Today is D-Day for SOTY’s newcomers Siddharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.

Two of the three newbies, Varun and Alia, are star-kids. Siddharth is an ex-assistant director to Bollywood’s numero uno director and producer, Karan Johar himself.

The three stars must be extremely nervous and anxious about their big-ticket release today, for obvious reasons. This is the first time Karan Johar, KJo as he is fondly known, is launching new talent through his production banner Dharma Productions.

All eyes are on these kids, as Johar has ensured he has left no stone unturned in promoting them; from attending various high-profile events, to making appearances on reality TV shows like Bigg Boss, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa etc, with his “students” in tow.

The film revolves around a fictitious school, St. Theresa, which is hosting an annual “Student of the Year” competition. Many reviewers and critics have likened this to a form of Triwizard tournament, for muggles (make that: Indian muggles!).

The three are competing through the film for the coveted title, and are seen going through a roller-coaster ride of ambition, growing up, falling in love and inevitably learning life’s lessons.

Siddharth, Alia and Varun play the part of the three students, Abhimanyu, Shanaya and Rohan respectively. A surprise element in the film is veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, playing the role of the Dean Yogendra Vashisht, and he has been praised by all for his energetic performance.

Varun and Siddharth have been lauded for their exceptional dancing and acting skills, and Alia has been praised for revisiting and reinventing Johar’s classic, bratty character “Poo” from his earlier film “Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham”.

The film is typical Karan Johar-esque, with larger than life sets, grand locales, expensive designer wear (do students really dress in head-to-toe Gucci and Prada?), flashy cars and some superb music.

“Ishq Wala Love” and “Disco Deewane” are two songs from the film, which were already making waves and have proved to be very popular with the youth. “Vele” too, has been appreciated by critics and fans alike.

Audiences are quite excited to watch this film, and their reaction will prove to be a “report card” of sorts for the 3 stars. Karan Johar has claimed that he feels like a “proud parent”, and is very eager to see the film industry’s reaction to his “children”.

Student of the Year is directed by Karan Johar, produced by Dharma Productions and releases today, 19th October.

Watched ‘Student Of The Year’? Do share your reaction with us.