'13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms' Review | A tender watch with strong performances

If Kota Factory had a grown-up, heart-warming cousin, it might well be 13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms. The show traces the journey of Ritesh (Paresh Pahuja), a rising venture capitalist who leaves the comfort of the boardroom to repay a debt of gratitude. Years ago, Mohit Tyagi, or MT Sir (Gagan Dev Riar), shaped Ritesh’s path with lessons that went beyond textbooks. In the present, Ritesh steps into a mentoring role himself, standing by him to help build a novel edtech dream, reflecting

a striking symmetry in their relationship.

Paresh Pahuja continues to prove his versatility. From his limited but memorable role as Mahi in Bandish Bandit to leading 13th, he subtly captures Ritesh’s internal conflict and growth. His journey is not just about professional success; it’s about a hunger to do good, loyalty, and emotional evolution.

Gagan Dev Riar, known for his gripping portrayal of Abdul Karim Telgi in Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, shines as Mohit Tyagi, portraying a mentor whose vision is firmly rooted in purpose, not profit. Unlike many edtech portrayals that lean toward commercial ambition, MT’s mission is to provide quality education as a societal need, not a business. Unlike the typical OTT tendency to exaggerate larger-than-life figures, the show humanises Tyagi. He is a visionary and an ordinary man rolled into one.

Thematically, 13th is about mentorship, gratitude, and the ripple effect of belief. MT could have given up on Ritesh when he repeatedly resisted guidance, but he chose to nurture him. Decades later, Ritesh carries these lessons forward, applying them not just professionally but emotionally, showing how mentorship can shape character and life trajectory.

The show’s parallel timelines — Ritesh as a student and later as a mentor to MT in his entrepreneurial journey — are handled with finesse. They do not slow down the narrative nor disrupt pacing, instead engaging the viewers emotionally. The dialogues are natural, even when philosophical, and manage to sidestep the cringe factor that often bogs down didactic storytelling.

From a technical perspective, Nishil Sheth’s direction and the cinematography are subtle yet effective — the high-on-nostalgia brownish colour palette for the past sequences exemplifies that. The music and sound design are understated, appearing only when necessary, which keeps the emotional core undistracted.

Overall, 13th is a thoughtful watch — a refreshing departure from OTT’s usual reliance on action, romance, or violence. It’s a slice-of-life series that thrives on its humanity, tender storytelling, and strong performances.