✅ 12th Fail (2023) is an inspiring Hindi biographical drama about Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey from academic failure and poverty to becoming an IPS officer, showcasing his relentless determination to clear India’s toughest civil services exam.

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8.8/10

12th Fail

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Writer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli, Anurag Pathak

Stars: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Anant Joshi

Plot: The real-life story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi.

Countries: India

Languages: Hindi

IMDb: View on IMDb

12th Fail (2023) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: 12th Fail (2023)
• Language: Hindi (Also released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada)
• Budget: ₹20 crore (approx. $2.4 million USD)
• Revenue: ₹69.64 crore (approx. $8.2 million USD) worldwide gross
• Runtime: 146 minutes (2 hours 26 minutes)
• Release Date: October 27, 2023 (India, Theatrical)
• Genres: Biographical, Drama
• Cast: Vikrant Massey (Manoj Kumar Sharma), Medha Shankr (Shraddha Joshi)…
• Directors: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
• Screenplay: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli
• Story by: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Based on the book by Anurag Pathak)
• Dialogues by: (Not explicitly stated)
• Studios & Producers:
  • Production Company: Vinod Chopra Films
  • Distributor: Zee Studios
  • Producers: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Yogesh Ishwar
• Voice Cast: N/A
• Animation & Style: Live-action

SCREENSHORT

Plot Summary

“12th Fail” is the inspiring true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man from Chambal who, despite failing his 12th-grade exams, embarks on an extraordinary journey to clear the UPSC civil services exam, one of India’s most challenging competitive examinations. The film chronicles Manoj’s relentless struggle against poverty, academic setbacks, and societal pressures. After an honest police officer curtails cheating in his district, causing Manoj to fail, he decides to embrace honesty and restart his life. He moves to Delhi, facing immense financial hardships and language barriers, often working odd jobs like at a flour mill to survive. Throughout his arduous preparation, he finds unwavering support from his love interest, Shraddha Joshi, and forms a crucial bond with fellow aspirants and mentors. The film highlights the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices required to pursue such a formidable goal, presenting a gritty yet hopeful portrayal of the lives of UPSC aspirants. It’s a powerful narrative about perseverance, integrity, and the belief that with unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle to achieve their dreams.

Cast & Crew

Critical & Audience Response

“12th Fail” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and emerged as a massive sleeper hit at the box office. Critics lauded the film for its authentic and inspiring narrative, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s sensitive direction, and especially Vikrant Massey’s powerhouse performance, which was hailed as one of his career-best. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of UPSC aspirants and its honest depiction of Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey. It garnered significant positive word-of-mouth, which contributed to its unexpected commercial success. The film won numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film, Best Director (for Vidhu Vinod Chopra), and Best Actor (Critics) for Vikrant Massey at the 69th Filmfare Awards. It also received an IIFA Award for Best Director.

Direction & Cinematography

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s direction in “12th Fail” is a masterclass in understated storytelling. He approaches the true story with sincerity and a keen eye for detail, focusing on the human element rather than sensationalism. The narrative is well-paced, allowing the audience to truly connect with Manoj’s struggles and triumphs. Rangarajan Ramabadran’s cinematography is raw and authentic, capturing the bustling energy of Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar coaching hub and the quiet despair and determination of Manoj’s journey. The visual language is grounded in reality, enhancing the film’s inspirational core.

Music & Background Score

Shantanu Moitra’s music and background score for “12th Fail” are integral to its emotional impact. The score subtly underscores the narrative, building tension during exam sequences and swelling with emotion during moments of despair and triumph, without ever becoming overbearing. The songs are meaningful and blend seamlessly with the storyline, adding to the film’s poignant and inspiring atmosphere.

Visuals & Special Effects

“12th Fail” is a drama that relies on authentic settings and character portrayals rather than elaborate visual or special effects. The film’s visual integrity comes from its realistic depiction of the environments – from rural Chambal to the bustling student life in Delhi. The production design meticulously recreates these spaces, adding to the film’s immersive quality. Any effects are minimal and serve to enhance the realism of the narrative.

Editing & Screenplay

The screenplay by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Jaskunwar Kohli, based on Anurag Pathak’s book, is exceptionally well-crafted. It presents a linear yet deeply engaging narrative, maintaining a steady pace that keeps the audience invested in Manoj’s journey. The dialogues are impactful and natural, avoiding melodrama and clichés. Vidhu Vinod Chopra also handled the editing, which is taut and precise, ensuring that every scene serves the story, making the 146-minute runtime feel much shorter. The film’s ability to highlight the systemic issues and personal struggles of UPSC aspirants without becoming preachy is a testament to its strong writing and editing.

Positives / What Works

“12th Fail” excels in its inspiring true story, Vikrant Massey’s career-defining performance, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s sensitive and realistic direction. The film’s authenticity, relatable characters, and powerful message of perseverance and honesty resonated deeply with both critics and audiences. Its tight screenplay, impactful dialogues, and appropriate background score also contribute significantly to its success. The film’s ability to portray a demanding and often frustrating journey with hope and realism is its greatest strength.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms include a slightly idealistic portrayal of the love story, which some found to be less gritty than the rest of the narrative. A few moments might feel a little too dramatized, but these are minor points that do not detract from the film’s overall impact and powerful message.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“12th Fail” is a truly remarkable and essential film that serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of never giving up. It’s not just a story about clearing an exam but about the transformation of a young man who chooses the path of honesty and hard work against all odds. Its critical acclaim, widespread audience appreciation, and commercial success are well-deserved. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration and a genuinely moving cinematic experience.

Movie Rating

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