Kota Factory Season 3 | Review

Director: Pratish Mehta
Creator: Arunabh Kumar
Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Vaibhav More, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan, Ahsaas Channa, Revathi Pillai, Urvi Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Tilottama Shome
Streaming On: Netflix
Language: Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil
Runtime: 5 Episodes of 40 minutes each
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)

What’s It About:
Kota Factory initially began with a focus on a group of 14-15-year-old kids dropped into what’s known as India’s educational capital – Kota. These young minds were being groomed to tackle some of the toughest exams in the country, including IIT and NEET. The series started by highlighting the minor flaws in the coaching system.

However, the central figure of Kota Factory quickly became Jeetu Bhaiya, played by Jitendra Kumar, who took on a Dronacharya-like role for these kids. But unlike the ancient teacher who divided his students into Kauravas and Pandavas, Jeetu Bhaiya treated all his students equally, whether they were high achievers or struggling learners.

Season two saw the storyline become more scattered, focusing on personal problems of the students and Jeetu Bhaiya’s shifting loyalties. He also imparted crucial life lessons, both personal and professional, and established his own institute, Aimers.

In the third season, the balance shifts, showing the struggles of both the teacher and the students in Kota. Jeetu Bhaiya faces an emotional crisis as he deals with the suicide of a student who couldn’t handle the pressure of aiming higher than she was ready for. This season highlights both his personal battles and his unwavering commitment to his students.

Script Analysis:
This season’s five episodes are neatly divided into addressing generic student issues, with the narrative heavily leaning on Jeetu Bhaiya’s internal battles. Despite his mental health struggles, he remains a heroic figure for his students, helping them with issues like low self-esteem, envy, and the allure of easy money.

Star Performance:
New additions to the cast include Rajesh Kumar and Tilottama Shome, who play significant roles as Jeetu Bhaiya’s close associates. Rajesh Kumar delivers a restrained yet impactful performance, while Tilottama Shome’s Pooja Didi emerges as a potential future cornerstone of the series.

Among the students, Mayur More’s portrayal feels pressured, evident in crucial scenes, whereas Ranjan Raj’s Rajmukund Meena shines through his personal journey, eventually becoming a replica of Jeetu Bhaiya.

Direction & Music:
Directed by Pratish Mehta, this season dives deeper into the real issues of Kota, a city caught in the grips of capitalism and the stress it imposes on young minds. However, there are moments where Mehta struggles to maintain the high standards set by previous seasons.

For instance, Vaibhav’s monologue venting his frustrations feels too similar to a famous scene from “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” detracting from its intended impact. Additionally, the symbolic damp walls in Jeetu Bhaiya’s home, which mirror his personal struggles, lack the strong writing needed to achieve their full potential.

The music also occasionally feels out of place, such as the song “Main Bola Hey,” which undermines the emotional intensity of a pivotal moment in the series.

Last Words:
Despite its flaws, Kota Factory Season 3 retains its heart and delivers an earnest portrayal of the struggles faced by students and their mentors. Jeetu Bhaiya’s unwavering commitment to his students, refusing to categorize them based on their academic performance, remains a highlight.

Also Read: Panchayat Season 3 Review