Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail is a poignant tale of a UPSC aspirant who has sworn himself to righteousness and who refuses to bow down to the expectations of a society that has deemed him unworthy. The film has been on the receiving end of praise from critics and audiences alike. It was released on Disney+ Hotstar on December 29 and is based on Anurag Pathak’s novel about the life of real-life Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Synopsis
The protagonist, Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), is the son of a righteous government servant who fights a system wrought with corruption. After being suspended from his job, the father decides to embark on an uphill battle against the government for justice, leaving his family behind to fend for themselves against the ravages of poverty.
At a school that lives, breathes, and teaches cheating, Manoj Sharma, inspired by an honest police officer, decides to live a life of truth and forgo dishonesty in his exams. Later, he develops an aspiration to clear the UPSC exam after his encounter with Pritam Pandey, who becomes his closest companion. After every failed attempt, Manoj is consoled by his friends, who help him “restart” all over again. The film revolves around Sharma’s battle with poverty and his undying dedication to clear the exam by honest means, culminating in a message of perseverance and human goodness that leaves its viewers tearing up at Sharma’s optimism and resilience.
12th Fail is a retelling of a story that has been told a hundred times but it still manages to make you root for the protagonist. The viewers can easily anticipate what is to come next but the film keeps them hooked nonetheless. In a way, it is yet another story of an underdog who struggles to break free and has the sympathy of the audience, yet it is a unique rendering of a repeated plot. It is a story that needed to be narrated, considering the sheer number of students who are under enormous pressure because of such exams.
12th Fail sheds light on the struggles of UPSC aspirants
12th Fail sheds light on the struggle of being a student in the Hindi medium, while those assessing the candidates are discriminatory and biased towards non-English speakers. The film highlights the question of class privilege being afforded to English-medium students that enables an easier path to their success, while those lacking such privilege are forced to toil and are dehumanized in the process. 12th Fail also delves into the process of UPSC examinations in India all the way up to the interview and the almost impossible nature of their clearing. The audience can feel the tension and anxiety in the examination halls and interview rooms faced by the candidates.
Criticism of 12th Fail
The critics of the film have pointed out that while the film discusses class privilege, it fails to highlight caste privilege, which completely strips away the opportunities of those without the privilege. Critics have mentioned that Manoj had the privilege of not facing caste discrimination and that he came from a line of government servants. However, the film did show the failure of Manoj’s mentor, Gauri, who belonged to the backward castes, and his disappointing attempts to clear the exam. Gauri ends up shedding his dreams and setting up a tea stall.
Highlights of 12th fail
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s directorial prowess shines through in 12th Fail, skillfully guiding the narrative and infusing it with emotional depth. The earthy storyline resonates, encapsulating the essence of human struggle and the relentless pursuit of dreams against adversity. Shantanu Moitra’s exquisite background score adds another layer of emotion, deepening the viewer’s connection to the characters and their journey. Vikrant Massey delivers a performance of a lifetime and it would not come as a surprise if he won a national award for his acting.
Cinematography is utilized as a form of moving poetry, skillfully invoking a range of emotions. 12th Fail showcases hauntingly beautiful landscapes and intimate close-ups, capturing the raw essence of human emotion. The adept use of visuals enhances the storytelling, making it a standout feature and contributing significantly to the film’s overall brilliance.
Beyond being a film, 12th Fail stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of today’s generation, conveying the powerful message that setbacks can serve as stepping stones to success and unwavering determination can triumph over even the most formidable challenges.
