In an evening that celebrated cinematic excellence, the 69th Filmfare Awards saw actor Vikrant Massey take home the Best Actor (Critics) award for his stirring portrayal in the film ’12th Fail’. The drama, directed by noted filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, centers on the life of UPSC aspirants, drawing a vivid narrative from the real-life experiences and challenges faced by the countless hopefuls who sit for India’s prestigious UPSC entrance examination.
’12th Fail’ not only garnered critical acclaim for Massey’s performance but also received the esteemed honor of the Best Film award, setting a benchmark for storytelling that resonates with the reality of ambition and perseverance. The film skillfully chronicles the raw and often untold stories of individuals embarking on one of the toughest academic journeys in the country.
Sharing spotlight in the Best Actress (Critics) category were talents Rani Mukerji and Shefali Shah, each delivering performances that captured the critics’ admiration. Mukerji captivated audiences with her role in ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’, while Shah’s portrayal in ‘Three of Us’ affirmed her position as a formidable actor.
Discussing his role in ’12th Fail’, Massey revealed the physical and emotional rigors of preparing for his character, which entailed significant weight loss and a transformation in appearance to closely match the persona of a UPSC aspirant the narrative required. “The movie is very typical Vidhu Vinod Chopra movie, which is based on hard reality and is a very hard-hitting film. The role was very challenging. I had to lose weight and darken my skin,” Massey told ANI, underscoring the length to which he immersed himself in the character.
The Filmfare stage, graced by the who’s who of Bollywood, witnessed acclamation for ’12th Fail’ from esteemed peers and veterans alike. Among those who voiced their approval were Kamal Haasan, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Vicky Kaushal, Rishabh Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Farhan Akhtar, and Anil Kapoor. This diverse array of admiration speaks volumes about the film’s impact across different strata of the industry.
The triumphant night for ’12th Fail’ and Massey’s articulate performance only adds to the anticipation for his upcoming projects. Fans are eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the actor in the sequel of Hassen Dilruba, intriguingly titled ‘Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba’. With ’12th Fail’ being a testament to Massey’s acting prowess, expectations for the sequel are markedly high.
Released in theaters on October 27, ’12th Fail’ continues to gather praises for its unflinching representation of the relentless struggle and emotional turmoil faced by students aiming for the prestigious civil services. The film’s layered storytelling, coupled with the stellar performances by the cast, has indeed set a high standard for cinema that bridges the gap between reality and fiction.
The recognition received at the Filmfare Awards, considered by many as an apex platform for film recognition in the Indian subcontinent, is a nod to the dedication imbued in the making of ’12th Fail’. It is the sort of acknowledgment that not only gratifies the makers but also propels the essence of narrative cinema in the country.
While the night was a celebration of the best of film talent, it was also a solemn reminder of the profound effect cinema can have in shaping perceptions, telling stories that need to be told, and exalting unsung narratives. With ’12th Fail’, this year’s Filmfare Awards has ricocheted a story from the pages of an entrance exam preparation book onto the annals of cinematic history.
