STUDENT OF THE YEAR

"Student of the Year," directed by Karan Johar, has garnered both commercial success
and criticism since its release in 2012. While the film is celebrated for its entertaining
storyline, vibrant music, and glamorous portrayal of student life, it also has negative
impacts that merit discussion.

One major concern is the film's depiction of an idealized and superficial version of
school life. "Student of the Year" showcases an extravagant lifestyle, glamorous
characters, and high-stakes competitions, creating a narrative that is far removed from
the reality of most students. This can lead to unrealistic expectations among the
audience, particularly young viewers, who may internalize these depictions as the
norm. The contrast between the film's portrayal and the actual experiences of students
can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.

Furthermore, the movie places a disproportionate emphasis on superficial values, such

as physical appearance, wealth, and social status. The characters in the film are often
defined by these external factors rather than their personal growth, academic
achievements, or character development. This can influence impressionable minds to
prioritize materialistic values over more meaningful aspects of life, such as education,
personal relationships, and self-discovery. Sudo (played by Kayoze Irani) couldn’t get
a girl to the prom just because he was fat, this public promotion of fatphobia is one
the reasons this movie was so wrong.

"Student of the Year" also perpetuates stereotypes through its portrayal of characters.
The film tends to reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Female characters
are often portrayed as primarily focused on their appearance, relationships, and social
status, while male characters are depicted as competitive and assertive. This binary
representation reinforces conventional gender norms rather than challenging or
subverting them. Moreover, the predominantly heteronormative relationships in the
movie marginalize non-traditional identities, neglecting the diversity of human
experiences. Additionally, the one-dimensional nature of characters simplifies
personalities into archetypes, reinforcing societal biases and limiting the
representation of diverse perspectives.

Another notable concern is the movie's limited attention to academic pursuits. While
the movie is set in a school environment, the emphasis is overwhelmingly placed on
extracurricular activities, social dynamics, and physical appearance, overshadowing
the academic aspect of students' lives. The characters are often defined by their
popularity, athleticism, or social standing, rather than their intellectual achievements
or educational pursuits.

The film's portrayal of school life neglects the importance of academic excellence,
potentially sending a message to the audience that success in school is primarily
determined by factors other than intellectual growth. This limited focus on academics
reinforces the stereotype that social and physical attributes are more valued than
educational achievements. It may contribute to a skewed perspective among viewers,
downplaying the significance of knowledge, critical thinking, and academic
dedication in the overall development of individuals. Moreover, by sidelining
academic pursuits, "Student of the Year" misses an opportunity to inspire and
motivate students to prioritize their education and recognize the value of intellectual
curiosity. This lack of emphasis on academics in the film can have unintended
consequences, potentially influencing young viewers to prioritize social and
extracurricular aspects over their educational journey, fostering a perspective that
undervalues the importance of learning and intellectual development within a school
setting.

In addition, "Student of the Year" contributes to body image issues through its
portrayal of characters with idealized and often unrealistic physical appearances. The
film places a strong emphasis on physical beauty, showcasing actors who conform to
conventional beauty standards, including slim bodies, attractive features, and a
particular style of dress. This portrayal reinforces narrow and unrealistic beauty ideals
that may lead to negative impacts on the audience's body image perceptions,
particularly among viewers who do not conform to these standards. The glamorization
of a particular body image in the film can contribute to the development of unrealistic
expectations and standards among viewers, fostering feelings of inadequacy and
insecurity. It may create a societal pressure to conform to these beauty ideals,
potentially leading individuals to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as extreme
dieting or excessive exercise, in an attempt to match the portrayed standards.
Furthermore, the film's focus on physical attractiveness as a key factor in social
acceptance and desirability can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, suggesting that one's
worth is heavily tied to outward appearances. This can negatively impact individuals'
self-esteem, particularly among those who may feel marginalized or excluded based
on their body type or appearance. It's essential to recognize that media, including
films like "Student of the Year," plays a significant role in shaping societal
perceptions of beauty. By presenting a limited and idealized version of physical
attractiveness, the film may contribute to reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards that
can have lasting effects on individuals' self-perception and mental well-being.
Encouraging critical media literacy and promoting diverse representations of body
types in popular culture are crucial steps in mitigating the negative impacts on body
image issues perpetuated by such media portrayals.

While "Student of the Year" may be a work of fiction and entertainment, its negative
impacts on the audience, particularly the youth, should not be overlooked. The film's
portrayal of an idealized school life, emphasis on superficial values, perpetuation of
stereotypes, neglect of academic focus, and impact on body image collectively raise
concerns about its influence on shaping the perspectives and values of its viewers. It
is crucial for audiences to approach such media critically and engage in discussions
about the broader societal implications of the messages conveyed in popular culture.