12th Fail Movie Screening

                                               क्या समझता है तू
                                               कि ये सिर्फ़ तुम्हारी लड़ाई है!
                                               ये हम सबकी लड़ाई है,
                                               एक की भी जीत होगी न!

                                               तो करोड़ों भेड़-बकरियों की जीत होगी.

Introduction:

                                

In the era of 'Student of the Year,' where Karan Johar introduces the delusional world of college life, where there's nothing like "study," and "educational" things are going on, the student gets the award of 'Student of the Year' by doing nothing but dancing and romancing! In such an era of Bollywoodish delusions, Vidhu Vinod Chopra introduces us to the REAL STUDENT of India with movies like "3 Idiots," as well as the blockbuster movie "12th Fail."

General Information about the movie :

                        

12th Fail is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film produced, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on the 2019 eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak about the real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.^[4] The film stars Vikrant Massey in the title role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee. (Wikipedia )

• Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

• Writers: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli

• Based on: "12th Fail" by Anurag Pathak

• Producers: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Yogesh Ishwar

• Starring: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar

• Narrated by: Anant V Joshi

• Cinematography: Randarajan Ramabadran

• Edited by: Jaskunwar Kohli, Vidhu Vinod Chopra

• Music by: Shantanu Moitra

• Production Company: Vinod Chopra Films

• Distributed by: Zee Studios

• Release Date: 27 October 2023

• Running Time: 146 minutes

• Country: India

• Language: Hindi

Theoretical Framework:

Beginning of  the movie and book:

The opening sequences of the film and the book differ significantly. The movie commences with a long drone shot, capturing a small object. On the other hand, the book takes a distinct approach, initiating with Manoj reading loudly. This behavior is attributed to the presence of ladies nearby, and he exaggerates his actions in response.

Frame-

There are many intresting frames in the movie but apart from all that the two frame are the most significant throughout the movie which is very appealing to me that is:

Frame of Grandmother and Gun:-

                                              

Another intriguing frame in the movie occurs when the person delivers the letter of Manoj's father's suspension. During this scene, Manoj's grandmother says, "Nikal bandhuk (Gun out)." This frame symbolizes the power dynamics within Manoj Sharma's caste. As a member of the Sharma caste, belonging to the upper caste, the presence of a weapon in his house signifies a source of power. It becomes a visual representation of their ability to discuss concepts like honesty with authority.

A related article delves into a hypothetical scenario, questioning what the dynamics would be if Manoj belonged to the Dalit community?

What is it? We can call It as a Caste privilege because he was getting help from everywhere.If the Character had been a Dalit, would he/she have gotten this help instantly? No. It is hard for a Dalit to get the kind of help that Manoj Sharma in the Movie was getting. Does the main character of the movie face discrimination because of his Caste in School? Did he drop out of School because of Caste discrimination and Humiliation? Does he get beaten because of his Caste? Faced Humiliated because of his Caste? Does Manoj’s Father get Humiliated because of his Caste? Do Manoj’s father and his forefather put human excrement on his head? Does Manoj not allowed to mingle with others because of his Caste? Did  he have to hide his Father’s Surname in School and college because of his Caste? Did his Mother got Humiliated Because of her Caste? This was the Caste privilege of the hero in the Movie,who doesn’t have to go through all this that what a Dalit Aspirant goes through. This is the Caste privilege That Manoj Sharma in the Movie got, and he got help from everyone whom he met. That is the Caste privilege, Which Caste Privileged people haven’t acknowledged yet. This movie does not show the hidden privileges that he was getting because of his Caste. In this Movie, it is shown that Manoj gets a Chance to give an interview twice; if he had been a Dalit, he would not have gotten the chance to face an interview twice.We can see the Case of Tina Dabi, A topper, but even today, people use Casteist slurs and question her merit only because she comes from Dalit community. The so-called question of “Merit” is always connected with a Dalit. (Satkar)

Read further: https://dalittimes.in/twelfth-fail-movie-and-hidden-caste-privilege-a-critical-analysis-from-dalit-perspective/

4. Power and Government:-

In a particular frame, the police are portrayed as pawns under the control of the village pradhan. This scene illustrates a corrupt figure in a position of power manipulating both the people and the police. The orchestrated arrest of Manoj and his brother, along with their "Jugad" (rickshaw), is depicted in a single frame, highlighting the collusion between those in authority and law enforcement.

