The artistic achievements in the film industry are often celebrated by both critics and peers alike, and Vikrant Massey’s recent work in “12th Fail” has garnered admiration from noteworthy filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj. As reported by PTI, Bhardwaj has gone on record to acclaim both Massey’s performance and the film as a whole, helmed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, holding it in such high esteem that he considers it Chopra’s paramount work to date.
In a recent interaction with media at the distinguished Jaipur Literature Festival 2024, Vishal Bhardwaj took a moment to reflect on the past and present of independent cinema. He reminisced about times when offbeat films such as ‘Dev D’ and ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’ had a smoother course in securing financial backing, contrasting it with the current industry climate where raising funds for such cinema is fraught with difficulty. Bhardwaj observed a rise and subsequent decline in indie cinema, as fear and uncertainty about what will resonate with audiences in theaters has led to hesitancy among investors. He remarked, “Now it’s very difficult to raise money for these kinds of films because everyone is scared, everyone is exploring ‘ki kya chalega theatres mein’ (what will work in theaters).”
Against this backdrop of doubt and exploration within the industry, Bhardwaj highlighted the success story of “12th Fail.” Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s cinematic creation devoid of the stereotypical formula of stardom and eccentricity, supported by a sublime background score. It is this very essence of pure filmmaking that prompted Bhardwaj to declare “12th Fail” as Chopra’s finest piece of work. The surprising success and affection the film elicited suggests to Bhardwaj that there remains an audience for all genres of film. The audience’s preference is an excellent cinematic piece that justifies a visit to the theaters. These explorations continue as the industry gauges the audience’s taste, questioning whether the success of films like ‘Animal,’ ‘Jawan,’ or ‘Pathaan,’ or the presence of outlandish action films from the South could replicate such achievements.
“12th Fail” presents the narrative grounded in reality, tracing the hurdles faced by millions of students who embark on the journey to ace the UPSC entrance exam, a testament to the ambition prevalent among the youth of today. The film goes a step further, transcending the focus on this singular examination and delivering a universal message of resilience and the courage to begin anew, in light of failure.
Bhardwaj’s endorsement of “12th Fail” serves not only as acclaim for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s work but also as a beacon of hope for the future of independent cinema. The tale resonates not merely as a story of an examination but as an allegory for the broader journey of life and the tenacity it demands. The film, through its success, posits the idea that audiences are willing to embrace diverse storytelling, so long as the story is compelling and the cinematic quality is upheld.
As industries across the globe dwell on producing content that achieves commercial viability, the thoughtful reflections of filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj bring to light the essence of cinema as an art form. It stands to remind us that while box-office numbers are imperative, the heart of cinema beats in creative risk-taking and storytelling that stirs the soul. It is this uncompromising commitment to the craft that has marked “12th Fail” as an exemplar and its success as a harbinger for the resurgence of bold, independent filmmaking.
