A look at some of the films that Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan have lined up for 2014

Siddharth's Hasee Toh Phasee that releases on February 7
Alias Highway hits the screens on February 21
Varun's Main Tera Hero will hit the big screen on April 4

In 2012, Karan Johar's Students Of The Year starring Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra - passed the box-office test with flying colours. They became overnight stars, grabbing films and endorsements. And now the trios second films are ready to hit the marquee soon. In Bollywood, the second film -- in some ways -- is more important than the first. The industry and the audience is waiting to judge if an actor is real talent or just a flash in the pan. The second film decides if the third of forth will ever be made. Here's looking at what's ahead for Sid, Alia and Varun.

All eyes are on the trio. To see how each of them fares individually. As well as against each other; the comparisons between the boys is something they will have to learn to accept and deal with.

Siddharth Malhotra

Films in Hand: Hasee Toh Phasee, The Villain
What's new: The biggest plus for Siddharth is the fact that his second outing too is backed by his mentor Karan Johar. Besides he is being paired opposite the firebrand Parineeti Chopra who is already a hit when it comes to romcoms. The fresh pairing is generating buzz already and Pari?s livewire screen presence will make for an interesting pair with Siddharth, who comes across as subtle and restrained.

USP: "Smart choices. His biggest USP is his choice of films and even co-stars like Parineeti in HTP and Shraddha Kapoor in his next. Parineeti is shouldering the film as much as the hero, so he is not under pressure alone or as much as a hero is in solo hero projects," stresses Komal. Rishi Kapoor always allowed his heroines to have better roles but he was one of the most successful actors in his time.

Strengths: Siddharth too is a good package. He is subtle in his performances and that works for him. He has the makings of the angry young man, should he choose to. His next after HTP is The Villain, which is Ekta?s banner and is helmed by a hit director Mohit Suri, who delivered the 100 crore hit Aashiqui last year. has proven himself at the box-office,? declares Komal

Weakness: There's scope of improvement when it comes to his dancing. He could work on his abilities a little more. Also, his image is of a really good, clean boy. He needs a certain machoism which is a must for a Hindi film hero.

Trade speak

So the question is: Who has the best film? According to trade analyst Komal Nahta the prospects for all three are looking bright at the moment. He says, "Alia, Varun and Siddharth have all chosen extremely sensible projects and so naturally they have high chances of proving themselves yet again. There is already a very positive buzz around each of their films, so, at the moment it's difficult to say who will take the lead over the other and who has the best chance of making it big. All the three have great potential and so far they are playing their cards well. They have shown great restraint in choosing and picking the right projects that have better chances of working for them. All the three are working with the biggest banners and so know that they are in safe hands when it comes to marketing and promoting the film. All the three come across as rather well-informed newcomers and they have made intelligent choices."

Alia Bhatt

Films in hand: Highway, Two States and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya

What's new: Daring different is how we would her second screen avatar. Alia has completely ditched her desirable diva act from SOTY and has embraced a totally deglam part. From a romance-drama genre, she steps into the road movie film. A huge leap of fate. And finally there is the unconventional pairing with Randeep Hooda.

USP: Undoubtedly the director of her film Imtiaz Ali. Says Komal, "I think Alia's made very intelligent choices. She's either working with some of the best directors or the biggest banners. In Highway, there's definitely a lot of scope for her to perform, so she has got a perfect opportunity to prove that she is more than just a pretty face."

Strengths: Komal says that Alia?s biggest strength is her age and youthfulness, besides the tag of being successful with her very first film. ?She has that rare quality of innocent charm and is extremely cute. She became an instant role model for teenagers. Once you crack that crowd, the rest is cakewalk provided you choose films well which she has.?

Weakness: According to Komal, Alia should guard against getting stereotyped or repetitive because films like Highway are not made everyday. ?I think she is a good performer, so doesn?t need to work on any area as such. But I do hope she continues to make intelligent choices.?

Varun Dhawan

Films in hand: Main Tera Hero, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya

What's new: Varun's second film Main Tera Hero sees him pairing off with two of Ranbir Kapoor's hottest heroines, Nargis Fakhri and Ileana D'Cruz. He is stepping out of his comfort zone. This film will reach out to the masses, while his debut film was clearly aimed at the classes. This may not be his sensibility but he is in safe hands.

USP: The film is being directed by his father David Dhawan who has an history of delivering hits. Says Komal, ?It?s a nice hook to attract the audience that the father is directing the son.? Added advantage? This film is likely to help him reach the masses too -- a lot that worship Dhawan Sr. ?Without ditching his uber image, with this film he will reach out to his father?s massy audience as well. Despite his uber-chic image, seems to relate to the masses. Among the youngsters, he seems to have that potential to bridge that gap between classes and masses,? believes Komal

Strengths: "Varun's biggest strength is that he's a good package. He looks good, can act, dance, and fight. So all in all, he's got it all what needs to be a Bollywood hero and what we call star material. Plus he?s already a rage among the ladies," adds Komal

Weakness: "He needs to position himself well. He should not end up as Jack of all trades and master of none. He should do certain kinds of films and establish himself. Image isn't always a bad thing. It means that the audience has accepted you in that persona and wants to see you do that over and over again. And for a newcomer that is a good thing."