13th : Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms,’ directed by Nishil Sheth, began streaming on SonyLiv from 1st October and stars Paresh Pahuja, Gagan Dev Riar, Girija Oak, and Pradnya Motghare.
Over the past few years, Kota has become a familiar backdrop for storytelling, with its coaching centers offering a lens into the pressures and aspirations of students. Many of these stories have tapped into the everyday struggles that define the city’s reputation.
The Kota connection
The newest entry to explore this world is ‘13th.’ Set against the same backdrop, it still manages to carve out a distinct identity for itself. What makes it stand apart is not just the setting but the simplicity with which it chooses to narrate its story. Stripped of unnecessary dramatics, the series thrives on its straightforward approach.
At its heart, ‘13th’ is about the bond between a mentor and his former student, and it unfolds with a sincerity that keeps you invested. With only five episodes, it’s a compact, no-nonsense watch, and its believability is its biggest strength.
A reunion with a mentor
The story follows Ritesh (Paresh Pahuja), a senior executive working in a venture capital firm. His job, which revolves around turning start-ups into unicorns, has begun to wear him down. After years in the field, he has grown disillusioned, realising that profit is the only real goal for most firms, while purpose and values get left behind. During one heated meeting, he lets his frustration spill over and blurts out truths better left unsaid.
Soon after, a colleague informs him that he has been sent to Jaipur to meet the founder of Competitshun, a coaching institute that has long resisted funding from their firm. When Ritesh arrives, he is taken aback to discover that the founder, MT Sir (Gagan Dev Riar), was once his mathematics teacher in Kota—the very man who guided him toward securing an IIT seat. Their reunion is bittersweet but also eye-opening. MT Sir explains his refusal to take outside money, fearing it would compromise the credibility of his institute. Convinced, Ritesh decides to leave his job and help his mentor find investors who share the same values.
Lessons beyond start-ups
What makes ‘13th’ compelling is its commitment to realism. Right from the opening monologue, the tone is grounded, and the series never strays from that core. The screenplay moves back and forth between Ritesh’s past as an anxious IIT aspirant and his present role as a weary corporate executive. In doing so, it builds a layered relationship between him and MT Sir, showing how the roles of teacher and student evolve with time.
Alongside this, the series also takes sharp digs at the world of start-ups, exposing how blind ambition to achieve unicorn status often strips ventures of their soul. Yet, it never feels preachy. Instead, through the deeply human bond of a mentor and his protégé, it slips in its life lessons with quiet grace. The emphasis on honesty and credibility—virtues often overlooked in the chase for success—becomes the thematic backbone of the show. These are ideas that strike a chord without needing to be spelled out.
Performances that shine
Performances are what elevate '13th' even further. Paresh Pahuja, as Ritesh, captures both the insecurities of a student terrified of failure and the measured calm of a professional who has seen the emptiness behind corporate glitter. His physicality—clean-shaven, a touch unkempt as a student, and more composed as an adult—helps underline this duality. Opposite him, Gagan Dev Riar once again proves why he is one of the most dependable actors around.
As MT Sir, he brings a rare stillness, portraying a man of patience and conviction who refuses to let talent go wasted. Their scenes together have an authenticity that lingers long after they are over. Girija Oak, as MT Sir’s wife Mansi, slips easily into her part, while Pradnya Motghare, as Sheena, injects some humour into the proceedings with her lively presence.
Also read: The Strangers: Chapter 2 Movie Review: Maya’s nightmare continues, but the thrills are uneven
Simple, honest storytelling
‘13th’ may not be groundbreaking television, but it doesn’t aspire to be. Its strength lies in how familiar and relatable it feels. The moments between students, the quiet exchanges between teacher and pupil, and the banter among friends—each has the unpolished texture of real life. There are no exaggerated flourishes or unnecessary gimmicks, and that is precisely why it resonates.
The show doesn’t just tell a story; it reflects experiences that many will find echoes of in their own lives. It’s moving in parts, even tender, with enough emotional heft to stir you. For viewers seeking a series rooted in truth, powered by strong performances and genuine emotion, ‘13th’ is well worth the time.
Rating: 3.5/5
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