Movie Review: 12th Fail

 12th Fail

#Restart

हार नहीं मानूँगा

On January 13, 2024, Drashti and Hetal, leaders of the Movie Screening Committee in the Department of English, organized a screening of the recently released film '12th Fail,' directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. This blog is a response to the Sunday reading task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad, the Head of the Department at MK Bhavnagar University, focusing on the critical insights gained from watching the film '12th Fail.'

The film is based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and his remarkable journey from his village to attaining the prestigious position of an IPS officer. Along the way, he encounters numerous challenges and obstacles that shape his transformative path.

Introduction:

In the realm of cinematic releases, '12th Fail' stands out despite its initial struggles in traditional cinema houses, finding a resurgence and sparking discussions post its OTT platform debut. The film's prominence in conversations, especially amid blockbuster releases like 'Animal,' raises the question of what sets it apart and the impression it leaves on viewers. With numerous reviews focusing on the central character and the theme of education, a fundamental query emerges: What does '12th Fail' truly represent? This blog aims to present my review of the film, delving into the reasons behind its significant post-release discourse.

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, '12th Fail' is based on the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS Officer, whose journey inspired Anurag Pathak to pen a novel with the same title. The film unfolds the remarkable odyssey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who, undeterred by numerous obstacles, perseveres on the path to becoming an IPS officer. Embodying the spirit of resilience, the film encapsulates its essence with the hashtag #Restart, encouraging audiences to persevere against all odds.

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Production Company: Vinod Chopra Films

Based on: 12th Fail by Anurag Pathak

Release Date: 27 October 2023

Caste: 

• Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma

• Medha Shankar as Shraddha Joshi

• Anant V Joshi as Pritam Pandey

• Anshumaan Pushkar as Gauri Bhaiya

• Priyanshu Chatterjee as DSP Dushyant Singh

• Geeta Aggarwal Sharma as Pushpa Sharma, Manoj's mother

• Harish Khanna as Ramveer Sharma, Manoj's father

• Sarita Joshi as Manoj's grandmother

• Sanjay Bishnoi as Naval

• Vikas Divyakirti as Himself

• Vijay Kumar Dogra as Sundar

• Perry Chhabra as Rajini Sharma, Manoj's younger sister

• Neeraj Kalra as Shraddha's father

• Darius Chinoy as Mr. Solanki

• Radhika Joshi as Tanya

• Fasi Khan as Kishan, Shraddha's house servant

• Rahul Dev Shetty as Mr. Mehta, Manoj's UPSC interviewer

Theoretical Framework:

The film '12th Fail' incorporates various cinematic elements that can be analyzed through the lens of relevant literary and film studies theories. Let's explore how the film aligns with or challenges these theoretical frameworks.

Realism and Naturalism:

The film strongly embraces realism and naturalism by employing destination shooting and minimizing the use of conventional cinematic techniques. The director's choice of a single-shot technique is intended to deliver a natural and realistic outcome. This aligns with the realist aesthetic, grounding the narrative in authenticity and eschewing exaggerated cinematic stylizations.

Cinematic Realism:

The film achieves cinematic realism through its use of destination shooting and a deliberate avoidance of vivid camera angles. Opting for a straightforward and less stylized approach, the director aims to faithfully capture events as they unfold in real life. A poignant example is seen in scenes depicting streets adorned with banners of coaching classes. These visuals authentically reflect the growing influence of coaching classes on students' lives, compelling them to pursue government jobs like IPS and IAS.

This trend is not limited to a specific region; the film suggests a broader societal impact by illustrating the prevalence of coaching classes at the state level. The narrative touches upon various government exams, such as those for Police constables, Clerks, Forest Guards, and more. The film sheds light on the enduring emphasis placed on succeeding in these exams, highlighting a common societal pursuit.

The observation by Dilip Barad, as articulated in "The Changing Priorities of Education in India: A Worrisome Shift Mirrored in Popular Films and Fictions," underscores a worrisome shift in the educational landscape. The focus has shifted from genuine knowledge acquisition and intellectual curiosity to a relentless pursuit of success in standardized entrance exams. This transformation reduces the essence of learning to a means to an end — cracking exams for the promise of a financially secure future. The profound impact of this shift is mirrored in popular films and fictions, including narratives like "12th Fail," highlighting the pervasive influence of this altered educational paradigm on the aspirations and experiences of the youth in India.

