12th Fail: Discovering Ideas from Everyday Life
By Mudasir Koul
The cinematic journey offered by “12th Fail” (2023), now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, unfolds as a poignant and resonant narrative, deftly mirroring the authentic struggles and triumphant victories inherent in real-life experiences. Drawing its inspiration from the compelling true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer, and his spouse Shraddha Joshi, an IRS officer, the film delves into the myriad challenges and successes that define their arduous journey.
The narrative kicks off with the protagonist’s pivotal failure in the 12th grade, a consequence of an uncompromising school official who staunchly opposes widespread cheating. This turning point becomes the crucible, igniting the protagonist’s resolve to tread the demanding path of UPSC preparation despite grappling with financial instability.
What sets “12th Fail” apart is its intricate incorporation of a love angle, ingeniously challenging prevailing stereotypes and authentically portraying the female character. It boldly refutes the conventional belief that relationships are detrimental to individual growth, underscoring the nuanced message that not every female character is a mere gold-digger. This deliberate narrative choice raises compelling questions about the dynamic interplay between cinematic portrayal and real-world relationships.
Emotionally resonant, “12th Fail” masterfully immerses the audience in the lives of its characters through each meticulously crafted scene and dialogue. The film culminates in a cinematic experience that strikes a profound chord with viewers, transforming the protagonists’ journey into a testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of unwavering determination.
Inspired by the authentic struggles of Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shraddha Joshi, the film serves as a spotlight on the myriad challenges they confronted, ranging from financial adversities to obstacles encountered in UPSC preparation. Their unwavering perseverance emerges as a beacon of hope and motivation, casting a poignant light on the universal human capacity for overcoming adversity.
Despite its compelling narrative, “12th Fail” encountered hurdles at the box office, garnering a collection of approximately ₹65.98 crore. The film’s deviation from the conventional masala-action tropes may have contributed to its box office performance below expectations, sparking contemplation on the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic expectations and audience preferences.
Audience reviews, diverse in their perspectives, reveal a schism between those inclined towards the allure of masala-action blockbusters and those who appreciate the film’s realistic portrayal and inspirational message. While some viewers, aligned with the former, found “12th Fail” less engaging, others lauded it as a compelling exemplar of resilience, extolling its refreshing narrative approach.
In summation, “12th Fail” stands tall as a cinematic homage to resilience, love, and the inspiration derived from real-life struggles. Its adept portrayal of challenges, coupled with a heartwarming love story, weaves a narrative tapestry that transcends the confines of the screen. Regardless of box office figures, the film etches an indelible mark on those who value authenticity and the triumph of the human spirit, emerging as a luminous beacon of meaningful storytelling in a cinematic landscape dominated by masala-action blockbusters.
Story Background
12th Fail is inspired by the real-life story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma and his IRS officer wife, Shraddha Joshi. While Vikrant played Manoj, Medha Shankar played Shraddha. It revolves around their journey despite all odds. The film had a very good run at the box office and was a success while despite clashing with big films.
Several celebrities have been raving about the film for a long time. From Kangana Ranaut to Anurag Kashyap to Rohit Shetty, many have lauded the film team, especially Vikrant for his performance.
12th Fail is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film produced, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on the 2019 eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak about the real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer. The film stars Vikrant Massey in the title role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee.
Released theatrically on 27 October 2023, 12th Fail received widespread critical acclaim and emerged as a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹66 crore (US$8.3 million) worldwide on a ₹20 crore (US$2.5 million) budget. At the 69th Filmfare Awards, the film received 12 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director.
Cast
• Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma
• Medha Shankar as Shraddha Joshi
• Anant V Joshi as Pritam Pandey
• Anshumaan Pushkar as Gauri Bhaiya
• Priyanshu Chatterjee as DSP Dushyant Singh
• Geeta Aggarwal Sharma as Pushpa Sharma, Manoj’s mother
• Harish Khanna as Ramveer Sharma, Manoj’s father
• Sarita Joshi as Manoj’s grandmother
• Sanjay Bishnoi as Naval
• Vikas Divyakirti as Himself
• Vijay Kumar Dogra as Sundar
• Perry Chhabra as Rajini Sharma, Manoj’s younger sister
• Neeraj Kalra as Shraddha’s father
• Darius Chinoy as Mr. Solanki
• Radhika Joshi as Tanya
• Fasi Khan as Kishan, Shraddha’s house servant
• Rahul Dev Shetty as Mr. Mehta, Manoj’s UPSC interviewer
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