Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s critically acclaimed film ’12th Fail’ recently had the honor of being specially screened at the Supreme Court of India. The event saw an impressive turnout, with filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra in attendance alongside lead actors Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar. Adding a notable touch of reality, IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha, the real-life inspirations behind the film’s story, also graced the occasion. The screening was followed by a dynamic interactive session with the judges and officials of the court, marking a memorable night for all present.
This momentous screening took place just weeks after Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ graced the same venue. The event was attended by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion. Accompanying him were several judges and over 600 officials from the Supreme Court, along with their families. After the film concluded, the CJI took the opportunity to engage with the film’s creators, discussing the narrative and its broader implications.
Directed, produced, and scripted by the veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ’12th Fail’ draws from the 2019 non-fiction book penned by Anurag Pathak. The inspiring tale chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma who, despite extreme poverty, triumphed to join the esteemed ranks of the Indian Police Service.
During the ensuing conversation, Justice Chandrachud was effusive in his praise for the film and its creators. He noted, “Where we all seek inspiration, our society flourishes on hope, and each one of you has provided that—not just for this evening but for the whole nation. We need stories of real people who have shown exemplary motivation by rising above their circumstances, and these stories must be conveyed to society at large. I believe every member of our staff family will be truly inspired to encourage their sons, daughters, friends, and mentors to lead the nation to new heights.”
Justice Chandrachud further added, “Such films enable and inspire us to do something better every day of our lives for people around us. My compliments to Vidhu for the way he has transformed this real-life story onto the screen. Both Vikrant and Medha have done a brilliant job. They have fully embodied the lives and environments of their characters and made it such a part of their existence while doing the film.
. I could feel that. There were moments in the movie when I thought I’d need a hanky as my eyes were moist. This film conveys such a strong message of hope. On behalf of the entire staff and my colleagues at the Supreme Court, I’d like to thank the team of ’12th Fail’ for taking the time to spend the evening with us.”
Vidhu Vinod Chopra, visibly moved, shared his thoughts on the regal atmosphere and the profound impact of the screening. “This was one of the most pleasant evenings of my life. Because I was watching the film sitting next to a man (Dr. Chandrachud) who understood everything I tried to say in the film. He made me feel that spending five years of my life on this film was worth it. I am grateful to all the esteemed judges and members of the Supreme Court who found time to join us. It was a magical evening,” Chopra expressed with heartfelt gratitude.
The film also features noteworthy performances by Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee in significant roles. Released theatrically on October 27, 2023, ’12th Fail’ has continued to garner acclaim for its poignant storytelling and compelling performances.
In an Instagram post shared by Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films, the team also celebrated the evening through a series of photos and videos capturing the essence and emotions witnessed during the event. The interactive session at the Supreme Court provided the cast and creators a unique platform to discuss the intricacies and motivations behind the film, fostering a deeper understanding among the esteemed viewers.
The screening of ’12th Fail’ at the Supreme Court echoes the narrative’s powerful message beyond the cinema halls—highlighting resilience, determination, and the enduring human spirit. These stories not only inspire but also strike a chord deeply rooted in reality, urging individuals to transcend their limitations and aspire for greatness.
