Review: The popular show Kota Factory is in its third season, and it lives up to high expectations. While seasons 1 and 2 introduced us to the characters and their journeys through the demanding world of Kota’s coaching institutes, this season focuses on the fruition of their efforts after four years of rigorous preparation. Similar to previous seasons, the performances remain relatable, capturing the joys, sorrows, and anguish of students preparing for these competitive exams.
Created by Arunabh Kumar (TVF) and Raghav Subbu, and directed by Pratish Mehta, this season becomes more therapeutic compared to the previous seasons’ self-assessing tone. The journeys of Vaibhav (Mayur More), Vartika (Revathi Pillai), Meena (Ranjan Raj), Uday (Alam Khan), Meenal (Urvi Singh) and Shivangi (Ahsaas Channa) continue, marked by countless sleepless nights, endless revisions, and unwavering dedication. The pressure is undeniably high, but the students have their mentor, Jeetu Bhaiya (Jitendra Kumar), to guide them. However, following the traumatic event at the end of the second season, when a student dies by suicide, Jeetu Bhaiya is deeply affected and withdraws, needing therapy to recover.
This season explores the protagonist’s struggle to balance being the beloved “Jeetu Bhaiya,” who motivates and supports the students, and “Jeetu Sir,” who must maintain some distance to protect himself from being overwhelmed by their problems. As the final countdown to the exam approaches, some twists will definitely shake you.
The series stands out with high-octane emotional scenarios, complemented by a well-crafted background score. Meaningful songs like Amit Trivedi’s “Main Lad Lunga” and Ravi Ra’s “Hans Akela” add depth to the characters’ emotional struggles. The close-up shots effectively convey these students’ tension and challenges, from simple time management to excelling in the test series. Each scene captures the intensity of their environment, making the viewers feel the weight of the students’ ambitions and anxieties. This season’s meticulous attention to exam preparation’s pressures and intricate details makes it a gripping and emotionally resonant experience.
Jitendra Kumar, as Jeetu Bhaiya, carries a significant responsibility. Although he has fewer monologues this season, his internal struggle and desire to reform the educational system are evident. His motivational talks, such as “I believe we should celebrate not only successful selections but also successful preparations,” and “Jeet ki taiyaari nahi, taiyaari hi jeet hai (It’s not preparation for victory, Preparation is victory),” leave a lasting impression.
Mayur More once again excels as Vaibhav, authentically portraying the stress of clearing the exams and aspiring for a better future. His monologue during a moment of frustration is brilliantly relatable. The supporting cast, including Ahsaas Channa, Revathi Pillai, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan, and Urvi Singh, breathe life into their characters, making them relatable and real. Amidst the chaos, a new chemistry teacher, Pooja Didi (Tillotama Shome), challenges the status quo, highlighting the harsh realities of Kota’s coaching institutes.
While Jeetu Bhaiya’s personal journey sometimes overshadows the main narrative, Kota Factory raises important questions about an educational system that needs reform. The honest performances and relatable storyline make this much-anticipated third season a must-watch, providing a powerful and poignant exploration of the students’ relentless pursuit of their dreams.