Dharma Productions is always full of surprises and if the film is directed by Karan Johar himself, expectations are sky high. No wonder, the cinema hall was packed to capacity with the media on August 2, when Johar showcased the theatrical trailer of one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, Student Of The Year.

There’s an instant connect with the trailer, which introduces a school campus and three debutante actors. There’s a voice-over which says, “Yeh koi normal school nahin tha, apne aap mein ek nayee duniya thi.”

The trailer is in synch with the narrator and, once again, Johar transports the audience to a new world, a visionary world. Every frame in the trailer is testament to the fact that Johar has raised the bar and will deliver something the Indian audience hasn’t seen in a long time.

The feel of the film and the confidence of all three new faces build anticipation and you feel you can’t wait for this magnum opus to release. The trailer has the Karan Johar stamp all over it and, of course, the word ‘blockbuster’ written all over it.

The film launches three new faces – Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. Post the trailer launch, Kjo along with his actors spoke to the media.

Karan Johar

This film is very different from the other films I have directed. Earlier, I have worked with established stars who don’t need any hand-holding. But, here, I have nurtured and trained these three actors. So I went through the emotions as if I were a parent.

This was my holiday film. After making My Name Is Khan, I wanted to go back to films that I liked watching. I wanted to make a film where I would use lip-synching, emotions, glamorous clothes, dance and songs. I missed all this and hence came back to this film.

While doing the Sajda song in MNIK (My Name Is Khan), we were wondering whether we could make SRK lip-sync because he plays an autistic character. I wanted him to sing the song but we couldn’t do it. I am a filmmaker who loves larger-than-life films. So I make my characters dance and whatever else is possible.

Karan on taking a risk with debutants

I don’t think I have taken a risk. There have been many films recently, love stories, and youth-oriented films, which have done so well. So I am hoping and leaving the rest to my audience to decide whether they like it or not. I have always worked with established stars and Dharma has never launched new actors. So I wanted to take this step.

Siddharth Malhotra on his debut

I never expected I would one day be a hero in a film and that too one that was directed by Karan Johar. Being from Delhi, I never dreamt I would become an actor. I actually came to Mumbai a few years ago and joined Dharma Productions as an AD in My Name Is Khan. And, then, on a whim, I auditioned for Student Of The Year and I bagged the role of Abhimanyu. It feels great to be launched by Karan Johar.

Alia Bhatt On Her First Day Of The Shoot

I remember, a year ago on August 15, I was sitting on my sofa and thinking that I would be shooting my first film. I was very nervous and so excited that I cut my hair short like Kajol in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I consider myself very lucky to be launched by Karan. He has been very supportive. So, for instance, if we were not delivering the perfect shot, he would say, ‘Bring that energy!’

Alia Bhatt on why she didn’t make her debut with Vishesh Films

I had decided not to make my debut with my dad. To be launched like that it would have been very easy for me. I wanted to go somewhere else. I had to lose weight for my character and, believe me, I have worked really hard.

A dream come true for Varun Dhawan

I had never dreamt that I would work with Karan Johar. I was assisting him in My Name Is Khan and after that, I got a chance in Student Of The Year.