Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Stars: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Priyanshu Chatterjee
Rating – 4
 
"12th Fail," directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is a cinematic masterpiece that brings to life the extraordinary journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, based on the eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak. The film narrates the real-life story of a young man who overcame extreme poverty and academic setbacks to achieve his dream of becoming an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
 
Manoj Kumar Sharma, portrayed brilliantly by Vikrant Massey, starts his journey in a village in Chambal, Madhya Pradesh. Failing his 12th exams becomes a turning point, pushing him to clear them the following year in the face of challenges imposed by an honest school official, Dushyant Singh, played by Priyanshu Chatterjee. Manoj, with determination ablaze but lacking academic prowess, heads to Delhi to pursue the Civil Services examination.
 
The film beautifully captures Manoj's struggles, emphasizing his relentless spirit as he takes on menial jobs to survive while chasing his dream. The narrative skillfully weaves multiple tracks, from Manoj's misled youth to his inspiring journey of restarting from scratch each time. The audience becomes emotionally invested in Manoj's success or failure, experiencing tense moments during crucial junctures, such as the final interview.
 
"12th Fail" seamlessly integrates its narrative with the wisdom of legends like APJ Kalam and BR Ambedkar, echoing their call to "Educate, agitate, organise." The film subtly addresses the suppression of youth by corrupt politicians through keeping them uninformed, drawing attention to broader societal issues.
 
Vikrant Massey's performance is nothing short of exceptional, as he navigates the demanding role with authenticity and skill. His portrayal captures the spectrum of emotions – from agitation to determination – with great aplomb. Priyanshu Chatterjee, in a brief yet impactful role, shines as the honest DCP, delivering a performance that resonates with respect and pride.
 
The supporting cast, including Anant Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Medha Shankar, contribute significantly to the film's success. Special mention goes to Geeta Agrawal Sharma and Harish Khanna for their nuanced performances as Manoj's parents.
 
"12th Fail" is a must-watch, a cinematic gem that impresses and inspires throughout its 147 minutes. Vidhu Vinod Chopra's direction ensures that every character shines, making the film a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Full marks to Chopra for delivering a film that resonates deeply with its audience.