12th Fail Movie Review
“12th Fail,” a film by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, takes a departure from the director’s usual cinematic style. Unlike his previous poetic gangster films or crime thrillers, this movie presents a straightforward and heartwarming story. It revolves around a 12th fail student, whose unwavering determination and never-say-die attitude lead him to crack the UPSC examination, ultimately becoming an IPS officer. This tale, based on the real-life journey of Mohan Kumar Sharma as chronicled in Ashok Pathak’s best-selling book, takes us from the Chambal’s wilds to the hallowed halls of the UPSC in the heart of the nation’s capital.
- Release Date 27 October 2023
- Language Hindi
- Dubbed In Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
- Genre Drama
- Duration 2h 27min
- Cast Vikrant Massey, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Anant Joshi, Anshuman Pushkar, Harish Khanna, Sanjay Bishnoi, Sukumar Tudu, Medha Shankar, Suraj Naagar
- Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra
- Writer Vidhu Vinod Chopra
- Cinematography Rangarajan Ramabadran
- Music Shantanu Moitra
- Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra
- Production Vinod Chopra Films, Zee Studios
- Certificate U
Vikrant Massey’s Convincing Portrayal
Vikrant Massey, in the lead role of Manoj Kumar Sharma, hailing from a humble background in Madhya Pradesh’s dacoit-infested region, delivers an exceptionally convincing performance. He masterfully embodies the relentless cycle of failure and success familiar to those who tread the path of civil service exams. Massey’s portrayal is the anchor that keeps the film grounded in reality, making Manoj’s incredible journey all the more believable.
A Supporting Cast that Shines
The film’s ensemble cast complements Massey’s performance perfectly. Medha Shankar as his supportive girlfriend, Anantvijay Joshi as his helpful friend, Anshumaan Pushkar as an experienced exam candidate, and the fellow UPSC aspirants contribute to the film’s authenticity. Priyanshu Chatterjee’s portrayal of a straight-arrow cop who becomes Manoj’s idol adds depth to the narrative.
The Power of Relatable Writing
What truly sets “12th Fail” apart is its carefully-calibrated writing. The story remains relatable, even when it ventures into seemingly unbelievable territory. Can you fathom a hopeful aspirant studying in a room with a deafening ‘atta-chakki’ running all day and night and still managing to pass the prelims? This is precisely what the real-life Mohan did, and it’s faithfully depicted in the film.
Sweetness of Spirit and Realism
Vidhu Vinod Chopra, marking his 45th year in the film industry with this project, infuses “12th Fail” with sweetness of spirit and a strong undercurrent of realism. Despite some staged locations and heightened situations, the film maintains its authenticity. It successfully straddles the line between narrative storytelling and a documentary-style approach, avoiding the label of ‘documentary’ that can often be a mood-killer for fans of mainstream Bollywood melodramas.
Conclusion and Outline
“12th Fail” is a refreshing departure from Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s usual cinematic endeavors. It offers a heartwarming, inspirational tale of an underdog who defies the odds to achieve his dream. Vikrant Massey’s exceptional performance, a strong supporting cast, and relatable writing make this film a must-watch. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ability to infuse sweetness of spirit and realism into the narrative adds a unique charm. “12th Fail” serves as a reminder that determination and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.