Man, what a beautiful, beautiful film. Easily one of my favourites this year. So happy that Vikrant Massey has finally hit it with this one. After all those mediocre projects in between, this guy has finally been tapped for his unbelievable talent. In the wild world of movies where moral compasses have gone for a toss into the bin, “12th Fail” strides in like a knight in shining armor, waving the flag of integrity. Vidhu Vinod Chopra, after a longgg hibernation, brings us a dose of hope and resilience – think of it as the spirited cousin of “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” and “3 Idiots”.
Plot
The fact that this is a true story makes me even more emotional. Picture this – Manoj Kumar Sharma, a poor nobody from Chambal fighting poverty and corruption to tackle the toughest exam in the country, the UPSC Exam. But what makes it even intriguing is how every aspect of his life has a social commentary in it. Manoj goes through a freaking difficult journey that requires a hell lot of courage, where cheating is as common as your morning coffee, and justice moves slower than a Monday morning. Vidhu Chopra does not shy away from openly exposing the discrimination that pushes the ‘lower-caste or inferior’ people down in an attempt to crush them. The story skillfully mixes serious themes with touching ones, sending a powerful message of kindness to all people. Bohot moving hai ye story, so keep your emotions in check!
Performances
What do I even say about Vikrant Massey? Bro is literally a soft-hearted, but huge-ass beast when it comes to acting. He was having a pretty poor run with his movies, but hits it out of the park this time. He steals the show, weaving through Manoj’s life with expressions that could win awards on their own. His journey is a tightrope walk of emotions, and Massey walks it with such finesse. The supporting cast, from Priyanshu Chatterjee to Medha Shankar, adds the right emotions and complement Massey very well. Medha, as Manoj’s girlfriend, brings poise and warmth to the screen, creating a love story that’s as heartwarming as hot chocolate on a cold day.
Direction and Writing
Vidhu Vinod Chopra where were you all this while??? We needed your film so bad. Chalo, der aaye par durust aaye. His directorial magic is back, juggling inspiration and life lessons to make a perfect blend. Also kinda loved how the film occasionally reminded you of “3 Idiots.” Idk, it felt pretty nostalgic to me. But, I think the films gets too preachy at times and even exaggerates occasionally. Wish it was a little less dramatic and more on the realistic side, but theek hai. It is all forgiven, cuz in the end, it’s a warm hug with a message – be good, people!
Screenplay and Cinematography
From the first shot, you’re drawn into the movie and compelled to root for Manoj, despite all odds being against him. It offers both highs and lows of his life, making sure there’s much needed realism to his story. Now that’s what we call a good screenplay. It is literally your ride through Manoj’s life, from the dusty Chambal to the chaotic Mukherjee Nagar. Shantanu Moitra’s tunes are minimalistic and work so well for the movie- especially cuz Chopra’s use of background noise is on point. Those desks moving in anxiety, the deep breaths of the students, the heartbeats— by god apne exam waale din yaad aajayenge. Cinematographer Rangarajan Ramabadran paints vivid images of Chambal’s dry, hopeless landscapes and contrasts it with Delhi’s chaos so beautifully that you’re instantly transported to the places.
In a cinematic universe where trust is as rare as a unicorn, “12th Fail” is that unexpected friend who pops up with a bag full of surprises. Sure, it occasionally stumbles into melodrama and gets preachy too, but hey, life’s a game of snakes and ladders, right? Vikrant Massey’s stellar performance, the candid love story, and Chopra’s signature touch make this a movie worth your time. So grab your popcorn, embrace the goodness, and let “12th Fail” remind you that integrity and hope are the superheroes we didn’t know we needed. Cheers to a movie that’s not just a rollercoaster but a heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of life! Please, please watch it!
