Having experienced the intense pressures of balancing competitive exams with school board assessments, I found a sense of validation in the struggles faced by Vaibhav, played by Mayur More, in the latest season of Kota Factory. His emotional monologue, reminiscent of Kartik Aaryan’s iconic rant in Pyaar Ka Punchnama, perfectly encapsulates the painful tug-of-war between these demanding educational milestones. The challenge of maintaining equilibrium between preparation for examinations like JEE while also excelling in board exams resonates deeply with many students, including those who, like me, have grappled with the pressures of NEET. As Kota Factory returns for its third season, it bravely tackles these conflicts with the sensitivity they deserve.
The familiar group of engineering aspirants is now entering their second year of preparations, and the pressure to succeed escalates as their crucial examinations approach. A cloud of frustration, confusion, fear, self-doubt, and helplessness looms over these students, where even minor triggers can provoke intense reactions. Nonetheless, their resolve to secure a spot at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology remains unwavering.
This season not only highlights the students’ struggles but also explores the emotional turmoil faced by their beloved mentor, Jeetu Bhaiya (Jitendra Kumar). Plagued by guilt and depression following the suicide of a student in the previous season, he finds himself engulfed in despair. Isolated and overwhelmed, Jeetu refrains from taking calls and is seen in a chaos-ridden environment, a stark contrast to his previously vibrant persona. The weight of responsibility, both as a teacher and surrogate elder brother, bears heavily on him, prompting him to seek assistance from a therapist as he navigates this challenging period.
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This season marks a departure from previous portrayals of Jeetu Bhaiya, offering a more nuanced view of the emotional turmoil that comes with his attachment to his students. The teacher’s battle with conflicting feelings regarding how much to invest in their lives reflects a profound moral dilemma. While grappling with his internal struggles, there are moments of levity where viewers can empathize with his students, reminding us of the depth of their bond. In other scenes, his reactions seem erratic, illustrating the complex cycle of support and injury that a therapist identifies as familiar yet damaging.
The sequences featuring Jeetu and his therapist resonate with thoughtful dialogue, although they occasionally feel disconnected from the show’s typical tone. It’s understandable that profound tragedies can alter an individual’s demeanor dramatically; however, some aspects of Jeetu Bhaiya’s transformation might appear exaggerated. After years in Kota, witnessing various struggles, it’s hard to believe that this tragedy would be the first instance of deep emotional impact for him, particularly given the unfortunate notoriety of the city regarding student suicides.
If the intent was to present this incident as a breaking point for Jeetu’s established persona, it leads to questions about the authenticity of his character. Has he always concealed his true feelings? Is he wavering in his beliefs? If someone as resilient as Jeetu can be brought down by the educational system, what does that say for others? The pain of watching Jeetu Bhaiya face this crisis is palpable.
While Jeetu’s journey may evoke discomfort, the remaining cast—Meena (Ranjan Raj), Uday (Alam Khan), and Shivangi (Ahsaas Channa)—retains their charm, delivering performances that honor the show’s essence. Meena still exudes innocence, Uday’s humor provides necessary comic relief, and Shivangi emerges as the voice of reason, further developed in this season to reflect the often-overlooked realities of medical assistants. The show takes a much-deserved moment to recognize the challenges they face.
The series also turns its gaze toward the teachers, shedding light on the repercussions of a toxic, commercialized education system that often remains unaddressed. While the first season skimmed the surface with one teacher’s dismissal due to student feedback, this season offers a deeper exploration of the teachers’ emotional burden, guilt, and struggles to balance their roles as educators and businesspeople. Even though Jeetu remains central to these narratives, the broader context of teachers’ experiences is given ample consideration.
Kota Factory maintains its distinct visual approach with its artful cinematography. The composition of scenes, from symmetrical arrangements to visual metaphors, evokes a sense of artistry, akin to Jeetu Bhaiya’s equations on the classroom board. Cinematographer Shreedutta Namjoshi has upheld the series’ signature aesthetic in this season, which uniquely omits colored shots entirely, setting it apart from previous seasons.
While skillfully addressing both new and recurring challenges, the overall ambience of the show has noticeably shifted, leaning toward a more somber tone. This season elicits fewer laughs and deeper reflections.
This change in tone raises questions about whether TVF has shifted from its hallmark feel-good narrative to a more serious exploration of themes. Kota Factory is not alone in this evolution; similar shifts can be observed in TVF’s other productions, including Panchayat and Gullak, which have also navigated darker themes. Notably, all three series underwent changes in key production roles. Whether this shift indicates a deliberate departure from their traditional light-hearted style remains to be seen.
