12th Fail (2023) Review!!

Synopsis – The real-life story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma.

My Take – You know what everyone loves? A true underdog story. A Triumph of Unyielding Spirit. You inevitably root for your protagonist and champion his cause.

This latest story, based on a novel by Anurag Pathak, as the title suggests, narrates the inspiring real-life journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a student from a Hindi medium school in a remote village in Madhya Pradesh, who failed his Class XII exams, and yet, stayed the course, persevering through battles and failed attempts, to finally crack the coveted UPSC examination, and become an IPS officer.

While a premise like this provides ample opportunity to over-dramatize its elements, but in the hands of a seasoned filmmaker like Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Parinda, Mission Kashmir) it results in a highly gripping, and heartwarming real-life story. Anchored by vivid characters, evocative visuals, profound writing, and a soul-stirring soundtrack, he crafts a narrative that resonates deeply.

By bringing to life the struggles faced by UPSC aspirants and the grit of rural India, the film acts as a reflection of societal struggles, aspirations, and the indomitable human spirit. And by addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by them, the film succeeds in offering a poignant commentary on the state of education and opportunities in India.

Running for 146 minutes, this is a film that deserves complete recognition on multiple fronts, particularly for Vikrant Massey‘s portrayal that is both authentic and compelling, and writer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra‘s unparalleled storytelling prowess.

Clearly standing out as one of their most promising projects till date, and as a film that will always manage to resonate irrespective of the year or the era in which one watches it.

The story follows Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), the middle child of a poor family from Chambal, a region known for its bandits. Surviving in a schooling system where the teachers facilitate cheating so the school can maintain its pass percentage, Manoj finds inspiration in the truthfulness of an honest DSP (Priyanshu Chatterjee), who not only tries to shakes things up, and helps him get out of trouble for running a side shuttle service with his brother, but advises him to stop cheating.

Though, he immediately fails 12th grade, with a new found determination, Manoj not only manages to pass in a reattempt, but also finds himself in Gwalior, having accepted the life savings of his peppery grandmother (Sarita Joshi), to take the civil service exams to become a DSP himself.

However, though his fortunes are almost scuttled by someone else’s dishonesty, with the help of a fellow aspiring student Pritam Pandey (Anant Vijay Joshi), Manoj heads to Delhi and sets his sights on the IPS exam. Embarking on a long, arduous series of failed attempts and restarts.

The story is simple yet thought-provoking and hard hitting. The film serves as a beacon of inspiration, particularly for individuals who find themselves on the verge of giving up after years of dedicated preparation. It beautifully depicts the resilience and determination required to navigate through the complexities of both academic and rural life. Just like Manoj, the film’s sincerity can be seen in each frame and scene, which is carefully put together to keep the authenticity of the story alive.

Devoid of any filmy touch, the film uses real students, real locations and the reality of the education system to tell an impactful story. In telling this story, 12th Fail covers some familiar tropes: the kinship of underprivileged strugglers who stand by each other through heartaches, a loving grandmother with pension saved up in a trunk beneath her bed, the hard-working protagonist who does menial labor during the day and studies at night.

While Manoj begins a sweet, romance with an above middle class Mussoorie girl named Shradha (Medha Shankar), his own family struggle back in the village but keep their spirits high. It sheds light on the pressures faced by students in our education system and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and overcoming societal expectations. This film is a must-watch for all school students, as it offers valuable insights and inspires viewers to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.

Writer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra deserves commendation for his exceptional storytelling skills. He weaves a compelling narrative that strikes a chord with the audience, effectively portraying the pressures and challenges faced due to the system. His ability to elicit powerful performances from the cast is praiseworthy and contributes to the film’s overall impact.

Without a doubt, Vikrant Massey‘s performance here is nothing short of exceptional, embodying a range of emotions that leave an indelible mark. He effortlessly brings depth and authenticity to his character, immersing the audience in the emotional journey grappling with setbacks. Massey‘s portrayal is nuanced, capturing the vulnerability, frustration, and eventual growth of his character with great finesse. His performance in this film unquestionably deserves accolades.

Medha Shankar defines her part really well and leaves a long lasting impression. Priyanshu Chatterjee‘s portrayal of the upright police officer adds a layer of authenticity and bravery to the story. While in supporting roles, Joshi Anantvijay, Anshumaan Pushkar, Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, and Sarita Joshi bring in the much-needed authenticity and genuineness to their characters, making the screenplay so much more enriching. On the whole, ’12th Fail’ is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking experience anchored by its compelling storytelling and powerful performances.