Student of the Year 2

Student of the Year 2 (SOTY 2) directed by Punit Malhotra and featuring feisty actors Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, and Tara Sutaria, is an appealing sequel to the 2012 hit Student of the Year. Released in 2019, this riveting college drama brings to life the blend of academic, athletic, and emotional competition amongst Indian students, mining the age-old premise of the underdog triumphing against all odds.

In SOTY 2, we return to the opulent Saint Teresa College, an almost fairytale-like setting echoing whispers of friendship, rivalry, love, and ambition. This elite institution is not just a college where mind-bending mathematics and Shakespearian sonnets are taught, but also a gladiatorial stage where students compete for the coveted title of the 'Student of the Year'.

The protagonist, Rohan Sachdev, played with remarkable energy by Tiger Shroff, hails from the less prestigious neighbouring college, Pishorilal Chamandas College. Just like his counterparts, Rohan is armed with dreams – dreams that harbour endless possibilities. He is an academically average student but shines on the sports field and stage, hoping to secure a trophy that doesn't come inscribed with a runner-up title.

The plot thickens when Rohan secures admission to Saint Teresa College, where he reunites with his childhood sweetheart Mridula Chawla, played by the glowing Tara Sutaria. Their innocent love story is soon strained under the collective weight of new ambitions and freshly formed rivalries. The introduction of the feisty Shreya, played by Ananya Panday, the rebellious heiress of the college trustee, creates a fiery dynamic and a love triangle that adds more complexity to Rohan's life.

In many ways, SOTY 2 carries forward some aspects of the first movie, with elements of both friendship and rivalry playing a prominent role. However, it digs fresh soil as it touches on topics like socio-economic disparities, the weight of legacy and nepotism. The narrative also, importantly, weaves a tale of personal growth, providing characters room to evolve and delve into their identities.

Tiger Shroff's portrayal as Rohan is laudable, enhancing his on-screen charisma with action sequences that showcase his athletic prowess and dance moves that leave audiences in awe, making his character profoundly captivating. Tara Sutaria, with her demure yet confident performance, gives the film an elegant, emotional depth. Ananya Panday, making her debut through this film, breaks out as a surprising revelation. Her character's brash exterior, masking a vulnerable interior, is beautifully brought to life.

Throughout the movie, there is a palpable air of competition, be it in the fields of sports, dance-offs, or the ultimate face-off for the prestigious title. Vibha Maru of India Today opines that these sequences are some of the most amusing parts of the film. Remarkable choreography and electrifying music only add to the overall allure.

However, SOTY 2 is not just about student battles and fiery love. It is as much an exploration into the concept of identity, perseverance, and sportsmanship. It underscores the importance of following one's passion and redefines success by dedicating itself to the idea that the real "student of the year" isn't always the one who bags the trophy; it might be the one who learns and grows the most.

The cinematography of the film, handled by Ravi K. Chandran, excellently captures the scale and grandeur of the setup, creating a perfect ambiance for young, pulsating energy to unravel, just what the viewers expect from a Dharma production. Adorned with all the trappings of a quintessential Bollywood potboiler, SOTY 2 excels in offering an exhilarating tale that seamlessly dances its way from competitive arenas to the battlefield of love.

Overall, Student of the Year 2 maintains its focus on youth, zealous aspirations, and relentless endeavors spanning the spectrum of human emotions while keeping the entertainment alive with sizzling dance numbers, intense matches, and emotional confrontations. With an engaging story, polished performances, and an intense rivalry bound to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, Student of the Year 2 is a delight for viewers who are fans of high-school musical-like dramas.