The stunning Indian Hindi-language drama “12th Fail,” directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra will motivate you to ‘restart’. The film’s outstanding performances were headed by Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Sanjay Bishnoi, and Harish Khanna. Chopra’s direction expertly captured the heart of this amazing true-life story.
Anshuman Pushkar, known as Gauri Bheya, had the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants captivated in his Delhi residence. This Civil Services examination was a gamble, and Gauri was the ace they all started with. Then, it was a ‘restart’ – a ‘zero to hero’ restart. Over the next half, you will repeatedly come face to face with this mantra because Monoj Kumar Sharma (Bikranta Massi) is striving to clear the Civil Services.
Based on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s book of the same name and directed by Anurag Pathak, ’12th Fail’ describes the inspirational real-life journey of IPS Officer Monoj Kumar Sharma. The film begins in the chaotic Bilgaon village and follows Monoj as he aspires to become an honest IPS officer, wherever he is located, ‘at least the district where he is.’ Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s script paints a clear map of Monoj’s world, helping the audience navigate the lives of the characters and professionals in various departments. Without a doubt, it is Anshuman Pushkar’s best performance as Bikranta Massi to date.
The film’s performances are top-notch, with a special mention for Mithun Chakraborty and the portrayal of real-life struggles. Cinematographer Rangarajan R’s frames hold the rawness of life and the rural essence, concealed in warm hues, vividly capturing the daily struggles of the common man in the country.
The editing style, although occasionally visible, adds to the narrative. However, when it deviates from the pattern and remains steady in one shot, it creates cinematic and emotional magic. Monoj’s grandmother (Sarita Joshi) takes him in when he arrives back, or in a climactic moment when his love interest Shradha (Medha Shankar) breaks the news that he has cleared UPSC, it becomes even more heart-wrenching, echoing Anthony Hopkins’ famous ‘Silence of the Lambs’ scene where Clarice Starling silences Hannibal Lecter.
12th Fail’s characters occasionally resemble Rajkumar Hirani’s for Munna Bhai and Amir in 3 Idiots. These scenes may seem somewhat formulaic but possess a unique quality; they encourage individuals to share their achievements and spark change. Anant Joshi’s (Joshy AnantVijay) journalistic determination, his emotional pursuit, can remind you of Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan) in ‘3 Idiots.’
The entire film is linked together by Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s direction, which utilizes symbolic imagery from Monoj’s life and struggle. Even though the journey starts from imagination, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s skillful use of background sounds and repetition adds a laser focus.
In some of the most heart-touching moments, Monoj’s goal turns from dream to reality when he meets Gauri at the Gorailayar railway station, who takes him to Delhi. Once in Delhi, Monoj’s journey accelerates when he encounters Shraddha, an aspiring Hindi medium high achiever, who helps him secure a job in a library, where he works during the day and immerses himself in books at night, supporting his preparation. The further he advances, the more vivid the fantasy becomes, rooted in reality, and reveals Monoj’s unwavering determination.
12th Fail’s main characters are occasionally reminiscent of their popular roles, but Anshuman Pushkar’s narrative, determination, and dialogue are indeed inspiring. A special mention to Anant Joshi’s portrayal of journalistic prowess and relentless pursuit can remind you of Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan) in ‘3 Idiots.’
Throughout the movie, Vidhu Vinod Chopra portrays the life and struggles of Monoj and people like him, underpinning them with symbolical background sounds and repetition to accentuate their focus. While the journey begins in imagination, the skillful use of background sounds and repetition adds a laser focus to Monoj’s path towards transformation. Dreams turn into reality, whether it’s when Monoj encounters Gauri at the Gorailayar railway station or meets Shraddha, an ambitious Hindi medium high achiever in Delhi, who helps him secure a job in a library, where he works during the day and immerses himself in books at night, supporting his preparation. The more he progresses, the more vivid the fantasy becomes, rooted in reality, unveiling Monoj’s unwavering determination.
’12th Fail’ is a must-watch based on Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s book, filled with characters occasionally reminiscent of Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai and Amir from 3 Idiots. These scenes might seem somewhat formulaic but have a unique quality that encourages individuals to share their achievements and drive change. Anant Joshi’s (Joshy AnantVijay) journalistic determination and emotional pursuit will remind you of Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan) in ‘3 Idiots.