                        

This composition serves as a commentary on the behavior of individuals when in positions of power. The visual narrative shows the corrupt individuals, including the pradhan, seated together in the Jugad. Eventually, as the story unfolds, we witness a shift in power dynamics, with Manoj assuming a position of authority.

For further framework and camera technique details, visit my classmate Drashti Joshi's Blog

Camera: 

From the very beginning scene of the movie, we sense a resemblance of ourselves with the character Manoj. The movie starts with a drone shot that introduces us to the main character, Manoj, who is making chits for his cheating in exams. In the very next moment, his father receives a suspension letter from his colleague. The story navigates within the realm of honesty and portrays the struggle of a person who adheres to honesty.

The camera work is done marvelously throughout the movie. To evoke a sense of the past, the director has employed a vintage yellowish color scheme, depicting a time from years gone by.

An even more interesting aspect is that the director has mostly avoided POV (Point of View) shots in the movie. Through steady camera movements, the director directly introduces us to the ongoing events. One of my favorite shots from the movie is the helicopter shot when Manoj enters the hallway of the building. Later on, instead of focusing solely on the hero, the camera movement captures all the candidates in the room. Through close-up shots, the camera emphasizes the tension and nervousness of all the UPSC aspirants. This illustrates that each person in the room is a hero, as the movie revolves around the UPSC aspirants.

Acting:

Recently, Zoya Akhtar has come up with the movie "The Archies," where there are more than four nepotism-affiliated kids as the leading characters. Nepotism is not a new phenomenon in Bollywood, as seen with the "Student of the Year" cast, but Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has introduced fresh and talented actors for this movie.

                                                            

Vidhu Vinod Chopra could have selected famous actors or famous nepo kids but he rather chose fresh intellectuals because he might wanted to give the essence of the Real struggle of the real characters. In an interview with The Lallantop, Anshumaan Pushkar (Gauri Bhaiya) revealed that he struggled for a long time to secure even a small role in Bollywood. However, Vidhu Vinod Chopra approached him for the role of Gauri Bhaiya. Not only Anshumaan but all the actors in the movie went through their own periods of struggle in Bollywood. In my interpretation, this struggle has significantly contributed to their authentic portrayal of real-life challenges on screen. The genuine struggle of each actor in this movie is responsible for the lifelike depiction of their struggles throughout the film. Vikrant sir has also delivered a commendable performance in the movie.

Unpredictable narrative choices:

Apart from the connectiveness of ourselves with the main character Manoj,

                    "Why does '12th Fail' hit you hard?"

According to me, the movie's impact stems from its unexpected twists. One might question what's so 'unexpected' when the movie follows the typical trajectory of a motivated student working hard and reaping the rewards. Isn't it? Well, no. Numerous small details play a vital role in the movie. When the police lock Manoj and his brother in the lockup, one would never expect the police to leave Manoj and allow him access to a gun, but it happens. One would also not believe that, instead of resorting to violence, Manoj will bring Inspector Dushyant Sinh with him. One might anticipate the hero breaking down, but it never happens as such in the movie. With a very positive approach, the movie delves into the struggle of the hero.

In most movies, the love story ends when the main character becomes more focused on their career or goal, as shown in "The Aspirants," wherein the hero finds 'Love' as a distraction. However, as an unexpected narrative choice, we witness the true love of Shraddha when she writes:

                            मनोज चाहे तुम आईपीएस बनो या चक्की मैं काम करो...

