'SOTY: After Dark' director reveals Karan Johar wanted 'something different'
What's the story
The new installment of Karan Johar's popular Student of the Year franchise, titled Student of the Year: After Dark, is set to premiere on November 13. The web series is a spinoff from the original films and takes viewers back to St. Teresa's College with a darker twist. In an interview with Hindustan Times, director Reema Maya discussed her vision for this new direction and how Johar supported it.
Director's insight
'That's why I was brought on board...'
Maya revealed that Johar had a clear vision for SOTY 3 from the start.
She said, "From the beginning, the intention was that SOTY 3 needed to be something different."
"That's why I was brought on board and told, 'Please take this and make this your own.'"
The director also shared, "There was none (pushback); only excitement and encouragement."
Director's feelings
'He allowed me to reimagine a franchise...'
Maya expressed her surprise and honor at being chosen to reimagine a franchise started by Johar.
She said, "I'm very honored that Karan sir decided to put his faith and trust in my voice and my vision."
"He allowed me to reimagine a franchise that is so close to his heart," she added.
The series stars Shanaya Kapoor as a student investigating her twin sister's murder at the college.
New narrative
All about 'SOTY: After Dark'
Set years after the previous two films, SOTY: After Dark introduces a new narrative at the elite St. Teresa's College.
The series does not feature any actors from the earlier installments and instead focuses on new characters played by Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Adi Malik, Abhinav Singh, and Deeya Damini.
The show also stars Sheeba Chaddha and Harsh Chhaya. It is produced by Johar under Dharmatic Entertainment.