Now Streaming — Why Vikrant Massey's 12th Fail must make you weep

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra struck a chord with audiences through his latest directorial outing 12th Fail. Starring Vikrant Massey in the lead role, this humble movie managed to perform what could be considered a miracle at the box office in these times. 

At a time, when such humble films are deemed unworthy of a big-screen experience, 12th Fail surprised many by standing its ground against heavyweight competitors like Animal and Salaar. It once again proves that good cinema comes in all shapes and sizes and the audiences don't indulge in the prejudices against small-budget films in favour of the tentpole blockbusters. Ultimately, audiences crave films that value their time, money, and the effort it takes to journey to the nearest cinema.

12th Fail is mainly celebrated for instilling hope and infusing the younger demographic with motivation, fueling aspirations for greater achievements despite the insurmountable obstacles. However, amid this celebration, some may overlook the film's more pressing achievement—a profound exploration of pervasive class prejudices deeply ingrained at every societal level.

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In particular, 12th Fail shines the light on the detrimental impact of classism on the challenges faced by underprivileged youth striving for success and liberation from dehumanizing poverty through academic pursuits. The film underscores how these class-based biases exacerbate the struggles and hardships encountered by these individuals on their journey towards a better future.

12th Fail is based on the real-life struggles of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, who cleared the mighty UPSC exam in his last attempt. In the film, Vikrant Massey plays the role of Manoj, a boy in Chambal with humble ambitions. Manoj looks for shortcuts and cheats in exams. But, it's not his fault alone. He's the product of his environment, which has been ravaged by ignorance, corruption and the neglect of the ruling class. 

The film sheds light on the systemic issues Manoj faces, where teachers facilitate cheating due to political motives that aim to keep their vote bank uneducated. Years of social oppression have instilled in young individuals like Manoj the belief that their destinies are confined to mere day-wage labour. The oppressive system exploits, humiliates, and deceives, fostering a mindset that restricts them from aspiring to a life of greater opportunities.

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While Manoj's brother sees a saviour, Manoj sees a role model in DSP Dushyant Singh (Priyanshu Chatterjee). Instead of merely appealing to Dushyant's generosity to retrieve their travelling rickshaw, Manoj aspires for something greater. He asks Dushyant, "How can I become like you?" Dushyant smiles at Manoj's nativity and responds, "You just have to give up cheating." And that's what he does. Determined, Manoj chooses to apply his intellect to address academic challenges, breaking free from a corrupt school system that had been stacked against him. This shift propels Manoj closer to his aspirations.

Manoj's journey to the top of the Indian police service could have been a little easier, if not for the prevailing classism that discourages and humiliates him at every step of his journey. And it also highlights the crippling effect of limiting the ability to express one's intellect in his or her mother tongue. If not for a handful of officials who assess individuals beyond superficial attributes, exhibiting classist tendencies, the nation might have missed out on the inspirational story of Manoj. However, it's disheartening to contemplate how countless dreams have been shattered by an unjust filter designed to exclude those who fail to conform to a certain image.

Consider the countless individuals akin to Manoj, still relegated to driving rickshaws and performing menial tasks because the system obstructs their path to education and achievement. Reflect on this reality and weep. 

12th Fail is streaming on Disney+Hotstar. 

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