                            मैं सारी उम्र तुम्हारे साथ बिताना चाहती हूं 

Doesn't sympathize: 

The story doesn't allow you to sympathize with the protagonist, even though he has to starve for days, clean toilets, and live in such terrible places just to achieve his goal. At some point, one might observe other characters sympathizing with Manoj, but Manoj never sympathized with himself for undertaking such underrated work. He always appears on the screen with a wide smile, which inspires us to give our best to our goals and never underestimate any work or job.

When comparing this type of storyline with other movies, we come to know how camera techniques create sympathetic scenes in slow motion. For instance, there's a scene in the movie "Super 30" where the protagonist is selling papads, and this scene is shown in slow motion, focusing on the helpless facial expression of the protagonist, with sad background music. However, in the movie "12th Fail," nothing similar happens. The protagonist is portrayed as a very self-esteem person.

3. Contextualization:

The one who watches this movie without knowing that it is based on the true-life events of IPS officer Manoj Sharma might think that this is all Manu Sheikhchilli's imagination. It seems totally impossible for a normal human being to fight against all the odds just to reach their goal. Moreover, it's like a fairytale to have a girl behind the hero who loves him and keeps pushing him towards his goal rather than seeking romance in the hero's struggle period. It's like a fairytale to get the best friend out of nowhere who helps the hero to study more and more, who is not embarrassed by the hero's financial status, his poor appearance, and his job. Instead of being embarrassed by Manoj while Pandey is hanging out with his rich friends, Pandey always stays in touch with Manoj and never lets him feel left out. Though we might hear Pandey keeps on saying,

                                                    UPSC का U नही आता था तुझको 

                                                    दिल्ली मैं लेके आया तेरे को

                                                    रहने के लिए जगह मैने di तुझको 

                                                    यह जो कपड़े पहने हैं ना, वोह मेने दिए है

Pandey even calls Shraddha's father and misguides him by providing fake scenarios about Shraddha sleeping with Manoj. After hearing this from Pandey, Shraddha's father does not allow her to go to Delhi for Manoj. Later on, we see Pandey in jail, and Manoj bails Pandey out of jail, even after knowing that it was none other than Pandey who became an obstacle in the happy love life of Shraddha and himself. After this scene, we all villainize the character of Pandey. But upon deeply observing Pandey's character, we come to know that he always wanted Manoj to focus on studies only rather than having a love affair with Shraddha. We can hear him in one scene after his breakup with his girlfriend giving advice to Manoj:

                                    

We can sense Pandey's desire to save Manoj from an emotional breakdown during such a critical stage of his career. From the following interview, we can see that Pandey was worried about Shraddha, fearing that their love life might impact her career. 

                                    

                                                (see at 55:03) (Lallantop)

Pass = Fail :

We can clearly see the principal allowing students to cheat in the board exams. We can also discern his mindset when he mentions that passing with cheating will help these poor kids secure jobs as peons or watchmen. This school is infamous for cheating in board exams, leading every student to adopt the mindset that regardless of whether they study or not, they will all pass the examinations. Thus, there is no need to study. This mindset results in students passing the exams but not with good marks, only with a passing score. Consequently, they are unable to access high-ranking job opportunities. This illustrates how, despite passing the exams, students fail both ethically and in securing good job opportunities.

The movie has come up with such good points, such as questioning the Indian education system, power, politics, and ethics. As we discussed in the above-mentioned paragraph, it raises questions about the Indian education system in urban areas, as well as in big cities, highlighting how thousands of students are preparing for exams that have only a few available seats. This film focuses on how good education has become a business and how coaching centers deceive aspirants. On the other hand, individuals like Gauri Bhaiya help others reach their goals without asking for a single penny. It is rare to find such people.

 Thematic Study:

The theme of the movie "12th Fail" encompasses various interconnected elements, exploring the complexities of the Indian education system and its impact on individuals. The key themes include:

1.Transformative Power of Education:

   - The film highlights the protagonist Manoj's journey, portraying how education becomes a transformative force in his life. Despite facing numerous challenges, Manoj's commitment to education empowers him to overcome adversities.

2.Corruption in the Education System:

   - The narrative sheds light on the corrupt practices within the education system. The principal's willingness to let students cheat in board exams reflects the deep-rooted corruption that compromises the integrity of the educational institutions.

