12th Fail
Based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, 12th Fail sheds limelight on fearlessly embracing the idea of restarting the academic journey despite the setbacks and challenges and reclaiming one's destiny at a place where millions of students attempt the world's toughest competitive exam: UPSC.
What critics thought
Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film drew widespread praise for its restrained, ground-level portrayal of the grueling UPSC journey and the vast ecosystem of aspirants crowding India's coaching hubs. Vikrant Massey's lead performance was the near-universal highlight, with several critics calling it career-best work. The main point of gentle disagreement was whether the film's earnestness tips into magic or stays firmly in the register of the worthy and sincere — most found that tradeoff worthwhile, but a few noted it never quite transcends its own hopefulness.
“If Vikrant Massey does not win a National Award for this film, it will be unjust to an actor who has given a performance of such unalloyed brilliance.”
Deepa Gahlot·Rediff.com
“Not to be hyperbolic, but 12th Fail might be just perfect. To watch 12th Fail properly requires fortitude. Goes without saying that the film at its root is a deep deprivation of human fundamentals. The arc of Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directorial is a daily barrage of study load, tricky social dynamics, menial jobs for sustenance and raw spillage of emotions.”
Gunjan D. Bidani·Zee News
“12th Fail film review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.”
Anuj Kumar·The Hindu
“The soundscape, meticulously crafted by Manav Shrotriya, amplifies the aches and joys of Manoj's journey. The way Manav uses and reuses background noise fading in and out to isolate Manoj and his emotions even in crowded scenes adds a meditative focus.”
Sajesh Mohan·Onmanorama
Genres
Biography, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorVidhu Vinod Chopra
StarringVikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Anant Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Priyanshu Chatterjee
12th Fail
Based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, 12th Fail sheds limelight on fearlessly embracing the idea of restarting the academic journey despite the setbacks and challenges and reclaiming one's destiny at a place where millions of students attempt the world's toughest competitive exam: UPSC.
What critics thought
Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film drew widespread praise for its restrained, ground-level portrayal of the grueling UPSC journey and the vast ecosystem of aspirants crowding India's coaching hubs. Vikrant Massey's lead performance was the near-universal highlight, with several critics calling it career-best work. The main point of gentle disagreement was whether the film's earnestness tips into magic or stays firmly in the register of the worthy and sincere — most found that tradeoff worthwhile, but a few noted it never quite transcends its own hopefulness.
“If Vikrant Massey does not win a National Award for this film, it will be unjust to an actor who has given a performance of such unalloyed brilliance.”
Deepa Gahlot·Rediff.com
“Not to be hyperbolic, but 12th Fail might be just perfect. To watch 12th Fail properly requires fortitude. Goes without saying that the film at its root is a deep deprivation of human fundamentals. The arc of Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directorial is a daily barrage of study load, tricky social dynamics, menial jobs for sustenance and raw spillage of emotions.”
Gunjan D. Bidani·Zee News
“12th Fail film review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.”
Anuj Kumar·The Hindu
“The soundscape, meticulously crafted by Manav Shrotriya, amplifies the aches and joys of Manoj's journey. The way Manav uses and reuses background noise fading in and out to isolate Manoj and his emotions even in crowded scenes adds a meditative focus.”
Sajesh Mohan·Onmanorama
Genres
Biography, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorVidhu Vinod Chopra
StarringVikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Anant Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Priyanshu Chatterjee