's entry in K3G when he first arrived in Kareena's college). This guy is fantastic! I love reading about the appreciation he's been getting, it's definitely wonderful to see an outsider getting such attention. He's definitely my favorite from the guys, but I like Varun as well!

Even if he's a star kid, that doesn't take anything away from Varun. He is equally amazing as well and it's so refreshing, once again, to see a star kid who can actually act and actually deserve the appreciation he gets! Rohan is definitely the character you feel sympathy for by the end of the movie and your heart just goes out to him. A little work on the dialogue delivery, but Varun is phenomenal! I really can't praise Varun and Siddharth enough, hopefully these two go really far.

Alia, like everyone said, has least to do in the film. She was only made to look pretty but when she does speak, she isn't bad at all! She's good enough, I just can't tell if she's great since the girl didn't get much of an opportunity to show her acting skills. Maybe in her next movie she'll have a role meaty enough where I can acknowledge her well. But, Alia does know how to give off very cute looks! 😆 She is so adorable in many scenes. In this one scene where notices the earring Abhi stole from her, he tells her to leave and she goes, "Par Abhi, yeh tumhe suit nahi karega" referring to the earring, LOL. So cute there! 😆 But it is quite awkward to see her paired up with Varun and Sid considering her age, but she's quite wonderful in the little that she has to do.

Rishi Kapoor was sooo cute!! The perfect choice as the Dean, I just cannot imagine anyone else in this role. I wanted to give him a big bear hug whenever he appeared onscreen. 😆 Ronit Roy as the hot coach who Yogi fancies, Ram Kapoor as Varun's father in the film were amazing! I just love Ronit and Ram, and it's amazing to see them in this movie. They both acted very very well and it was a delight to see them whenever they appeared!

The songs were so lavish and grand, just what KJo is known for! I absolutely LOVED the 'Dafli Wala' remix during the Radha song, beautifully done! And it is such a pleasure to watch Radha on the big screen. That song is my favorite from the album and I was smiling throughout during the song! Kukkad was amazing as well. Loved the little dance off between Varun and Sid. Did Sid look hot in that black shirt or what? God, he's so tall! Vele, Shanaya (a wonderful remix yet again!), Ratta Maar, Ishq Wala Love, everything was beautifully picturized and choreographed! And not to mention Disco Deewane was absolutely amazing to watch in the theater as well! Ahhh, nothing like a KJo musical! 😃

*spoilers*

One of the most beautiful moment was the long silent scene after the Radha song. My god! Sid stole my heart away here. 😳 He emotes so well with his eyes. When he went to fix Shanaya's hair and steals her earring, that look was amazing! Definitely reminded me of SRK. Sid is really good at giving those romantic looks, you can't help but sigh at his endearing personality. Just exudes charm onscreen. Oh, I think I have a new crush. 😆 Even in the Ishq Wala Love song, he just shows that he is indeed in love, especially during the scene where Shanaya is laughing and she hugs Abhi's shoulder, and then Rohan starts talking to her - the look Sid gave there, man! He definitely has the ability to make one go weak in the knees. You feel really bad for him as well.

Another small scene I loved was during the treasure hunt scene where both Abhi and Rohan were racing to reach the bell, Abhi tripped and fell, and Rohan stopped for a second to encourage him to get up. I loved these two's friendship in the movie! More than the romance, it is definitely about their friendship. I think by the end, everyone just wanted Rohan and Abhi to hook up. 😆 Their friendship is so endearing and sweet that when they do fall have a fall out you just feel for the characters. These two are so cute!

*end spoilers*

Overall, since this has ended up being really long, 😆 I LOVED this movie! Contemplating on seeing this again but on the internet this time, I don't think I can make such a long trip to the theaters again till Aamir's movie arrives. 😆 I went with my entire family and we all came out smiling. Kudos to Karan Johar for making such an entertaining film, one of his best works. And congrats to the three newcomers! They are absolutely brilliant! It will be a tough year for Bollywood to choose the best debut. :)

Story: The tracks are ready and the race is on. What's at stake? Love, friendship and the coveted 'Student of the Year' trophy.

Movie Review: It's KJo-Wala Love! Served fresh and piping hot from the Dharma college canteen of romance. And it's a high (class) school that you'd never want to miss a lecture of, ever. Except that it has its own set of Karan rules. Read the prospectus: 1. Leave your text-books at home but ensure you're carrying your designer bags and heels. 2. Drive a Ferrari to school, or if you're poorer, take a bike. 3. Dating, mating, separating and love lessons shall be part of the syllabus. 4. Girls, don your shortest minis, and guys, rip off the shirts. Welcome to St. Teresa's. Rest assured, it'll be a well-rounded entertainment experience.