3.Role of Mentors and Social Capital:

   - The film emphasizes the crucial role of mentors in shaping an individual's educational and moral journey. Characters like Gauri Bhaiya and the reformed police officer play pivotal roles in Manoj's life, underscoring the significance of positive influences and social capital.

4.Merit Versus Privilege:

   - The exploration of Manoj's struggles and triumphs raises questions about the balance between merit and privilege in the pursuit of education and career opportunities. It challenges the conventional narrative and highlights the impact of systemic issues on individual merit.

5.Idealism Triumphing Over Cynicism:

   - The relationship between Manoj and the reformed police officer showcases the theme of idealism triumphing over cynicism. Despite the challenges and corruption in the system, the film suggests that individuals with strong moral values can make a positive impact.

6.Negative Consequences of Exam-Centric Education:**

   - The film, along with insights from the referenced article by Barad, brings attention to the negative consequences of an education system excessively focused on government job exams. This includes fostering a 'herd mentality,' sidelining genuine learning, neglecting diverse talents, and promoting intense competition.

7.Urgent Need for Educational Reforms:

   - The overarching theme is the urgent need for educational reforms. The film and the referenced article both advocate for a shift in priorities, emphasizing the intrinsic value of diverse talents and knowledge over a narrow focus on government job exams.

The exclusive focus on government job exams brings several negative consequences. Firstly, it fosters a 'herd mentality,' where diverse talents are overlooked as students chase limited posts. Secondly, the intense focus on exam preparation sidelines genuine learning and skill development. Thirdly, neglect of arts, humanities, and vocational subjects occurs as students opt for stereotypical 'safe options.' Finally, the intense competition gives rise to coaching centers, promoting spoon-feeding over self-study. The popular media portrayal of the craze for government jobs underscores the urgent need for educational reforms that prioritize diverse talents and knowledge for its intrinsic value.(Barad)

Comparative Study:

In today's cinematic landscape, various web series and films share thematic similarities with "12th Fail," including the 2021 TVF web series 'Aspirants.' Both narratives revolve around characters dealing with personal challenges while preparing for the UPSC exam. However, a notable distinction emerges in the depth of character exploration. While "Aspirants" thoroughly delves into the motivations of its characters, the supporting characters in "12th Fail" feel more like stock characters. Anshumaan Pushkar's portrayal of Gauri in "12th Fail" draws parallels with Sandeep bhaiyya from "Aspirants," but Gauri lacks the depth and complexity that defines the popular TVF character. This distinction underscores the varying approaches to character development in these narratives.

"12th Fail" exhibits thematic similarities with films like "Aarakshan," particularly in their exploration of the UPSC. However, a crucial distinction emerges in their gender representations. While "Aarakshan" centers around upper-caste, upper-class male protagonists, "12th Fail" places its hero in a more diverse social setting. This difference introduces a layer of complexity to the examination of social dynamics within the education system, emphasizing the film's unique approach to addressing societal issues in contrast to its counterparts.

A comparison can also be drawn with the film "Super 30," which focuses on how the caste and class system operates in education. "Super 30" not only celebrates academic excellence but also highlights the transformative power of education in shaping destinies, with Hrithik Roshan in the lead role.

Apart from the common comparisons mentioned earlier, I find some similarities between the movie "12th Fail" and the novel "Revolution 2020" by Chetan Bhagat. Gopal and Manoj follow a similar path until a turning point where the destination divides into two paths:

                                                    1. Honesty

                                                    2. Corruption

Both heroes share commonalities. They lack a financially stable background, study outside their hometown, face academic struggles, and aspire for a better future. Gopal and Manoj both experience love, with Gopal's best friend Raghav choosing to become a journalist, paralleling Manoj's friend Pandey making a similar career choice. The constant failures affect Gopal negatively, leading him down a corrupt path. In contrast, Manoj's setbacks make him emotionally strong and focused on his main goal.

