Sunday, June 23, 2024

Kota Factory Season 3

 

Having enjoyed the first two seasons, I was eagerly looking forward to the next season of Kota factory. I binge watched it as soon as it dropped in Netflix. The start of the season was strong and had me hooked. It added a different dimension to Jeetu bhaiyya. As the season progressed though, I got the feeling that the creators were unsure on how or where to take it. It was a given that the characters along with the timebound goal of JEE had to end soon but where the first two seasons meandered quite beautifully, the final season seems to almost follow the road signs and dutifully just followed rules.

Listening to the audience can be beneficial in some cases but it also can result in loss of natural creativity (the most egregious example is Joey’s character in Friends.. ). Where Jeetu bhaiyya’s pithy wisdom was fun and natural, here it seemed forced. The creators seemed to put the story on hold to insert this monologue into every episode. Same with Vaibhav’s outburst which mimics the one from season 1.

The saving grace for this season is the easy light shone by the characters of Shivangi, Uday, Meena (especially) and Vaibhav. There is something to be said about the approach the students have towards each DPP or test series. While I had my complaints, I was eager enough on result day to find how each of them fared. But I think that was the result of the first two seasons. Season 3 seemed more of the long wait-time post exam till the result day..

 

P.s: I was never able to figure out if there was any deeper reason to film the series in B&W.. but loved this choice. There is something aesthetically pleasing about monochrome.

 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

stuff

Backpacks

Most of the backpacks are either hit or miss. If you have time, I would recommend picking up from rei, try it on the hike and if you don’t like it, you can return. I say this is a bad/ not the right fit backpack makes walking a pain. That said, these are few with good reviews -
38 ltr
http://www.rei.com/product/835505/deuter-futura-pro-38-pack-2011-closeout
30 ltr
http://www.rei.com/product/830328/rei-traverse-30-pack-special-buy
35 ltr
http://eu.thenorthface.com/tnf-eu-en/terra-35-liter-backpack-6.html

Hydration packs:
Most of the online ones cost the same as in store with just a few dollars less. I prefer bottles over packs, so I have never used them and don't have any recommendation.

Head lights:
Either petzl or black diamond. I have 2 petzl; one from rei and another from Bangalore wild craft. Both work perfectly fine. Black diamond is a new entrant since last couple of years..
http://www.rei.com/product/831540/petzl-tikka-led-headlamp-2010-closeout

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/petzl-tikkina-headlamp-2-led~p~4611n/?filterString=flashlights-and-headlamps~d~92%2F&colorFamily=01

Water proof jacket
A lot of people here swear by Marmot driclime. Extremely light weight and thoroughly wind proof. Good for high altitude climbing, but if most of your hiking is below, then any running t-shirt is fine.
http://www.rei.com/product/826962/marmot-driclime-windshirt-mens-2011-closeout

Hiking pant:
I prefer a zip off pant which converts to shorts and all pockets should have zippers so that I don’t have to worry about things falling off.
If you are particular about wather proof, you can pick a cheap one from target for about $20 or get one online (good review)

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-precip-pants-waterproof-for-men~p~2283d/?filterString=mens-hiking-clothing~d~2309%2F&colorFamily=02

Walking poles:
If it is just for one hike, then you can buy 1 in walmart. Else,
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-trekking-poles-paired~p~1890g/?filterString=trekking-poles-and-walking-sticks~d~240%2F&colorFamily=99

Baselayer:
I love the under armour 3.0 top and bottom base layer that I have. But these can be too warm for regular hikes. They are more for sub zero non-active use (mostly around camps and sleep). I see very good review for patagonia silk base layers as well.

Gloves:
Since winter is over, REI is currently running a sale for gloves. You can pick one in store.

Misc:
http://www.amazon.com/MSR-11792-Pocket-Rocket-Stove/dp/B000A8C5QE/ref=zg_bs_3400941_2

http://ryderseyewear.com/HEX_INTERCHANGEABLE_R478_001
Oakley half jacket