The popular Bollywood franchise Student of the Year (SOTY) is set to make a comeback as a web series, with Shanaya Kapoor reportedly playing the lead role and Alaya F also joining the cast. The series, produced by Dharma Productions, will be a digital series. Casting for the male lead is currently underway.
The Student of the Year franchise, known for its youthful energy, glamour, and campus drama, first launched in 2012 and quickly became a favorite among audiences. The original film introduced Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra. The second installment, SOTY 2, introduced Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria. Now, more than a decade later, the story is being reimagined for a new generation of audiences in the digital space.
Shanaya Kapoor is reportedly set to take on a double role in the web series, adding intrigue and depth to the story. This project is particularly meaningful for Kapoor, as it was originally planned to be her debut vehicle. Before landing this role, Kapoor was expected to make her debut with Dharma in Bedhadak, but the latter got shelved. Her South debut, Vrushabha, also faced a similar fate. She debuted in 2025 with Aankhon Ki Gustakiyaan alongside Vikrant Massey.
The web series is expected to explore themes of friendship, rivalry, ambition, and romance, set against the backdrop of stylish campus life. The show promises a mix of emotional highs and dramatic twists.
Karan Johar confirmed that the web series would be produced under his digital content wing, Dharmatic Entertainment. Reema Maya, co-founder of the production company Catnip, is directing SOTY 3. Johar made the official announcement about her joining the Student of the Year franchise at the Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh in April of last year. He wanted it to be her voice and vision for the series.
Alaya F had two major releases last year: the action drama Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, where she played a hacker, and Srikanth, in which she essayed the character of Srikanth Bolla's wife, Veera Swathi.