The introductory helicopter shot, capturing Manoj Kumar Sharma preparing to cheat, plays a pivotal role in establishing the film's tone of cinematic realism. Instead of relying on dramatic camera angles, the director chooses a direct and unembellished portrayal of a widespread phenomenon. This approach not only adds to the overall authenticity of the film but also creates a relatable connection with the audience, presenting familiar scenarios in a genuine light.

The Gaze Theory:

The shoulder shot depicting Manoj's father being fired from his job without succumbing to corruption reflects the gaze theory. It emphasizes the observer's perspective, making the audience aware of societal issues. This shot suggests that corruption is often apparent to everyone, yet individuals may choose to be complicit or turn a blind eye. It invites viewers to question their own complicity in societal injustices.

In essence, the film's commitment to cinematic realism, evident in its choice of locations and restrained camera techniques, provides a faithful depiction of contemporary societal trends. The portrayal of coaching classes and the introductory helicopter shot exemplify how the film captures real-life events, resonating with viewers through its authentic representation of common experiences.

Social Realism:

The narrative's exploration of social issues, particularly the depiction of widespread cheating in the institute, aligns with social realism. The film critiques and exposes systemic problems within the education system, drawing attention to the prevailing issues of the past and raising questions about their contemporary relevance.

Sound Theory:

The effective use of diagetic and non-diagetic sounds adds another layer to the film's realistic exposure. The reliance on diagetic sounds, those emerging directly from the screen, enhances the authentic feel. The director's choice to use non-diagetic or background sounds, like the intense sound when Manoj discovers his mistake in answering a question on terrorism instead of tourism, serves to convey emotions more explicitly. This use of sound aligns with the emotional resonance of the narrative.

Challenges to Cinematic Techniques:

The deliberate avoidance of cinematic techniques, as mentioned by the director, challenges the traditional use of stylized approaches in filmmaking. By prioritizing realism over cinematic embellishments, '12th Fail' challenges the notion that elaborate techniques are necessary for a compelling cinematic experience. The emphasis on a more straightforward and realistic approach stands as a departure from conventional cinematic norms.

Thus, '12th Fail' navigates through various theoretical frameworks, aligning with realism, cinematic realism, and social realism. The effective use of sound enhances the emotional impact, and the deliberate rejection of certain cinematic techniques challenges established norms, ultimately contributing to the film's unique and thought-provoking narrative.

Contextualization and thematic Study:

The movie revolves around the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young individual hailing from Chambal, who embarks on the challenging journey to become an IPS officer. His story is more than just a personal struggle; it symbolizes the broader experiences of aspiring youth in India navigating the competitive examination landscape.

Youth Aspirations and the Competitive Exam World:

The film delves into the realm of youth aspirations, in the pursuit of various government jobs like IPS and IAS. In a scene, Naval remarks that those aspiring to become IPS officers are like herding animals, engaging in various laborious tasks to achieve their goal. He advises accepting the challenges and moving forward, stating that not everyone can become an IPS officer. Gauribhaiya, who also aspires to be an IPS officer but faces repeated failures in all six attempts at the UPSC, acknowledges the harsh reality. He expresses the determination and resilience of aspirants who arrive with the fervor to succeed, whether it means sweeping floors in a library or cleaning toilets. Gauribhaiya emphasizes their unwavering spirit, fueled by the hope of becoming IPS officers, regardless of the challenges they encounter.

Naval says

“भेड़ बकरिओ की तरह आ जाते है आईपीएस बनने । यहा आके हर तरह की गधा मजदूरिमे लग जाते है। नहीं बनने वाले तुम आईपीएस। Just accept It and move on.”

On Naval’s this statement, Gauribhaiya, who also came from the remote village to become an IPS but fails in all six attempt of UPSC, replies,

“सही बात कर रहे हो तुम। गरीब होता है इनका बाप.... यह लोग खाली हाथ नहीं आते, जज्बा लेकर आते हैं कि एक दिन यह आईएएस आईपीएस बनेंगे चाहे इनको कीसी लाइब्रेरी में झाड़ू लगाना पड़े या किसी का टॉयलेट साफ करना पड़े। हार नहीं मानते...... बडा पक्का होता है इनका जज्बा.......यह जज्बा आता है करोड़ों हिंदुस्तानी की उम्मीद से..... हार जीत सब लगा रहता है नवलबाबू, लेकिन जिस दिन हम में से किसी एक का जीत हुआ ना तो हिंदुस्तान के करोड़ों हिंदुस्तानी भेड़ बकरियों का जीत होता है।”

 

Certainly, while Gauribhaiya's resilience and commitment to motivating others through #Restart are commendable, a critical perspective reveals a broader issue. The film's conclusion, with Manoj successfully becoming an IPS officer, contrasts sharply with the numerous Gauribhaiyas who face repeated failures and shattered dreams. The narrative unintentionally emphasizes the singular success story while downplaying the struggles and disappointments of many other aspirants.

