Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, '12th Fail' has been captivating the imagination of audiences with its intriguing title and even more captivating teasers and trailers. The Hindi version of the film has already received positive reviews, and today, the Telugu version graces the screens. The film draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of IPS officer Manoj Kumar and is based on the eponymous novel by Anurag Pathak. Let's delve into whether '12th Fail' has managed to leave a lasting impression on movie enthusiasts.
The story of '12th Fail' revolves around a young individual whose family grapples with financial hardships and depicts his journey of inspiration to become an IPS officer. Manoj Kumar Sharma, portrayed by the talented Vikrant Massey, hails from a naxal-prone, economically deprived village in Chambal, Madhya Pradesh. He resides with his parents, played by Harish Khanna and Geetha Agarwal Sharma, his wise grandmother portrayed by Sarita Joshi, as well as his siblings.
His father imparts the values of honesty and integrity, emphasizing the importance of staying on the right side of life. Manoj faces the daunting challenge of passing his 12th-grade exams, even amidst the temptation of mass copying with the help of teachers. However, his life takes a profound turn when he finds inspiration in the form of DSP Dushyant Singh, played by Priyanshu Chatterjee, and makes the resolute decision to not engage in cheating but rather aspires to become a DSP himself.
His struggles intensify as he embarks on a challenging journey, leaving his hometown to first arrive in Gwalior and subsequently Delhi, where he arrives without a single penny to his name. The narrative delves into whether Manoj can achieve his dream, uphold his unwavering commitment to honesty, and how the people he encounters, such as Pritam Pandey (Anant V Joshi), Naval (Sanjay Bishnoi), and Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankar), influence and shape his path forward.
This storyline encapsulates the essence of '12th Fail,' portraying a gripping and inspirational tale of resilience, moral values, and the pursuit of one's dreams against all odds.
The cast of '12th Fail' truly immersed themselves in their respective roles, adding substantial value to the narrative. Vikrant Massey's performance in the lead role stands out, as he masterfully conveyed a range of emotions, reflecting the hardships faced by a struggling family and his earnest efforts to overcome adversity while maintaining his integrity. His portrayal was marked by a genuine and heartfelt expression that resonated with viewers, forging an immediate connection.
Sarita Joshi, Harish Khanna, and Geetha Agarwal, who portrayed the family members, delivered their performances with efficiency and effectiveness, contributing to the authenticity of the story. Anant Joshi, in the role of the protagonist's friend, brought an entertaining and captivating dynamic to the film, propelling the storyline forward engagingly.
Medha Shankar's portrayal of the protagonist's girlfriend was executed with finesse, effectively embodying the role of a supportive partner. Priyanshu Chatterjee, in his role as the DSP who inspired the main character, exuded authority and conviction on screen, leaving a lasting impact.
The supporting cast seamlessly embraced their respective roles, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious ensemble that added depth and credibility to the film. Collectively, their performances contributed significantly to the overall success of '12th Fail.'
The story of '12th Fail,' crafted by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is a compelling narrative inspired by the real-life experiences of an IPS officer. With this film, Chopra seeks to deliver a powerful message to society, especially to individuals from all walks of life, particularly those in the underprivileged sections. The movie's central theme revolves around resilience and unwavering determination, symbolized by the motto 'Repeat, Restart.'
Chopra's storytelling is not only inspiring but also infused with a delightful and humorous touch. He successfully translates this narrative into an engaging and entertaining screenplay. His direction is impeccable, meticulously ensuring that the story maintains its integrity without being diluted by commercial elements. Throughout the film, Chopra skillfully portrays the emotions and struggles of UPSC aspirants, capturing the essence of their journey.
The dialogues in the film are grounded in realism, delivering impactful and motivating messages. Even in the face of repeated failures, the dialogues never waver from their uplifting spirit, ensuring that the film doesn't demoralize its audience.
Shantanu Moitra's situational music leaves a lasting impact, elevating the scenes to a new level with his evocative background score. His music is an essential element that connects the viewers to the narrative instantly. Rangarajan Ramabadran's cinematography authentically captures the scenic and natural locations, allowing viewers to relate to the story on a personal level. The editing is precise, contributing to the overall flow of the film.
The production values in '12th Fail' are of the highest standards, enhancing the film's visual and storytelling appeal. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity makes '12th Fail' a remarkable cinematic experience.
Altogether, '12th Fail' is a powerful portrayal of real-life struggles. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and featuring the talented Vikrant Massey, the film sheds light on the arduous journey of underprivileged individuals striving to attain higher education and achieve their dreams.
The narrative is grounded in realism, with a compelling screenplay and impeccable direction that bring the story to life. Chopra's commitment to a tight script ensures that the film remains authentic and doesn't pander to conventional commercial norms.
Taking into account these strengths, Cinejosh assigns a 3 star rating to '12th Fail.' This film strikes a balance between artistic excellence and a genuine message, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.