ST is run by a happy and 'gay' Dean - Yogendra Vashisth (Rishi), who drools over John Abraham, and when he sees the much-married hot coach ( Ronit Roy) usko 'coach coach' hota hai!. The hotshot student of the school is rich brat Rohan Nanda (welcoming Varun Dhawan), who zips around in his hot-wheels, flirts, and dreams of being a Rockstar. His childhood sweetheart, another super rich kid, Shanaya (super filmy intro, Alia! Alia! Alia!), is Ms. Popularity and Drama Queen (don't miss the red pout) known for her brands and beauty. Enter (grandly) Abhimanyu (Sidharth), a middle-class boy with mega dreams, a chalta-phirta KBC (Mr Know-it-all), and the in-house Milkha Singh.

There's a typical rich-poor division in school, the Richie Rich Tatas v/s the bechara gareeb Batas. But with Abhimanyu's entry the competition heats up - With both boys showing ample abs & attitude (teeny-weeny trunks, for all you drooling women!), chasing the same gal (Shanaya), and aiming for the same trophy - Student of the Year! Their equations from friends-to-foes changing quicker than their school grades. Their muscles rippling more than their egos; the competition gets tougher and the boys - leaner and meaner. Their loyal friends adding chaos to campus - Eg. Tanya who tries everything in the 'date- bait-book' to seduce Rohan (including push-up bras); the Parsi 'Pseudo' - the 'minority report'-card in this bunch; Jeetu - Rohan's chamcha; tomboy Shruti - Shanaya's other half (minus her designer do).

This is what we call grandiose debut(s)!!! Karan's definitely swooshed his cane for this one. The trio has done him proud and has set a high 'bench-mark'. Varun expresses and emotes with superb confidence and storms the dance floor with swag. Sidharth stands equally tall, has amazing screen presence and is man of few words and many smouldering emotions. Alia wins your heart with her cuteness, effervescence and naivete. Yes, she reminds you of Kareena's Poo days (with all that oomph), but she comes into her own. The chemistry between the three (even outside the lab) grows on you.

Shabhash! SOTY's supporting cast is brilliant, each have favourite subjects and score high in those areas. But the star who scores a straight A-Plus is undoubtedly Rishi Kapoor - simply superb. The other guy who can take a bow is the director.

The film is full of KJo-isms - it's larger-than-life, colourful, lavish, beautifully shot and directed. With medleys, dance, drama and everything good-looking (from cast to couches, dorms to discos).

Vishal-Shekhar have caught the right beat with this high-school musical, and the songs are as fresh as the leads. The story is simple and entertains throughout, though it's not the first time this marathon of an idea has run past the screen. 'SOTY' takes you back to your books and sinks you in true-blue Bollywood syllabus, following the 'formula' - Two boys, one girl, one glorious trophy and lots of testosterone.

If this one doesn't pump you up with nostalgia, it's time for you to go back to school already!

Tip Off: You may not like this movie if bubble-gum romances, picture-perfect worlds and candy-floss clouds are not your idea of a movie-going experience

Student Of The Year

Karan Johar is back on the director's chair... and back to romance, conflict, song-n-dance and of course, college campus [KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI]. Only thing, it's minus the stars this time. The absence of stars notwithstanding, the curiosity to watch a KJo film remains intact. This colossal film is being looked forward to like any extravaganza that stars A-listers. The three newcomers [Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt] couldn't have dreamt of such a grandiloquent launch. But the weight on their shoulders is enormous. One expects them to make the right noise and perform like accomplished professionals in this lavishly-packed teen flick.

High school and college romance has been the wallpaper of many a film in the past. Recall movies like JO JEETA WOHI SIKANDAR, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, MAIN HOON NA, MOHABBATEIN, 3 IDIOTS... One look at the trailers and you might assume that STUDENT OF THE YEAR is all about kids' partying, clubbing and leading a fun-filled life. Sure, STUDENT OF THE YEAR is an entertainer in the truest sense of the term, but KJo ensures that he presents the lives of the students in a competitive environment with an uplifting message that comes across loud and clear: Be a go-getter, seize the opportunity with both your hands, have the ambitious streak to attain what you desire.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR is a love story that traverses the trodden path [a high school romance]. But KJo is an artisan with intellect and taste and he ensures that the script is spruced up and modernized with such elan that it doesn't offend the spectator's wisdom or intelligence. The accomplished director takes on familiar material and gives it an entirely new twirl. This is escapist cinema at its best!