Gauribhaiya's Perspective and the Larger Context:

In this context, the movie unintentionally raises questions about the systemic challenges within the competitive exam system. The story, focused on the triumph of one individual, inadvertently underscores the harsh reality that not everyone can achieve their aspirations. Gauribhaiya's last attempt result day becomes a poignant moment that symbolizes the collective dreams of many aspirants that go unfulfilled.

The film, in portraying the success of Manoj, may inadvertently contribute to the narrative that only a few can overcome the hurdles and realize their ambitions. It prompts a reflection on the societal and systemic factors that lead to such disparities in success. The movie, while celebrating individual triumphs, inadvertently highlights the need for a more comprehensive examination of the challenges faced by aspirants, acknowledging that success is not guaranteed for everyone in the competitive exam world.

Character of Pandey:

Pandey's character in the film initially appears as a source of comedy, but underneath, he represents the genuine frustration felt by students forced into career paths against their wishes by parental and societal pressures. Throughout the narrative, Pandey's persistent frustration becomes a powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals who yearn for different career paths but find themselves constrained by parental expectations.

The film unveils the impact of parental decisions on children, highlighting a lack of space for exploration and personal choices. This theme resonates with the storyline of "3 Idiots," where Farhan aspires to pursue a career in wildlife photography but faces parental insistence on engineering, driven by societal norms. The outcome for Pandey mirrors Farhan's, both experiencing failure as a result of pursuing paths misaligned with their true passions.

Pandey's aspiration to become a reporter takes a backseat to his father's desire for him to appear in the UPSC exams. The recurring failures in the UPSC exams underscore the consequences of imposing careers on individuals against their wishes. Pandey's character becomes a poignant symbol of the impact of societal expectations on personal aspirations and the struggles faced by those denied the opportunity to follow their true passions.

Pandey's character serves as a commentary on the importance of allowing individuals the freedom to explore and choose their own paths, rather than succumbing to external pressures. The film echoes the message that genuine fulfillment arises when individuals are given the space to pursue their own dreams, free from the constraints of societal expectations.

Education Industry in '12th Fail':

The film astutely captures the transformation of education into a burgeoning industry, characterized by business principles such as investment, profit, marketing, and strategic benefits. The representation of the coaching class "अ to Z" serves as a vivid portrayal of the commercialization of education, mirroring the contemporary reality where educational institutions operate as profit-driven entities.

Coaching Classes as Business Entities:

The incident involving Manoj's objection to Deep sir's lack of association with the coaching class and the receptionist's candid admission about paying him for promotional purposes exposes the business-oriented nature of these institutions. The receptionist's statement, "तुम्हें क्या लगता है ये फिल्मस्टार वही तंबाकू कहते है जो वो बेचते है?" succinctly encapsulates the reliance on celebrity endorsements and marketing strategies to attract students, emphasizing the commodification of education.

Parallel with Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020':

The film's depiction of coaching classes as profit-driven enterprises finds resonance in Chetan Bhagat's novel 'Revolution 2020,' where the character Gopal establishes an institute as a business venture to generate revenue. This parallel highlights the pervasive nature of the education industry's commercialization, as portrayed in both literary and cinematic narratives.

Blind Chase for Aspired Goals:

The rise of coaching classes mirrors the societal trend of a blind pursuit of singular goals, often dictated by societal expectations. The intense competition and the commodification of education contribute to a culture where individuals relentlessly chase a predefined notion of success, as exemplified by the fervor surrounding competitive exams.

Advertisement and Image Projection:

The film underscores the role of advertisement in the education industry, illustrating how institutions invest in creating a lucrative image to attract students. The use of film stars or popular figures as endorsements reflects the marketing tactics employed to position coaching classes as desirable and successful, irrespective of the actual educational content.

