When we speak of motivation or adrenaline rush, it’s always a sports film with the protagonist winning the game in the end. It makes us happy because a movie should always have a happy ending. But in real life? In real life, we are convinced that ‘happy endings’ are not for us. Ever heard your parents, friends or relatives say that it’s life, not a film? Be practical! What does that mean? It’s ok if you dream but let there be an expiry date for it and of course, set realistic expectations for yourself. You should know what you are capable of.
Manoj, wasn’t capable of achieving what he achieved in 12th Fail. His economic condition wasn’t supportive of his goals. Nor was his intelligence, to be very honest. Manoj belonged to Chambal where students were allowed to cheat in exams so that the schools did not have to answer for their failures.
I am sure there are rarely people out there who haven’t seen 12th Fail yet as it is released in theatres as well as on OTT so there is no point telling the story here. As the film is based on a true story of IPS officer, Manoj Kumar, you can actually read his story as well. But! There are very few films whose story shouldn’t be read, they should be watched. 12th Fail is that one rare gem that should not be skipped, at any cost.
What Makes 12th Fail So Special?
Its perfection! From casting and storytelling to sound effects and cinematography – everything is perfect. If you have watched the film, go back to Vikrant Massey’s interview scene. How’s his nervousness depicted here? Have you ever been at a place where you have been so nervous that your ears start ringing or you cannot hear anything or everything around you goes mute but you cannot help but hear the clock ticking or someone in the distance turning the pages of a newspaper or someone gulping down the water?
In that particular scene, Vikrant is seen getting irritated by his new shoes. Other than the actor, the detailing that went into the sound effects where the focus remains on the actor but all you hear is the sound of moving chairs in the background is outstanding. It starts making you nervous as you know that the protagonist can be called anytime now – and maybe, just maybe he needs some more time to calm down and prepare better for the discussion. The way that restlessness is transferred from Manoj to you, the audience is out of this world. This is what cinema is all about! This is the beauty of film-making. Otherwise, we have novels for stories. Why watch films? Because it’s an experience!
Speaking of performances, Vikrant Massey, as you know, I have always loved his work. I truly believe that he gives his best in performance-oriented films like 12th Fail. After Criminal Justice, I feel it’s this film that has utilised him as an actor. By that I mean that this film has understood his potential and capabilities and made right use of all he has to offer as an actor.
Another actor who made my heart happy is Anshumaan Pushkar. I loved the entire cast of Jamtara and seeing them grab good roles really makes me happy. Then may it be Sparsh Shrivastav, Monika Panwar (who was recently seen opposite Abhishek Chauhan in Mast Mein Rehne Ka), or now Anshumaan in 12th Fail. This is another lot of actors who should be given opportunities they deserve.
Another perfect casting was of Priyanshu Chatterjee as DSP Dushyant Singh. His personality is such that even in the few scenes that came his way, the impact he made was amazing.
What else should I say about this film that no one still has? In this case, I would like to repeat what everyone else is saying – 12th Fail is an excellent movie that everyone should definitely watch.
This is that film that should be shown to students in schools and colleges. This is that film that one should keep handy and watch any time they feel that their dream will never materialise.
12th Fail is the film you should watch for motivation, for inspiration, and also, for changing your perspective towards your own struggles and challenges.
Movies like twelfth fail are made once in a lifetime. It is a story of underdog who aspires to become a IPS officer. The story may be simple but the performance and storytelling makes it extraordinary. The supporting characters are the heart of the film. Not to forget the grandmother of Manoj. It literally left me in tears of happiness. One needs to be lucky have good friends and a supportive soulmate. The people around Manoj become his strength. This movie should be submitted to Oscars.
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