The landscape of Bollywood in recent times has been a testament to an array of cinematic endeavors, each vying for a spot in the hearts and minds of audiences and critics alike. A notable entry into the spotlight is a film whose resonance has surpassed the buzz of big-budget contemporaries. The film in consideration is none other than Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ’12th Fail,’ starring the versatile Vikrant Massey, which has made waves through its impactful storytelling and exceptional performances. Abhishek Bachchan, a seasoned actor and a discerning voice in the industry, has recognized its merit and proclaimed ’12th Fail’ as the biggest hit of the year.
Situated in a year that has unraveled blockbusters like Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ and Sunny Deol’s anticipated ‘Gadar 2,’ ’12th Fail’ has triumphed in its own unique way, emerging as a sleeper hit that has defied expectations. Abhishek Bachchan’s recent interaction with Galatta Plus has shed light on the success of ’12th Fail,’ emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of quantum in the film industry. As Bachchan explains, “Being a keen observer of, and a student of the industry, you also have to understand something known as a quantum. Vikrant has given a great example of a small film with a big heart working.”
Undeniably, budgetary constraints shape the marketing and reach of a film. ’12th Fail’ was produced on a modest budget estimated at not more than Rs 10-12 crore. Despite the limited financial resources, which inherently limit the scale of promotional activities, the film has managed to grow organically and resonate with audiences, thanks to its compelling narrative and heartfelt performances. “A movie that is made on that budget is going to have a possibility of only a certain kind of marketing. It’s going to grow, as it should, because it’s a good film. And that’s a prerequisite,” Abhishek said.
He went on to elucidate the challenges faced by smaller films within the industry’s ecosystem: “It’s not possible for a film like that, because of the system, to do Rs 500 crore.” He pointed out that such films do not get the vast number of theaters needed to compete with larger releases. However, ’12th Fail’ has still managed to achieve an impressive occupancy percentage due to the limited but targeted theater availability, making it a standout performance of the year.
When evaluating films on the terms of percentage return on investment (ROI), Abhishek Bachchan affirmed that ’12th Fail’ likely tops the chart. “Every film has its own quantum, but if you see percentage ROI, I’m sure (Vikrant) has got the biggest hit of the year,” he noted.
The film not only impressed the Indian audience but has also set its sights on international acclaim. In a notable stride towards achieving global recognition, ’12th Fail’ has been submitted for the Oscars in 2024 as an independent entry. Confirming this achievement, Vikrant Massey said, “The film 12th Fail has indeed been sent to the Oscars in 2024 as an independent nomination,” marking a significant milestone in the film’s journey.
’12th Fail’ boasts an ensemble cast featuring talents like Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sanjay Bishnoi, and Priyanshu Chatterjee, who have all contributed to the film’s overall success and critical acclaim. This year’s Bollywood narrative is enriched by the unexpected rise of ’12th Fail,’ as it redefines what it means to be a hit, extending beyond the confines of box office numbers to celebrate the essence of cinematic storytelling and the power of compelling content to succeed against all odds.