Socio-Cultural Relevance , Mental Health Impact, Financial Struggles and the High Cost of Dreams:

Furthermore, the challenges faced by aspirants extend beyond the realm of academic failures and aspirations. It's important to recognize that not everyone possesses the resilience of Gauribhaiya, who gracefully accepts setbacks and begins teaching aspiring students. Many individuals find it difficult to cope, leading to mental stress and, in extreme cases, mental breakdowns and suicides. Drashti IAS highlights a disturbing trend of increasing suicides in educational hubs, attributing this tragic phenomenon to academic pressure, mental health issues, isolation, loneliness, financial concerns, and a lack of support ("Increasing Cases of Suicides in Educational Hubs").

A comprehensive study titled "Competitive Exams and Its Impacts on Student's Mental Health: An Analytical Study in India" sheds light on the profound effects of intense competition, societal expectations, and institutional pressures associated with these exams. Disturbingly, 21% of students reported experiencing suicidal thoughts during exam preparation, and a staggering 39% believed that competitive exams had a negative impact on their mental health (Gull et al.).

Gaurav Kumar Shandilya's study, "Mental Health Status of UPSC CSE Aspirants: A Survey-Based Study," delves into the specific challenges faced by UPSC aspirants. It underscores the poor mental health status of these aspirants due to exam-related stress and pressure. The study advocates for interventions to address this critical issue and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to support the mental well-being of students preparing for competitive exams (Shandilya). These findings highlight the urgent need to address the broader mental health implications of the competitive exam culture in India.

So, '12th Fail' goes beyond being a cinematic narrative; it becomes a commentary on the socio-cultural fabric of India, touching upon the dreams, struggles, and consequences within the competitive exam world. The incorporation of Hindi dialogues enriches the authenticity, capturing the essence of the challenges faced by youth aspirants, making the film a reflection of both individual aspirations and the collective societal landscape.

Comparative Study:

In the realm of cinema, the success of blockbusters like "Animal" is complemented by the production of films like "12th Fail," even though they may not achieve the same level of success. These films diverge from the elite fantasies often portrayed in Karan Johar's productions and instead focus on representing the struggles of ordinary individuals. This trend is not limited to films but extends to web series as well, with creations like "Aspirants," "Sandip Bhaiya," "Kota Factory," and "Super 30" also showcasing the lives, struggles, and sufferings of students. "12th Fail" follows this trajectory, delving into the challenges faced by students.

However, in comparison to other productions like "Kota Factory" and "Sandip Bhaiya" (based on the web series that I have watched), "12th Fail" may fall short in terms of engagement. The film occasionally places more emphasis on the love relationship between Manoj and Shradha, overshadowing his struggles at various points. This shift in focus can make the theme of love more dominant than the core narrative of student struggles, diverging from the more intense and captivating portrayal seen in other works.

Conclusion:

In essence, "12th Fail" transcends being a mere cinematic narrative, emerging as a profound commentary on the socio-cultural fabric of India. Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra employs cinematic realism, social realism, and a deliberate rejection of certain techniques to authentically portray the challenges within the competitive exam world. While celebrating individual triumphs, the film inadvertently highlights systemic issues, prompting reflection on success disparities and the need for comprehensive examinations of aspirants' challenges. Pandey's character symbolizes the impact of parental decisions on individual aspirations, advocating for the freedom to choose one's own path. Beyond academics, the film addresses the alarming mental health implications of the competitive exam culture, urging urgent interventions. "12th Fail" aligns with other productions focusing on ordinary lives but may face criticism for occasional deviations in emphasis. Ultimately, it inspires resilience with the mantra "हार नहीं मानूँगा" ("I will not accept defeat") and the call to #Restart, fostering hope in the face of adversity.

Works Cited

Barad, Dilip. “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.  Accessed 21 January 2024.

Bhagat, Chetan. Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition. Rupa Publications India, 2011.

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

GULL, AAFREEN, et al. “COMPETITIVE EXAMS AND IT'S IMPACTS ON STUDENT'S MENTAL HEALTH: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY IN INDIA.” YMER, 5 May 2023, https://ymerdigital.com/uploads/YMER220557.pdf.  Accessed 21 January 2024.

“Increasing Cases of Suicides in Educational Hubs.” Drishti IAS, 8 February 2023, https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increasing-cases-of-suicides-in-educational-hubs . Accessed 21 January 2024.

Shandilya, Gaurav Kumar. “Mental Health Status of UPSC CSE Aspirants: A Survey-Based Study.” International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology, vol. 11, no. 5, 2023. IJRASET, https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.52603.  Accessed 21 1 2024.

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