Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Tilottama Shome, Mayur More, Revathi Pillai, Ahsaas Channa, Ranjan Raj, and Alam Khan

Director: Pratish Mehta

Rating: ***

The highly anticipated third season of Netflix's Kota Factory brings back Jitendra Kumar as Jeetu Bhaiya, continuing the saga of students navigating the challenges of preparing for the prestigious IIT exams. This season dives deep into the competitive world of coaching institutes in Kota, Rajasthan, shedding light on the personal and academic struggles faced by young aspirants.

Unveiling Harsh Realities and Hope

This season continues to shine a light on the harsh realities of coaching institutes and the immense pressure on students preparing for the IIT entrance exams. Unlike the first two seasons, where students were gearing up for the JEE exams, this season sees them actually sitting for the exams, evoking a palpable sense of nervousness and anxiety among the audience.

The Mentor-Mentee Bond

One of the standout elements of this season is the portrayal of the mentor-mentee bond. Jeetu Bhaiya's relationship with his students is depicted in a refreshingly nuanced way, underscoring the importance of guidance and support. The season also tackles the critical issue of mental health, illustrating the emotional and psychological challenges students face on their journey through JEE/NEET preparation.

A Season of Emotional Highs and Lows

The third season delves into themes of friendship, romance, mental health, mistakes, redemption, farewells, and new beginnings. It wastes no time, starting immediately with the aftermath of a student's suicide. Jeetu Bhaiya, grappling with guilt, seeks therapy to cope and attempts to distance himself from his students, as highlighted in a poignant scene where his therapist asks, "Why Jeetu Bhaiya? and not Jeetu Sir?`

Direction and Writing: A New Approach

Director Pratish Mehta takes over from Raghav Subbu, handling the established characters and the pressures of expectation admirably. The introduction of taboo topics such as mental health adds depth to the narrative. Writers Puneet Batra and Pravin Yadav dive deeper into the competitive landscape, advocating for an overhaul of the education system.

Stellar Performances

Jitendra Kumar once again excels as Jeetu Bhaiya, seamlessly transforming into the inspirational teacher and life coach. His performance is compelling, partly because of his real-life IIT background, making the character's journey authentic and relatable. Newcomer Tilottama Shome as Pooja Didi, the chemistry teacher, adds another layer of depth, serving as a mirror to Jeetu's internal struggles. Rajesh Kumar is also commendable as the math teacher. The supporting cast, including Revathi Pillai (Vartika), Ahsaas Channa (Shivangi), Ranjan Raj (Meena), Alam Khan (Uday), and Mayur More (Vaibhav), deliver strong performances. Each character navigates personal challenges, from financial struggles to emotional turmoil, creating a rich tapestry of experiences.

Emotional Ride

Season 3 takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as students push themselves to excel. There is a blend of anxiety, stress, joy, excitement, jealousy, and ego clashes, reflecting the intense environment of competitive exams.

Challenges and Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, Kota Factory Season 3 occasionally feels like it's trying too hard to replicate the success of its predecessors. The story drags at times, missing the freshness and engaging elements that characterized the first two seasons. The humor, a hallmark of the series, takes a backseat as the show explores more sensitive topics like mental health and suicide.

A Touching Finale

Although the storyline has its weak points, the final episode is a tear-jerker. It resonates with anyone who has faced competitive exams or experienced the high-pressure environment of Kota. The song "Jo Bhi Hoga Ladd Lunga" serves as an inspirational anthem, encapsulating the journey of the show and its characters. It emphasizes that success and failure are not guaranteed; what matters is the dedication and hard work put into the preparation.

Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Reflection

Kota Factory Season 3 may not be as fresh as its predecessors, but it offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of students. By addressing important issues like mental health and the mentor-mentee relationship, it provides valuable insights for students, teachers, and parents alike. The series is available for streaming on Netflix from May 20.