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Read Full 12th Fail Movie Review –
Vikrant Massey starrer 12th Fail – in cinemas now – is an inspiring film that remains true to its intention while depicting the toughness of UPSC aspirants, their passion and emotions.
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant Vijay Joshi, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Anshumaan Pushkar
Rating: 3.5/5
Duration: 2 Hours 27 Mins
12th Fail Movie Review; Plotline:
Based on Anurag Pathak’s bestselling novel of the same name, 12th Fail depicts the true story of an IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma (played by Vikrant Massey) hailing from a small town in Chambal who wants to join the police force.
His journey takes a dramatic turn when the new honest deputy superintendent of police named Dushyant Singh (played by Priyanshu Chatterjee) lands at their school and stops them from cheating. As a result, Manoj fails at his board exams, but that is when he realizes that honesty is the real path that he wishes to follow.
After clearing his 12th board exams in 3rd division, he graduates in BA and moves to Gwalior for PCS exams. However, destiny had other plans. Manoj decides to reclaim his destiny at a place where millions of students attempt for the world’s toughest competitive exam, UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
The story follows how Manoj takes up several menial jobs to survive while focusing on his dream with the support of his girlfriend Shraddha Joshi (played by Medha Shankar), his guru Gauri Bhaiya (Anshumaan Pushkar) and his friend Pritam Pandey (played by Anant Vijay Joshi).
What Do We Think?
12th Fail celebrates the success of the ‘underdogs’. The film is not just a chronicle of one man’s journey but a celebration of everyone who dared to look at failures as an opportunity to #Restart.
Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has made sure that every character and sub-plots that he is introducing in his film has a back story of their own. He has also subtly highlighted the harsh reality of the corrupt system, education and politics. Written, directed and produced by Chopra, the screenplay is engaging and the dialogues are simple yet hard-hitting.
Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma is brilliant. He has has delivered one of the best performances of his career. He seems to be apt choice for the protagonist’s role. From his expressions (whether he is feeling emotional, helpless or agitated) to his body language and diction, Vikrant has left no room for complaints. He has owned up to his character to the T.
Priyanshu Chatterjee as DSP Dushyant Singh makes his presence felt in his small yet impactful role. Medha is confident and puts up a fine performance as Shraddha. Anshumaan and Anant are also likeable. Senior actors like Sarita Joshi (Manoj’s grandmother), Geeta Agrawal Sharma and Harish Khanna (Manoj’s parents) also deserve a special mention for their nuanced performances.
The background score by Shantanu Moitra adds emotional value to the visuals. On the flip side, the length of the film – 147 minutes – could have been chopped off by 15-20 minutes. The last scene will leave you teary-eyed.
HIT Or MISS?
12th Fail is a well-intentioned inspiring film that passes with flying colours. It’s indeed a MUST-WATCH! It However, it is sad to see the film struggling to find audience at the box office.
