Cinema VinesJioHotstar has unveiled its latest offering, a dark reimagining of the beloved Student of the Year franchise titled Student Of The Year: After Dark. The web series, directed by Reema Maya and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, will launch exclusively on the streaming platform on November 13, 2026. This marks the OTT debut of Shanaya Kapoor, who steps away from the glamorous campus vibe of the original films to portray a character that dives into a thriller‑driven storyline set in the ominous halls of St. Theresa.
The first look released by the studio hints at a stark departure from the musical romance that defined the earlier installments. Instead of the upbeat campus life, the new series promises a gritty, suspense‑filled competition where stakes are higher and the narrative is more complex. According to Alok Jain, Head of Hindi & English Entertainment Business at JioStar, the franchise is being re‑envisioned for a new generation, “moving beyond what audiences may expect from the franchise and exploring a world that reflects how young India experiences stories today.”
Founder and Managing Director of Dharmatic Entertainment, Karan Johar, expressed enthusiasm for the bold shift. He said, “When I look at this new chapter, I see a phoenix rising. We began this franchise with big dreams in 2012, and now we’re breaking every rule we set. With Reema’s genre‑defying direction and Shanaya’s powerful double‑role performance, we’re setting the stage for something spectacular. Shanaya isn’t just stepping into the spotlight; she’s shattering it, and the first look is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO & Managing Director of Dharmatic, highlighted the partnership with JioHotstar as a natural fit: “At Dharmatic, we champion stories that evolve with the times, and finding a partner like JioHotstar, who shares that creative ethos, is nothing short of remarkable. Our upcoming project, Student of the Year: After Dark Web Series, is a testament to this shared vision. It’s not just a reboot, but a bold, genre‑defying reimagining for a new generation.”
Reema Maya, known for her daring narratives, spoke about her approach to the series: “This isn’t going to be what you expect. It is Student Of The Year, stripped to its bones and reimagined as a thriller competition web series. Karan Johar has put his faith in my voice and vision, and I’m excited to have fun with this genre. The web series format is giving us a wide canvas for the conversations we want to have with our youth. We had so much fun with the music of the show. The cast is young and… ”
