Is Student of the Year: After Dark a Copy of Netflix's Class? Director Reema Maya Responds!

Director Reema Maya Addresses Comparisons with Netflix's Class

Reema Maya, the director of the new series Student of the Year: After Dark, has responded to the ongoing discussions regarding its similarities to the Netflix series Class. Following the release of the trailer, some viewers have pointed out parallels between the two shows. However, Maya insists that her project brings a fresh viewpoint to the young-adult thriller genre.

In a recent interview, she acknowledged the quality of Class while emphasizing the difference between genre conventions and mere imitation. Maya explained that when creating a high school murder mystery, certain narrative elements—like teenage relationships and a school backdrop—are naturally part of the genre. The creative team aimed to blend these familiar aspects into a distinctive and original storytelling experience.

A Bold New Chapter for the Franchise

Defining a New Direction for the Franchise

Student of the Year: After Dark marks a notable shift from the previous films in the series, which were primarily centered around lighthearted romance and drama. This new installment features Shanaya Kapoor in a dual role, as her character competes in a high-stakes contest to uncover the mystery surrounding her twin sister's death. The cast also includes Abhinav Singh, Divik Sharma, Manya Grover, Deeya Damani, Adi Malik, Sheeba Chaddha, and Vivek Gomber.

Maya shared her gratitude for the backing she received from producer Karan Johar, noting that he supported her darker vision for the series without any pushback. She felt privileged to be given the freedom to reimagine a franchise that is personally meaningful to Johar, who encouraged her to explore the creative possibilities of the project.

Currently streaming on JioHotstar, this series contrasts sharply with the 2023 show Class. While Class, directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, delves into themes of privilege and social disparity in an elite Delhi school, Maya’s series emphasizes the competitive and investigative elements of a murder mystery. By honing in on these specific genre characteristics, the production team aims to establish a unique identity for the latest chapter of the Student of the Year franchise.