Creators of Netflix’s ‘Kota Factory’ Address Glorifying Competition Culture

Creators of India’s first web series – The Viral Fever (TVF) – have had three successful seasons of Kota Factory and are optimistic about a fourth and fifth season. After its first season aired on YouTube, the show transitioned to Netflix India and became a Netflix India original. The series creators, Raghav Subbu and Pratish Mehta, are aware of the widespread acclaim their show has received and assert that Kota Factory, while it may seem to glorify the competition culture, actually portrays the authentic reality of the educational system in India.

In a detailed interview, Subbu and Mehta discuss their response to criticisms about promoting competitive culture, share their thoughts on Jeetu Bhaiya’s departure in the third season, and much more.

Reflecting on the experience of returning to the familiar world for the third time, Raghav Subbu explained that they always had a clear direction for the story and characters from the beginning. They had mapped out how the story would unfold over the next four or five seasons. According to him, the complex world of Kota has only been partially explored so far, and there is much more to tell, ensuring there’s no room for stagnation or repetition.

Pratish Mehta, who joined the team for the third season, faced the challenge of continuing an already established and popular show. Understanding the underlying thought processes and analogies behind every shot and scene took time. After watching the previous seasons, Mehta immersed himself in the unique storytelling approach of Kota Factory. He collaborated closely with Subbu and the cinematographer, Shree, to grasp the show’s essence and hoped he successfully carried it through in the third season.

Addressing critics who claim that the show advocates for the competitive coaching culture, Subbu emphasized that Kota Factory is more akin to a documentary. It reflects the real lives of students in Kota, a city in Rajasthan known for its coaching centers. The show does not champion the coaching system; instead, it simply depicts the truth and reality of that life. The creators never intended to promote coaching classes as the ideal world but aimed to portray an authentic view of the system.

Regarding the apprehension about Jeetu Bhaiya’s departure from Kota in the third season, Subbu admitted they were initially concerned. Jeetu Bhaiya, portrayed by Jeetendra Kumar, who gained fame from Panchayat, had become a beloved character with limited screen time in the first season. The decision to see him leave Kota inevitably stirred some backlash, but Subbu credited Mehta and the writing team for providing a fitting closure to the character. The emotional resonance from the audience highlighted Jeetu Bhaiya’s significance to them.

Pratish Mehta added that the closure of Jeetu Bhaiya’s character depended heavily on the audience’s reaction. Presenting a season-long buildup to explain his departure was essential for the audience to understand the necessity behind it.

Discussing the journey of Kota Factory from YouTube to Netflix, Subbu expressed that the first season was a small-budget show that unexpectedly achieved significant success. The partnership with Netflix expanded the show’s reach to over 190 countries, bringing immense satisfaction to the creators. Netflix’s intricate processes and detailed planning enriched the overall experience of bringing the show to a global audience.

Looking ahead, Pratish Mehta mentioned that the audience’s response so far has been positive. They aim to maintain the show’s genuine and realistic tone in potential future seasons. The challenge lies in preserving the simplicity that Kota Factory is known for, and they are committed to continuing this approach in subsequent seasons.

(This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity).

Source: Netflix India