This Student could have got a “B”
High School – the template of many a purported new age film…… KJo’s version might have new faces, “new” songs” and newer clothes but it’s the same old anorexic script in a shiny new wardrobe !!!!
In fact it could be SOTY 1992 or 2012… This is not a compliment on the timelessness of the movie rather a reflection on the datedness of the stories and ideas presented…. The centerpiece of which is the competition involving academics, dancing, a treasure hunt (yeah, seriously could have been in SOTY 1972 too) and a triathlon to prove which student is indeed the “Jackass” of all trades !!
It’s a shame because Karan Johar is one of the few directors who can elicit super performances from his actors. This time like most times he is let down by Karan Johar the screenwriter. The koffee is presented in exquisite cutlery but is very weak and definitely needs less sugar. Although hailing from the same genre it needs some spine from “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar”, some originality from “3 Idiots” and some humour from “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na”.
Cinema involving excessive (over)enthusiastic escapism, expressing exaggerated emotions is KJo’s forte and is amply reflected in the set design, the school and its students. The story is that of Abhimanyu Singh [Sidharth Malhotra] and Rohan Nanda [Varun Dhawan], who traverse the well-trodden path of competition, loyalty, friendship, love, envy, heartbreak, failure and triumph in St. Teresa’s High School, Dehradun (in exactly that order, and no, its not a spoiler if the whole thing is already telegraphed in the promos !!). Abhimanyu comes from a middle-class family and is hungry for prosperity, the first step to which will be the ‘Student Of The Year’ trophy, while Rohan Nanda is the son of a business tycoon , who is made to feel that winning the ‘Student Of The Year’ trophy will bag him Papa’s approval. They also compete for the affections of Shanaya Singhania [Alia Bhatt] playing the perfect naïve, innocent high-school sweetheart.
Team “Abhi” and team “Ro” in Saint T’s (in keeping with the “cool” factor) are supported by an absolutely unnecessary cast of extras which include a Barbie, a Motu, a She-man and a spoon(chamcha) and assorted bimbos and himbos speaking mumbo jumbo…… Considering the screen presence of the three protagonists this cast of extras seems superfluous and simply jars the cinematic flow. When the koffee tastes good pure it’s a waste to ruin it by adding extra ingredients. Infact the coach (Ronit Roy), the flamboyant dean (Rishi Kapoor) and the tyrant tycoon (Ram Kapoor) who have all acted very well could easily have been given more screen time than the faltu friends. But then there’s the “dude” demographic to cater to.
What’s refreshing and what will certainly pull in the teeny bopper crowds is the lead trio. The debutantes are true next-gen stars. Full credit to the styling by Manish Malhotra to make them truly photogenic. Their acting is also sublime, infact some of the “non-versations” they have show that they have grasped even the subtle nuances of their craft. Bereft of star-baggage their talent is mint-fresh and a treat to experience.
Cinematography by Ayananka Bose is sleek, under her and Karan’s touch even a rhino in the frame would be made to look like a unicorn. Dialogues by Niranjan Iyengar are lazy but yet have a youthful touch to them so they don’t look out of place. The lyrics of the songs could have definitely been better ….. “Ishqwala love” …… come on you’re just setting yourself up for the parody “Gaanewala song”. The music by Vishal-Shekhar is first rate. Not only does the score compliment the mood while you’re watching the film, it also has repeat value.
Like I said before if you ignore the story, the direction by Karan Johar is fantastic. You feel light and satisfied at the way the movie’s been presented. KJo is definitely the “king joker” maker of our generation and we need him to direct way more movies than he produces !!!
To sum up if a regular multiplex ticket costs Rs. 300 this movie is worth Rs. 200, Rs.150 for the terrific triple debut and Rs. 50 for the music videos DVD.

SAUMIL BHANSHALI