STUDENT OF THE YEAR is the story of Abhimanyu Singh [Sidharth Malhotra] and Rohan Nanda [Varun Dhawan], who traverse the path of competition, envy, triumph, failure, manipulation and heartbreak in their mini-universe of St. Teresa's High School, Dehradun. Abhimanyu a.k.a Abhi comes from a middle-class family and wants to achieve great heights of success and prosperity, the first step to which will be the 'Student Of The Year' trophy, while Rohan Nanda a.k.a. Ro is the son of a business tycoon [Ram Kapoor], who grapples with a complex relationship with his father and knows that winning the 'Student Of The Year' trophy will bag him the approval that he subconsciously craves for.

The two protagonists with distinct backgrounds and clear goals clash with each other in the locker room, football field and the canteen. Things are further knotted up when Shanaya Singhania [Alia Bhatt], the most popular girl on the campus, enters the equation. While Shanaya and Rohan are childhood sweethearts, Abhi's attraction for his best friend's girlfriend and Shanaya's quiet reciprocation causes a rift in their friendship. Abhi and Rohan are ready for a face-off and battle lines are drawn through the length and breadth of the campus, with only one goal in everyone's eyes -- 'Student Of The Year' trophy.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR narrates the wonderfully intricate and complex trajectory of three high school kids, their transition from adolescence/teenage to maturity/adulthood and the emotions they experience in this journey called life. Although love stories is a beaten to death genre, STUDENT OF THE YEAR doesn't fall into the 'typical romantic fare' category either. Karan and screenplay writer Rensil D'silva pay minute attention to detailing and character development and what comes across on screen seems like an unmarked, charming and bona fide experience within the commercial parameters.

In his by-now-famous style, Karan grabs your attention from the very commencement of the movie. What follows thereafter -- every sequence, actually -- is relevant to the film and the objective is to remain faithful to the essence of the story. Whether it's the amusing moments or the ones that depict the camaraderie of the three protagonists, also the ones when the two guys lock horns and get into the competitive spirit, Karan ensures that he packs in the optimum. There's no room for boredom or monotony in this high-on-energy movie. I'd like to make a special mention of one sequence, which reverberates in your memory and continues to haunt you after the show has concluded: A silent sequence with just music playing in the background. What a sequence! Besides, a number of emotional moments make you moist-eyed.

On the flipside, the 'Treasure Hunt' is the sole episode that doesn't match the brilliance of an otherwise dazzling movie. But there's so much happening in the movie, you overlook this minor aberration as it rushes to a pulse-pounding finale.

Vishal-Shekhar deliver a winning soundtrack. It's lively, sprightly, refined... the kind of sound that works majorly with the youth audience, the kind of sound one has come to expect from a KJo movie, the kind of soundtrack that's infectiously catchy. Besides, the gist of the movie comes across well in the varied tracks, be it 'Disco Deewane', 'Radha', 'Ishq Wala Love', 'Ratta Maar' and 'Vele'. It's a complete album and the choreography/execution of each track is stunning.

Cinematography [Ayananka Bose] is spectacular. Each and every frame looks grandiose, colorful. In fact, the glam that you associate with a KJo movie is all there. This one's truly a good looking film! Dialogue [Niranjan Iyengar] adjoins incredible significance to the movie and serves immensely to fortify even a commonplace sequence. The styling of each and every actor [Manish Malhotra] is awe-inspiring.

You need immense courage to launch newcomers in an extravagant production in these tough times. Not only has Karan chosen faces that have the potential to be the poster boys/girl of Gen X, but he ensures that they are presented like huge stars in their debut movie. Both Sidharth and Varun are excessively talented, supremely confident and hardly look like first-time actors. Photogenic, charming and self-assured, it's tough to say who's better, Sidharth or Varun? Both shine in their respective roles, both enact their parts with gusto. Sidharth gets some terrific moments, while Varun is a talent one can't help but marvel at. Alia's role is reminiscent of Kareena in KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM [remember Poo?]. Stylish, classy, born with a silver spoon, she's someone who loves to flaunt not just her clothes and bags, but also her riches. Extremely photogenic [she looks like a doll, frankly], Alia makes a super-confident debut. In fact, all three, Siddharth, Varun and Alia, are here to stay!

The film has a super-strong supporting cast. Known for essaying romantic roles in his illustrious career, Rishi Kapoor's portrayal of a baddie in AGNEEPATH earlier this year and as a gay dean in STUDENT OF THE YEAR is sure to raise eyebrows. But it also proves how courageous he is when it comes to choosing roles. The veteran is simply lovable. Ram Kapoor is another actor who has proved his credentials in the past and proves it yet again. He's fantastic!

