12th Fail

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*12th Fail*, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by underprivileged students aspiring to crack the UPSC exams. Based on Anurag Pathak's novel, the film traces the journey of Mohan Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), a determined young man who, despite immense hardships, dreams of becoming an IPS officer to change society from within. The film takes a documentary-like approach, presenting the protagonist’s journey as a continuous battle against failure and poverty, with no dramatic shortcuts or miracles, just sheer perseverance.

The story is framed around Mohan’s refusal to cheat in his exams, a lesson instilled in him by a strict police officer, Dushyant Singh (Priyanshu Chatterjee), who demands integrity as repayment for a past favor. Mohan’s circumstances are dire—his father has been unjustly removed from his government job, his family struggles to make ends meet, and he works multiple jobs, including in a library and a flour mill, while studying at night. Despite all his efforts, he faces setbacks, including failing the subjective paper of his exam due to lack of formal training. However, he receives support from unexpected quarters: a fellow aspirant running a tea stall offers him a place to stay, and his girlfriend, Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankar), emotionally supports him throughout.

Mohan's journey is a testament to human resilience. There’s no dramatic victory over the system, no outrage against the unfairness of life. Instead, the film presents a slow, painful, but unwavering commitment to one’s ideals. Mohan doesn’t just want to rise for personal gain; he wants to serve society and inspire others to do the same. His eventual success is not a result of luck but a continuous cycle of trying, failing, learning, and trying again, until he eventually clears the exams in his fourth attempt. The film’s climax is understated but powerful, as Mohan impresses the interview panel with his dedication to service and his quote of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s maxim, *Educate, Agitate, Organise*.

The film’s treatment is refreshingly grounded, avoiding the usual cinematic flourishes that accompany success stories. The romance between Mohan and Shraddha is not exaggerated; it’s a relationship based on mutual respect, faith, and shared struggle. The film's realistic portrayal of their love, coupled with its unwavering focus on Mohan’s perseverance, makes it stand apart from other inspirational dramas.

Technically, *12th Fail* excels in its attention to detail, with strong cinematography, editing, sound, and production design. The film’s visual and sound elements, such as the grinding noise of the flour mill and the dim light by which Mohan studies, make his struggles feel visceral and real.

Vikrant Massey delivers a career-defining performance as Mohan, embodying the character’s quiet determination and inner turmoil with remarkable depth. His transformation, both physically and emotionally, is impressive—he lost 12 kgs to portray a young student and then gained weight to show his progression. His performance is the heart of the film, capturing everything from despair to hope with subtlety and power. Medha Shankar complements him perfectly, bringing poise and emotional depth to her role as Shraddha.

*12th Fail* is a must-watch for its positive message, powerful storytelling, and the extraordinary performances by Vikrant Massey and the rest of the cast. It marks a strong return for Vidhu Vinod Chopra as a director, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the power of education. Here's hoping he continues to tell such inspiring, real-life stories.