Gopal's primary goal is to achieve Aarti, and when he fails, it becomes his mission to win her back by becoming wealthy. This mindset leads Gopal to engage in unethical activities. On the other hand, despite witnessing Manoj's struggles, Shraddha consistently supports and motivates him to pursue his goal without succumbing to distractions.

The theme of love significantly influences the characters' lives in both "Revolution 2020" and "12th Fail." Another crucial element is the role of 'Interest' in their studies. Gopal reluctantly prepares for IIIT exams, while Manoj passionately prepares for UPSC, driven by his desire to bring about change in the corrupt system. The portrayal of their interests highlights the importance of passion in shaping their journeys.

In both narratives, the universe tests the characters' patience and spirits. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Manoj perseveres without losing hope. This resilience aligns with the sentiment expressed in Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist":

"So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you." (Coelho)

The universe conspires to test Manoj's patience and spirit, but he confronts the challenges and keeps moving forward.

Conclusion :

"12th Fail" unfolds as a poignant commentary on the Indian education system and societal dynamics, portraying the resilient journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma. The film's nuanced narrative and unconventional storytelling, marked by distinct book-to-film differences, contribute to its unique charm. Power dynamics, symbolized by the juxtaposition of Manoj's caste and a gun, prompt a reflection on privilege and societal hierarchies. The film's refusal to invoke sympathy for the protagonist and its unexpected narrative choices enhance its impact. By challenging the prevalent norms in Bollywood and delving into corruption within the education system, "12th Fail" emerges as a thought-provoking and relevant cinematic exploration. Its thematic depth, authentic character portrayals, and societal critique collectively make it a standout contribution to contemporary Indian cinema.

"12th Fail" stands as a compelling cinematic piece that transcends conventional Bollywood narratives, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the flaws within the Indian education system and societal structures. Its impactful portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma's journey, marked by resilience and ethical choices, challenges the typical tropes seen in mainstream cinema. The film's relevance lies in its ability to spark conversations around corruption, privilege, and the transformative power of education. By weaving together elements of realism, unexpected narrative choices, and societal critique, "12th Fail" not only leaves a lasting impact on the audience but also contributes meaningfully to discussions on the complexities of the education landscape and individual struggles in contemporary India.

                                                                     Words-3447

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                                                                  References cited:

Akhtar, Zoya, director. The Archies. 2023. Archie Comic Publications Graphic India Tiger Baby Films.

Barad, Dilip. “(PDF) The Changing Priorities of Education in India: A Worrisome Shift Mirrored in Popular Films and Fictions.” ResearchGate, 16 November 2023, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375641812_The_Changing_Priorities_of_Education_in_India_A_Worrisome_Shift_Mirrored_in_Popular_Films_and_Fictions. 

Bhagat, Chetan. Revolution Twenty20 : Love . Corruption. Ambition. RUPA PUBLICATIONS INDIA PVT Limited, 2014.

Chopra, Vidhu Vinod, director. 12th Fail. Vinod Chopra Films, 27 October 2023.

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. HarperCollins Publishers India, 2005.

Johar, Karan, director. Student of the Year. Dharma Productions Red Chillies Entertainment, 19 October 2012.

Lallantop, The. “'12th Fail' वाले DIG Manoj Sharma, Shraddha Joshi ने Vikas Divyakirti और फिल्म के क्या राज खोले?GITN.” The Lallantop, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VA5grbsU2k&t=4060s.

Pathak, Anurag, and Manoj Kumar. “12th Fail.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Fail#Casting. Accessed 21 January 2024.

Satkar, Shubhangi. “12th fail Movie and Hidden Caste privilege: A Critical Analysis from Dalit Perspective.” दलित टाइम्स (दलित टाइम्स), 15 January 2024, https://dalittimes.in/twelfth-fail-movie-and-hidden-caste-privilege-a-critical-analysis-from-dalit-perspective/. Accessed 21 January 2024.

• Note- comment How do you feel connected to the movie"12th Fail"? and What makes the movie "12th Fail" different from the movies such as "Super 30", "Aspirants" and other inspirational movies?