What Is the Story About?
Season two of Kota Factory sees the journey of three friends, Vaibhav (Mayur More), Balmukund Meena (Ranjan Raj), and Uday (Alam Khan), continue from where it left. Vaibhav has joined at Maheshwari, whereas the other two remain at Prodigy. Apart from their friendship, what binds them together is their admiration for Jeetu Bhaiya (Jitendra Kumar).
Performances?
Unlike Kota Factory, where Jitendra Kumar was more of a supporting role, he is the main lead. It doesn’t mean he hogs all the screen time, but he carries the series’ central thread. His symbolic presence and indirect impact on various characters can be felt throughout. At times it might feel like overkill (when it happens back to back), but that is not the case, in general.
Jitendra Kumar, as usual, is terrific in part. It is as if he was born to play Jeetu Bhaiya. The inspirational stuff in his words is maintained again. Apart from that, there is an added drama to it, which further elevates his role. He is just fab and makes one want to listen to him with great attention.
Analysis
Saurabh Khanna and Raghav Subbu return as the creator and director of the series, once again. The story continues from where it left at the end of the first season.
The proceedings are shifted from Prodigy, and we are now into the giant world of Maheshwari coaching centre. It is akin to a large prison or a factory where machines are created. The visual imagery is to the point in conveying the essence with large dooms, walls and a submissive atmosphere.
Vaibhav tries very hard to fit in but pretty soon understands the folly. He attempts to make the best of both worlds (Maheshwari and Jeetu Bhaiya) and is left stranded in the middle. The subsequent impact is neatly showcased as part of the narrative.
Jeetu Bhaiya finally makes the jump to the coaching centre bandwagon. He wants to bring a difference, which is reflected well in the name of his institute itself. The entire track involving Jeetu Bhaiya is the mainstay of Kota Factor 2.
The growing relationship with his students and facing the reality of running an institute are well balanced. In between, many critical messages are passed as part of the narrative without coming across as preachy. However, they do give a formulaic impression of the way they are fitted.
In a way, the entire second season of Kota Factory feels like an elaborate set-up for the third season. Unlike the first season, which ends certain tracks definitively, here that is not the case. It is clear that the whole thing is a build-up. How exactly is Jeetu Bhaiya going to succeed is alone enough to give that feeling?
The darker ending further adds to the mood. It has been hinted at the start, but the way it comes out towards the end is sure to be heart-breaking. The writing and performance elevate the predictable stuff like it did in the first season.
Overall, Kota Factory 2 is a worthy sequel that is darker in nature. It sets things up perfectly for what lies next. It is a good emotionally resonating watch to those who have seen the first or are giving it a try the first time.
Other Artists?
Most of the actors reprise their roles from the first season. Mayur More, Ranjan Raj and Alam Khan are terrific like they were before. Mayur More has a less dramatic part this time, though. His initial awkward romance with Revathi Pillai looks repetitive, but it sees growth eventually.
Ranjan Raj is superb as a chaste and naïve youngster. His character sees a growth in confidence, which is neatly executed. There is no real change in Alam Khan’s character or his energy. The same is the case with Ahsaas Channa, but her brief altercation with Ranjan Raj stands out.
The newer additions Vaibhav Thakkar, Ashish Gupta, are good. They have very little to do, especially the former, but their characterisations are remarkable nonetheless. They are established here and might play a prominent part in the upcoming season. One can sense this with the roles essayed by Sameer Saxena and Abhishek Jha.
Music and Other Departments?
Simran Hora provides the background score. It gives the necessary depth and sometimes chilling feel reminding us of the jungle-like environment. Shreedutta Namjoshi is the cinematographer. The black and white frames are more powerfully utilised this time. A lot of effort has been put to create symbolic imagery at crucial moments. Gourav Gopal Jha is the editor. He has done fine work in keeping sharpness throughout even when the pace is sluggish. Writing by Saurabh Khanna is brilliant. Many issues are taken, and a message is passed without being too preachy in doing so.
Highlights?
Casting
Consistently Good Performances
Writing
BGM
Final Episode
Drawbacks?
Slow Pace
Formulaic At Times
Open-Ended Threads
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Kota Factory Season 2 Review by Binged Bureau
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