In Vidhu Vinod Chopra's new movie that revolves around UPSC aspirants, Vikrant Massey truly shines, giving us his best performance yet!
Sometimes, it's the tale of the underdog that truly strikes a chord, and in his latest film, '12th Fail,' writer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra expertly brings this narrative to life. Adapted from Anurag Pathak's novel of the same name, the movie follows the journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma from Chambal. Despite being a 12th dropout, Manoj embarks on the challenging path of preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam.
Chopra uses this inspiring and compelling story as his canvas, painting it with a myriad of emotions - from pain, anger, failure, and victory to moments of helplessness and confidence. Vikrant Massey takes on the role of Manoj, portraying a character who takes up humble jobs at a tea stall, an aata chakki, and even cleans toilets in his pursuit. '12th Fail' doesn't sugarcoat the narrative; instead, it presents the scenario in its raw and authentic form.
The film is likely to strike a chord with the thousands and lakhs of students who tirelessly prepare for the UPSC exam year after year. While some succeed, others face setbacks and choose to 'restart' their journey, giving it another shot. Chopra introduces the concept of the restart early on in the film, and it remains a subtle but integral theme throughout, resonating at various stages in the storyline.
'12th Fail' doesn't shy away from addressing the flaws within our education system. In Chambal, a school openly endorses cheating during board exams, as clearing the 12th standard becomes crucial for students to secure jobs and provide for their families. The film sheds light on this grim reality, showcasing how the pursuit of a basic education is tainted by systemic issues.
A pivotal moment arises when DSP Dushyant Singh (played by Priyanshu Chatterjee) intervenes in the school, putting an end to the cheating. This small yet impactful role becomes a turning point for Manoj (Vikrant Massey), as he recognizes that this is the path he wants to pursue.
In the subsequent year, with the transfer of DSP and the resumption of the school's unethical practices, everyone manages to secure first division results except for Manoj, content with his third division. His journey leads him to Gwalior for UPSC coaching and eventually brings him to Delhi, specifically the bustling Mukherjee Nagar area, renowned for housing countless students from across the country, all vying for that coveted spot in the UPSC. '12th Fail' unfolds the narrative of how Manoj, accompanied by his girlfriend Shraddha Joshi (played by Medha Shankar), tackles the daily challenges in this pursuit.
Vikrant Massey steals the spotlight with an exceptional performance, arguably his career best. At each juncture, he infuses a spectrum of emotions into his character. From the teenage years of school, where he remains unaware of the immorality of cheating, to the resilience and determination of a struggling UPSC student, willing to sacrifice sleep for study and take on odd jobs for survival – Massey embodies Manoj's character with precision, leaving no room for critique.
At a runtime of 147 minutes, '12th Fail' skillfully avoids overextending to the point of becoming tedious or didactic. It maintains a dynamic rhythm, keeping the tension, chaos, and pace intact, resulting in an engaging viewing experience. Vidhu Vinod Chopra ensures that each subplot or character track introduced has its own compelling narrative, seamlessly woven into the screenplay without feeling forced. Whether it's Manoj's friend Pandey, a government servant's son, or Manoj's mentor Gauri bhaiya (Anshuman Pushkar), who redirects his life after failing to achieve his IPS dream by dedicating himself to training others and encouraging them to restart their lives – every character has a nuanced story.
The dialogues, while simple, pack a punch and linger in the viewer's mind. Chopra adeptly captures the vulnerabilities of students who face failure, endure setbacks, and rise again. Additionally, the film briefly touches upon the corrupt aspects of a system that seemingly discourages education and the ascent of youth to positions of power. Throughout these explorations, '12th Fail' maintains its core essence as a genuine and unpretentious tale of determination and conviction.
This film is a compelling watch, offering insights not only into the challenges and emotions experienced by UPSC students but also shedding light on the broader issues within our education system, a theme for which Chopra garnered acclaim with '3 Idiots.
12th Fail / Vikrant Massey / Movies
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Drama Movie