Kayoze Irani is another youngster who stands out. Extremely natural... he shines in a powerful sequence towards the final stages of the film. Manasi Rachh, as Alia's friend, sparkles in several sequences. She's too good. Sahil Anand, as Varun's friend, is first-rate, providing some genuinely funny laughs.

Ronit Roy is wonderfully restrained. Sana Saaed looks glamorous and does well. Manjot Singh is pleasant. Gautami Kapoor conveys a lot through her expressive eyes. Maninee De Mishra, Farida Jalal, Prachi Shah, Sushma Seth, Akshay Anand, all lend adequate support. Boman Irani appears in a cameo.

On the whole, STUDENT OF THE YEAR is amongst Karan Johar's most accomplished works. The youth brigade would love it and those who have already past that age would want to revisit those days. This one's entertainment, entertainment and entertainment at its best. Clearly, KJo has a winner on hands, yet again!

Review: Karan Johar's 'Student Of The Year' is all fluff and no stuff

Performance wise:

Siddharth: Extremely easy on the eyes, amazing screen presence and exudes confidence. His swagger and confidence look natural, but few dramatic scenes could use some work. He also needs to brush up his dancing skills. He has great voice (a mix of Arjun Rampal's and Hrithik's) which helps in dialogue delivery. His looks while romancing! I think we have a new romantic hero in the making here!

Varun: Had the most complex and layered role, lucky guy. But at the same time, he was more likely to stumble as well. He mostly looked like a ball of anger throughout the movie. While he delivers well in the dramatics, sometimes he comes across as he's trying too hard. His dancing skills deserves a special mention, it's on par with the likes of Shahid. Doesn't have too great of a voice though.

Alia: Her role was almost one-dimensional, all she had to was pout and look pretty. But she isn't staggeringly sexy either. She has the least screen time among the three too. Can't say much about her acting because there hardly was any. I don't see much screen presence here either.

The story was alright..nothing exceptional..there were certain parts in the story that made you go hmmm..but, there were way too many positives for me so such negatives didn't really matter.

Let me start off by saying..it was SO refreshing and nice to see such promising newcomers - Siddharth & Varun. They were both awesome. I really can not decide who was better with their acting. They both did very well in their respective roles. In terms of screen presence, charm, personality..I think Sid wins all of that hands down. He's such a good looking guy..I was surprised to see how the promos didn't justify that at all. lol..Nonetheless, I found him to be very mesmerizing. I couldn't help but smile throughout all those scenes where his character silently gushes over Shanaya. This guy can really emote through his eyes. I felt so lovestruck... Call me biased, but Sid really knows how to express through his eyes..and I was kind of surprised by that. I was hoping he'd be good..but he actually exceeded my expectations. I think you tend to feel bad for his character during the first half and then during the second half..you feel bad for Rohan.

Moreover, Varun's such an awesome dancer..I couldn't help but notice just him during the Disco Deewane song. & then during Vele..he was just perfect with his moves too. You do end up feeling more for his character since his dad's just unnecessarily such a jerk it's just weird..😕..overall, Varun was really good...but I expected Varun to be good..maybe because I could see that in the promos, and since Varun has been more hyped with his performance (probably because of his character because honestly, they both were good with their acting)..but Sid actually surprises you a lot. I went in hoping he'd be good..but he was really good. His acting is more subtle..and yes, I do think I have this crush on Sid after watching the movie.

Alia - She was alright...surprised how she has such a small role. 😕..She REALLLY reminded me of Kareena from her early days. There's also some resemblance facewise I feel..or maybe it was just me? Nonetheless, she wasn't as good as the boys..but it doesn't really matter because the story isn't really about her..so you're like meh, whatever the guys were great..that's good enough. 😆 She's cute and pretty though..however, she seems too young in certain scenes..like way too young.

Sana Saeed - OMGGG..wth? her makeup, outfits, basically EVERYTHING was just so horrendous. Her acting wasn't bad...but wow..she looked more like a s**t than a supposed high school student. She has horrible screen presence too.

Rishi Kapoor - I LOVEDDD him. I thought he had brilliant comic timing..and though the same old addition of a gay character in a Johar movie..Rishi Kapoor carried his role so well. His character really helps you enjoy the movie thoroughly.

Everyone else was good too in their respective roles. I though all of the other students who made it to the top in the competition were very good as well...especially the heavy guy, with glasses. Forgot his name, lol..but he was great..although his confrontation scene with the dean in the end is crazy weird. So far fetched and not needed.

Music - AWESOME. The album took a while to grow on me..but the more I listened to the songs over the past month or so..the more I started to like it..and personally, loved watching all the songs captured the way they were in the film.

Direction & story could have been a bit better..but as mentioned before, I liked so many things in this movie that I can ignore the flaws. 3.5/5