In the cinematic realm of ’12th Fail,’ we find ourselves in uncharted territory, far removed from Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s usual repertoire. Unlike the familiar terrain of poetic gangster sagas, crime thrillers, or period dramas, this film unfolds as a straightforward chronicle of a 12th-grade underachiever’s journey. Through determination and an indomitable spirit, this student embarks on a honest path, results conquering the toughest UPSC exam to rise as an IPS officer. It’s a story that, without prior knowledge, could easily be mistaken for the work of Rajkumar Hirani, who might humorously label it ’12th Pass.’
Review of ’12th Fail’
To avoid spoilers of 12th Fail let’s anchor this narrative in the real-life experiences of Mohan Kumar Sharma, documented in Ashok Pathak’s bestseller. While geographically Mohan’s journey from the Chambal hinterlands to the UPSC citadel in the capital might not seem daunting, in every other aspect, these two worlds appear light-years apart. The concept of a ‘Hindi medium’ young man from a humble background attending a ‘school’ where teachers go to great lengths to secure passing grades seems almost unbelievable. How did this lad, with minimal resources and no exposure to the world, accomplish such an extraordinary feat?
The Credit Goes to Vikrant Massey
The lion’s share of the credit belongs to Vikrant Massey’s remarkably convincing portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma. Manoj hails from a tiny hamlet in the notorious dacoit-infested region of Madhya Pradesh. He navigates the relentless cycle of failure and success, a path well-trodden by those enduring the grueling civil services examination process. The film introduces a supporting cast that solidifies our belief in the story – Medha Shankar as his supportive girlfriend, Anantvijay Joshi as his helpful confidant, Anshumaan Pushkar as the seasoned exam taker, and Priyanshu Chatterjee as the upright police officer who becomes his idol.
A Meticulously Crafted Narrative
What truly stands out in ’12th fail’ is the intricately crafted narrative, maintaining its relatability even as it traverses seemingly implausible territory. Have you ever heard of an aspiring candidate studying in a room with an incredibly noisy ‘atta-chakki,’ working tirelessly throughout the day and studying through the night while managing to clear the preliminary exams? This is precisely what the real-life Mohan achieved, a feat faithfully mirrored in Manoj’s journey.
Behind the Scenes: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 45th Year in Cinema
As Vidhu Vinod Chopra marks his 45th year in the film industry with ’12th Fail,’ it becomes evident that this film sets itself apart from the rest of his cinematic accomplishments. While some settings are staged and certain characters embellished, it’s all to avoid the dreaded ‘documentary’ label, a term that tends to dampen the spirits of most aficionados of conventional Bollywood melodrama.
A Touch of Reality Amidst the Soundtrack
Despite the backdrop of background music and occasional emotional crescendos, ’12th Fail’ predominantly adheres to an authentic portrayal of life. Its characters resonate with the feeling that they could be the people you encounter on the streets, imparting valuable life lessons adorned with generous doses of motivation. It’s not just the central cast but also the throngs of young aspirants congregating in hotbeds like North Delhi’s Mukerjee Nagar, who, far from their homes, toil day and night in pursuit of their dreams.
Challenges and Moments of Respite
While the narrative remains captivating, there are moments when it falters. The audience may need to come to terms with the fact that the intelligent Shraddha believes, for an extended duration, that Manoj is more educated than he actually is – a realization that should have become apparent the moment he spoke. Additionally, the all-knowing voiceover, an overused narrative device, underscores elements that are clearly visible, needing no further elucidation.
Trailer Of 12th Fail is here
Hope and Integrity: Manoj Kumar Sharma’s Triumph
In the end of Review of ’12th Fail’ I will say it delivers an inspiring account of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a success story that extends beyond him to every individual who contributed to his journey. It embodies his unwavering belief in the supremacy of honesty and the rejection of corruption as the default option. In these cynical times, it serves as a soothing balm. While it may appear naive, at times, it’s precisely this naivety that fosters hope in tumultuous times. Honesty, the film suggests, can indeed be the pathway to success, allowing individuals to ascend while retaining their integrity. And for those who stumble, the solution is simple: dust yourself off and begin anew.