Film screening: 12th Fail # Restart

Welcome to my blog, 

This blog part of a movie screening activity assign by dr.dilip barad sir . Here this activity, I will write about movie review of a 12th Fail. 

 

                 12th Fail

* Introduction:

The film from Vidhu Vinod Chopra is completely different from anything you associate with him and the cinema he backs. For one who has earned a niche space within mainstream cinema, 12th Fail will give a space of respect in the archive. Even his commercial films were well planned and executed. This outing requires definite mention with a degree of awe.

"12th Fail" is a captivating coming-of-age movie that takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of a young person's life. At its core, the film revolves around the challenges faced by the main character, who doesn't quite make the grade in their 12th-grade exams. This setback becomes the launching point for a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and pursuing dreams.

Realising date: 27 oct 2023

Director: vidhu vinod Chopra

Cast.       : Vikrant Massey ( Manoj Sharma), Medha Shankar ( sharadha Joshi) , pritam Pandey ( Anant Vijay joshi ), anshuman pushkar ( guarinandan)

* Film study : Theoretical Framework

12th Fail" is a coming-of-age movie that explores the challenges and experiences of a protagonist who faces academic setbacks. The film delves into themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the pursuit of one's passion. With a mix of humor and poignant moments, "12th Fail" navigates the journey of the protagonist beyond academic failures, highlighting the importance of resilience and following one's dreams.

Begining of this film, The trials and tribulations of a poor student Manoj (Vikrant Massey) from Bilgaon in Chambal and the near magical route to becoming an IPS Officer is this inspirational saga. He comes from a lower middle-class family where his dad is fighting his legal battles, his mom, and siblings’ lives. With him things are comparatively simple till the local Inspector Dushyant  bans mass copying. However, the incident leaves him inspired and at the next attempt, he takes the examination honestly. Dad Ranveer and Mom find the tides in Chambal tough. Grandma  is the tough nut who brooks no nonsense and imbibes the fighting spirit in the family.

Inspired by Inspector Dushyant and idealistically committed to establishing a corrupt free society, Manoj moves to Gwalior and from there to Delhi. At Gwalior he meets up with Pritam Pandey  – an IAS aspirant whose priorities are based on what his affluent dad back home can afford. Robbed of all the cash he is carrying, but pepped up with idealism and self-respect, thus Hindi medium 12th Fail, embarks on his date with destiny.

The challenges are real and aplenty. For a boy from the backyard thrown by the currents of life, to the happening Capital is a gravity shift. The miss and hit game, has more of the former. Like Super 30, institutional props for individual aspirations are seen as structural inspirations. So naïve and realistically so in Manoj that he is blissfully unaware of the administrative system.

The film makers take recourse to regular ploys including romance when he runs into yet another aspirant who aims at State Services: Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankar). She inspires Manoj who is willing to attempt the impossible at her instance. The long and tedious trek from the villager who failed to the one who bites what he does not know to chew takes the viewer through a India of aspirations and disappointments; vertical and systemic props, idealism and corruption. Fortunately, Vidhu Vinod steers clear of getting on the pulpit and sticks to a simple narrative that within the celluloid framework of Bollywood works an honest script.

In a telling sequence, when the father’s spirit melts in front of the insurmountable odds, he says, “We can’t win this battle, son”. Manoj replies, “But we can’t accept defeat either.” Similarly, finding themselves in an endless struggle, the scene where Manoj and his mother  cry together tears you up.

* Contextualisation:

"12th Fail" can be situated within broader discourses by examining its implications in various contexts. In the education system, the film may shed light on the intense pressure students face and the need for a more holistic approach that values individual growth over rigid academic benchmarks. It could reflect the challenges in the government job sector, emphasizing the importance of skill development and alternative career paths.

Culturally, the movie might delve into societal expectations and the stigma associated with academic failure, encouraging a dialogue on redefining success beyond traditional norms. Additionally, it could serve as a mirror to youth aspirations, prompting discussions on the evolving definition of success and the pursuit of one's passion in a competitive world.

