New Delhi: In the grand tapestry of Bollywood cinema, one film has emerged as an emblem of hope and resilience, resonating with audiences and critics alike—the narrative of “12th Fail.” Directed by the esteemed Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie sketches the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, whose story is nothing short of a heroic odyssey. “12th Fail,” adapted from Anurag Pathak’s 2019 novel, is a testament to Sharma’s indomitable spirit as he battles abject poverty to clear the Indian Police Service exams—one of the globe’s most grueling tests of merit and tenacity.
Having graced the screens in October 2023, distributed by Zee Studios, “12th Fail” dared to tread where few had stepped: it released in a dominion swayed by high-octane, big-budget productions, while it—unpretentious in expenditure—embarked directly on the theatrical route, shunning the increasingly popular direct-to-streamer launch. The film spotlights remarkable performances by Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr, glowingly noted for their work in “Criminal Justice” and “Max, Min and Meowzaki,” respectively. Despite their notable skill, they were not household names poised above the title.
Contrary to expectations and industry trends, “12th Fail” emerged as a dark horse, amassing a remarkable $8.5 million, tripling its production cost, an achievement that remains an enigma, even to Chopra. “Each film has its own God,” he expressed to Variety, suggesting the film’s authentic portrayal of truth and its scarcity in today’s context as possible undercurrents for its widespread appeal. This warmth of reception provided a beacon of light to Bollywood’s storytellers, reaffirming the power of a compelling narrative in lieu of grandeur and spectacle, a lesson once predominantly illustrated by motion pictures from India’s southern territories.
The narrative focus triumphed not just domestically, but became a cultural exporter as the film landed later on platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix, paving its way to global audiences. It accumulated laurels along its journey, notably clinching accolades for Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and Editing at the illustrious Filmfare Awards, with Massey nabbing the Critic’s Award for Best Actor.
Chopra, a luminary whose career began with plaudits for “Murder at Monkey Hill” and continued with an Oscar nod for “An Encounter With Faces,” is no stranger to the cineaste’s landscape. His works, starting from his directorial feature “Sazaye Maut” to the poignant “Mission Kashmir,” coupled with his prowess as a producer of films like “Munna Bhai MBBS” and “Sanju,” have etched his name in cinematic annals. Patriotic odes such as “1942: A Love Story” and social satires like “3 Idiots” have transcended Indian borders, particularly making a splash in the Chinese box office.
This cross-cultural affinity underscores the next chapter for “12th Fail,” with strategic plans outlined for its China release. Following its ovation-securing screening at the inaugural Festival of Young Cinema in Macau, Chopra harbors firm confidence in the film’s universal message of struggle and triumph. In a world where examinations can dictate the trajectory of one’s life, the story’s resonance is boundless, bound to find empathy in the tribulations and aspirations shared across nations, with Chopra spearheading the film’s distribution in China and potential regions of impact.
Beyond the accolades and the anticipation for “12th Fail’s” success in China, Chopra remains devout to the art, untempted by the siren call of commerce. For him, the joy of creation is paramount—a philosophy he plans to adhere to for as many years destiny will allow, drawing inspiration from legends like Clint Eastwood. With three new projects in the pipeline, Chopra’s cinematic crusade is nowhere near its twilight.
It is this steadfast dedication to storytelling, an unyielding passion for the craft, and the relentless drive to seek truth through cinema that positions Vidhu Vinod Chopra not just as a filmmaker but as an artisan of dreams. As “12th Fail” prepares to greet Chinese audiences, it stands as more than a motion picture—it’s a symbol of triumph over adversity, echoing Chopra’s own cinematic journey.
