Shanaya Kapoor is reportedly set to return to the spotlight with Student Of The Year 3, a new chapter in the popular franchise that is expected to take the story in a significantly darker direction. The project is reportedly being developed as a web series for JioHotstar, with Shanaya said to be playing a double role.
The Student Of The Year franchise appears to be heading into unfamiliar territory.
After two theatrical films built around glamour, competition, friendship and romance, the third instalment is reportedly being developed as an OTT series with a more mature and intense tone. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Student Of The Year 3 will depart considerably from the youthful, glossy approach of its predecessors.
Shanaya Kapoor is reportedly attached to the project in a prominent role, with reports claiming that she will portray two characters in the series.
Student Of The Year 3 reportedly shifting to OTT
The biggest change is reportedly the format.
The original Student Of The Year, released in 2012, was directed by Karan Johar and introduced Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra as leading actors. The sequel, Student Of The Year 2, arrived in 2019 under director Punit Malhotra and featured Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria.
Both films were theatrical releases and followed a relatively colourful formula centred on college life, romance, friendship and rivalry.
The third chapter is reportedly taking a different route.
Rather than arriving in cinemas, Student Of The Year 3 is said to be designed as a web series. The change in platform is also reportedly accompanied by a major tonal shift, with the new project described as considerably darker, edgier and more emotionally intense.
The series is reportedly backed by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment.
A darker Class and Euphoria-style world
According to the report, the upcoming series is being positioned as a blend of elements associated with Netflix’s Class and HBO’s Euphoria.
That comparison suggests a significant departure from the franchise’s earlier identity.
Class explored the lives of students from contrasting social backgrounds while dealing with privilege, relationships, secrets and conflict. Euphoria, meanwhile, is known for its emotionally heavy depiction of youth, identity, relationships and personal struggles.
If the reported creative direction remains unchanged, Student Of The Year 3 could therefore use the franchise’s familiar educational setting as a foundation for a much more complicated story involving relationships, privilege and darker personal conflicts.
The approach would also place the show firmly within the growing youth-drama space on streaming platforms, where stories aimed at young adults can explore subjects and emotional themes with greater flexibility than a conventional mainstream campus film.
Shanaya Kapoor reportedly set for a double role
One of the most intriguing details surrounding the project is Shanaya Kapoor’s reported double role.
The actor is said to be playing two characters in the series, although details about how the two roles are connected have not been officially revealed.
A double role could give the series an additional layer of mystery, particularly if the characters occupy contrasting positions within the story. However, without an official announcement from the makers, details about the characters and their relationship should be treated as unconfirmed.
Shanaya’s reported casting comes after her recent work in Tu Yaa Main, released in 2026. The project marked another step in her acting journey as she continues to establish herself in the Hindi entertainment industry.
When will Student Of The Year 3 release?
Student Of The Year 3 is reportedly expected to premiere on JioHotstar, potentially in 2026. However, an official release date has not been confirmed.
There has also been speculation about the series being titled Student Of The Year 3 – After The Dark. That title should not yet be treated as final, as the makers have not officially confirmed it.
An official announcement from Dharmatic Entertainment or the streaming platform is expected to provide clarity on the title, release schedule, cast and storyline.
From Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra to a new generation
The Student Of The Year franchise has played an important role in introducing actors to mainstream Hindi cinema.
Karan Johar’s 2012 film launched Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra as leading actors. The film followed three students navigating friendship, romance and fierce competition at an elite school.
Seven years later, Student Of The Year 2 introduced Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria alongside Tiger Shroff. Alia Bhatt also appeared in a special song in the sequel.
The reported third instalment could therefore represent more than another franchise continuation. By moving from theatrical cinema to streaming and adopting a darker youth-drama format, the series could significantly redefine what audiences expect from the Student Of The Year name.
