‘12th Fail’: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Offering is a Mantra, a Pledge and a Call to Action on Makar Sankranti
- Reflecting on the film, I couldn't help but recall my father's sacrifices to provide us with quality education and reignite a commitment to the cause of education.
A thought-provoking biopic by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, “12th Fail” unfolds the scholastic life of children in rural India, shedding light on a crucial factor that traps lower-class Indians in the unrelenting grip of poverty.
The film is set in the economically deprived Chambal valley, once ruled by dacoits like Phoolan Devi. It portrays the heart-wrenching narrative of children forced into a flawed school system run by a local figure who allowed rampant cheating, granting diplomas that led to menial jobs and perpetuated generational poverty.
Released in 2023, the movie is based on Anurag Pathak’s 2019 non-fiction book, narrating the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who rose from extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer. Starring Vikrant Massey, the film chronicles Manoj’s journey from academic struggles to triumph over adversities.
Born to an honest clerk in Chambal, Manoj faces setbacks when his father is suspended for opposing corruption. The film captures his attempt to cheat in Class 12 exams, thwarted by DSP Dushyant Singh, leading to the failure of all students, including Manoj. Undeterred, Manoj studies the next year, overcoming challenges such as loss of belongings and the government’s decision to halt Group I exams.
Manoj’s encounter with Pritam Pandey in a restaurant sets the stage for their journey to Delhi to prepare for UPSC exams. The film sheds light on the prevalence of money-driven coaching institutes. Manoj’s relationships, especially with Shraddha Joshi, undergo trials, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Despite setbacks, Manoj’s determination propels him to clear examinations and secure his dream of becoming an IPS officer.
the movie is based on Anurag Pathak’s 2019 non-fiction book, narrating the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who rose from extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.
The film masterfully portrays the challenges and uncertainties of the interview process, a microcosm of the struggles faced by those striving to break free from poverty. Manoj’s success is a testament to the human spirit’s triumph against all odds. The narrative resonates with the harsh truth that education is a beacon of hope for those seeking to escape poverty.
Reflecting on the film, I couldn’t help but recall my father’s sacrifices to provide us with quality education. The movie becomes a personal journey as it reignites a commitment to the cause of education. A promise made to my father in his final days resurfaces, prompting a vow to seek out Vijay (who had migrated from Bihar to seek employment in Mumbai), one of his caregivers, and fulfill the pledge I gave him to provide education for his children.
“12th Fail” transcends being just a movie; it’s a call to action. It urges us to break the cycle of poverty and advocate for education against all odds. As the Sun rises over the Diablo Mountain in California, on the dawn of this auspicious 2024 Makar Sankranti the powerful Gayatri mantra echoes in my heart: oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ suvaḥtat savitur vareṇyaṃbhargo devasya dhīmahidhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt (Rigveda 3.62.10) connecting me with the wisdom of my ancestors, teachers, educators and leaders like my father Sri. S.K. Kapur, my grandfather Sri. Gyanchand Kapur, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Rajagopalachari, Sri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Sri Aurobindo who taught me to meditate on the “Effulgent Light of the Divine Sun and lead me to the transformative power of education, knowledge and understanding.”
I mentally make a pledge to volunteer in educating more children in shaping their brighter future. “12th Fail” is streaming on Hulu.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.