What does it take to achieve one’s dreams? How does one overcome the failures and setbacks that life throws at them? These are some of the questions that 12th Fail, a biographical film based on the true story of Mohan Kumar Sharma, a 12th fail student who becomes an IPS officer, tries to answer. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey in the lead role, 12th Fail is a refreshing and inspiring film that celebrates the power of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief.
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12th Fail: Plot
Based on Anurag Pathak’s bestselling novel of the same name, 12th Fail is a celebration of millions of students and their tireless spirit of never giving up. It is a biographical film based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma hailing from a small town in Chambal – who fearlessly embraced the idea of restarting his academic journey and reclaiming his destiny overcoming many obstacles and challenges along the way at a place where millions of students attempt for the world’s toughest competitive exam – UPSC. The film is not just a chronicle of one man’s journey but a celebration of everyone who dared to look at failures as an opportunity to #RESTART. Shot on real locations with real students, 12th Fail is an honest take on the bustling student life, their daunting challenges and friendships that stand the test of times.
12th Fail: Performance
The film boasts of a stellar cast, led by Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma, the protagonist. Massey delivers a brilliant performance, portraying the character’s determination, resilience, and vulnerability with authenticity and nuance. He is supported by a talented ensemble of actors, including Medha Shankar as his girlfriend, Anantvijay Joshi as his friend, Anshumaan Pushkar as his mentor, and Priyanshu Chatterjee as his idol. All of them bring their characters to life with conviction and charisma.
12th Fail: Analysis
12th Fail is a refreshing and inspiring film that celebrates the power of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. The film avoids the clichés and melodrama that often mar such biopics, and instead opts for a realistic and relatable approach. The screenplay is well-written, balancing humor, emotion, and drama effectively. The dialogues are witty and impactful, conveying the essence of the story without being preachy. The direction by Vidhu Vinod Chopra is commendable, as he captures the nuances of the different settings and situations that the protagonist faces. The cinematography, editing, music, and production design are also top-notch, enhancing the overall appeal of the film.
However the film is not without its flaws. The film is too long and tedious, with a runtime of 147 minutes. Some scenes and subplots could have been trimmed or removed to make the film more engaging and crisp. The film takes itself too seriously and lacks the charm and humor of other biopics like 3 Idiots2. The film also becomes predictable and clichéd, following the typical formula of an underdog story. The film does not explore the socio-political aspects of the civil services and the challenges that the protagonist faces as an IPS officer. The film focuses more on his personal struggles and achievements, which might seem superficial and shallow sometimes.
12th Fail: Verdict
12th Fail is a must-watch film for anyone who loves a good underdog story. It is a heartwarming and motivational tale that will leave you impressed and inspired.
12th Fail: Rating
Critics Rating: 3.5 / 5
Box Office Rating: 0.5 / 5
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