"12th Fail" holds socio-cultural relevance by addressing issues prevalent in society. The movie likely explores the pressure placed on students to conform to academic standards, reflecting a broader societal expectation for success defined by conventional educational achievements. This narrative may resonate with audiences experiencing similar challenges or contemplating alternative paths.

Moreover, the film could highlight the cultural stigma associated with academic failure, sparking conversations around the need for a more inclusive and understanding approach towards individuals facing setbacks. By portraying the protagonist's journey, the movie may contribute to discussions on mental health, societal expectations, and the importance of recognizing diverse talents and aspirations within the socio-cultural fabric.

* Thematic study of 12th fail movie:

1. (Resilience): The movie portrays the resilience of individuals who face academic failure, emphasizing their ability to bounce back and overcome challenges.

2.(Self-Discovery): Characters in "12th Fail" go through a journey of self-discovery, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and passions beyond the conventional educational system.

3.(Societal Expectations): The film likely addresses societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals, especially in the context of academic success, shedding light on the impact of these expectations on personal well-being.

4.(Importance of Education): While the characters may have faced academic setbacks, the movie might underscore the idea that education is not limited to formal institutions and that learning and growth can happen in various ways.

5.(Finding One's Path): "12th Fail" may emphasize the importance of finding one's own path in life, even if it deviates from traditional educational routes, and the significance of pursuing one's passions.

* Comparative analysis:

 

"3 Idiots" This film explores societal pressures around academic success and follows three friends as they navigate the ups and downs of the education system. It carries a message about pursuing one's passion, individuality, and redefining success beyond conventional norms.Both the concept of a 12th fail and the movie "3 Idiots" share themes of breaking away from traditional expectations and defining success on one's own terms.

* Similarity:

1.(Challenging Societal Norms): Both the concept of a 12th fail and "3 Idiots" challenge the societal norms and expectations associated with academic success. They highlight the idea that traditional paths may not be the only routes to a fulfilling and successful life.

2.(Individual Growth): In both cases, there is an emphasis on individual growth. Whether it's a person overcoming the setback of failing the 12th grade or the characters in "3 Idiots" pursuing their passions, there's a shared theme of personal development and self-discovery.

* Difference:

1.(Medium of Presentation): The main difference lies in the medium of presentation. The concept of a 12th fail is a real-life scenario that individuals may face, while "3 Idiots" is a fictional film that uses humor and drama to convey its message.

2.(Narrative Focus): The concept of a 12th fail is a personal journey that individuals experience, whereas "3 Idiots" focuses on a group of friends within the context of an educational institution, providing a broader and more fictionalized narrative.

* Cultural significance:

(Cultural Impact of 12th Fail): In the Indian cultural context, the pressure on academic success is significant. The concept of a 12th fail reflects the challenges individuals face in a society that often places a high value on educational achievements.

(Cultural Impact of "3 Idiots"): The film "3 Idiots" addresses societal issues related to the education system in India. It has had a substantial impact on discussions around the pressure on students and the need for a more holistic approach to education.

* Conclusion:

In essence, "12th Fail" is a celebration of resilience, individuality, and the pursuit of dreams. It encourages audiences to embrace failures as part of the learning process and to forge their own paths, unburdened by societal expectations. The relatable characters, coupled with a well-crafted narrative, make this movie a delightful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Whether you've faced academic setbacks or not, "12th Fail" resonates with the universal truth that life's journey is full of surprises, and success often comes in unexpected forms.To echo the theme of their narrative one can only say: “Re start” –

Jeero se kya darna bey

Jeero ke pahiye banake

Tu aage aage badna bey

Restart, restart, restart.

Thank you 😊.....

Resources:

Ramnath, Nandini. “‘12th Fail’ Review: An Emotionally Resonant Saga of Determination and Hope.” Scroll.In, 27 Oct. 2023, scroll.in/reel/1058080/12th-fail-review-an-emotionally-resonant-saga-of-determination-and-hope. Accessed 18 Jan. 2024.