12th Fail Movie review and Comparative Study
Greetings,
This work is given by Barad sir. In this blog I am going to review Vindhu Vinod Chopra's recent and famous movie "12th Fail".
Release date: 27 October 2023 (India)
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Medha Shankar
Introduction:
Regarding the filmmaking, the performances by the relatively new actors - Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant Vijay Joshi, and Anshuman Pushkar - are outstanding, exuding authenticity and relatability. Each character is meticulously developed, and their interactions feel genuine. The movie, based on the real-life story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, captivates with moments that seem undeniably real. The cinematography is exceptional, with colors and lighting enhancing the depth of each scene. Shantanu Moitra's music, particularly the background score, is spot-on, evoking powerful emotions. The adept use of sound and silence throughout the film enhances the storytelling. The writing strikes a perfect balance: gentle humor, understated emotions, and sentimentality without going overboard. Critiquing any aspect of "12th Fail" seems challenging. In a career marked by remarkable films like "Khamosh," "Parinda," "1942: A Love Story," "Munnabhai MBBS," "Parineeta," and "3 Idiots," this movie might just be Vidhu Vinod Chopra's finest work.
Theoretical Framework Of The Movie
In the given frame, two scenarios are apparent: firstly, it portrays cutthroat competition in the civil service examination, and secondly, it conveys a significant message resembling a prison. Students appear trapped in societal norms, grappling with the fear of failure.
These frames illustrate that with education and knowledge, individuals can achieve independence. In the initial stages of the movie, Manoj faces police arrest due to a lack of education. However, as he educates himself, he transforms into a highly knowledgeable person, gaining empowerment and independence. In essence, knowledge renders individuals self-reliant and truly empowered.
In this scene, Manoj dons the IPS officer uniform in the presence of his true inspiration, Digvijaysingh. Reflecting on past mistakes, he expresses deep gratitude to Digvijaysingh for the encouragement that fueled his journey to becoming an IPS officer. Manoj's humility is evident as he touches Digvijaysingh's feet, symbolizing that despite his newfound power, he remains uncorrupted.
Contextualization :
"12th Fail" is a thought-provoking movie that dives deep into the complexities of the Indian education system. It tackles the stress and societal expectations tied to academic success, especially the consequences of not meeting those expectations in the 12th-grade exams.The film highlights how our society tends to overemphasize academic achievements, making viewers ponder the toll it takes on mental health and self-esteem. It questions the common belief that success is solely measured by securing government jobs, often linked to academic performance.
Beyond academics, "12th Fail" reflects the clash between traditional expectations and the changing dreams of the youth. It sheds light on the struggles of those who don't fit the mold of conventional success, pushing for a reevaluation of societal norms.
This movie goes beyond entertainment; it sparks important conversations about finding alternative paths to success and the necessity of a more inclusive education system. It acts as a catalyst for discussions on societal expectations, individual dreams, and the evolving cultural landscape. "12th Fail" isn't just a film; it's a powerful narrative that extends beyond the screen, contributing to ongoing dialogues about nurturing individuals for a well-rounded development amidst the challenges posed by societal pressures.
Themetic study:
In the story of 12th fail, important things pop up, like being strong when facing tough times, trying hard to learn, dealing with what society expects, and how relationships matter. Manoj comes from a simple background and deals with lots of problems, from working in a library to doing hard work in a grindmill. All this while, he also takes care of his family. This shows that for people like him, the only way is to work really hard to get through societal challenges.
The story also talks about the caste system and problems with education, showing the difficulties faced by young people who don't have many advantages. Even with all the tough times, the story highlights how crucial education is for a better future. Manoj speaking only Hindi shows his cultural background and how he connects with his roots.
The story also shows that Manoj doesn't have much money, making his journey even harder. Through these different parts of the story, 12th fail not only tells us about one person's struggles but also makes us think about bigger problems in society. It makes us think about why it's important to keep going, get an education, and have support from family and friends when times are tough.
1.Struggle: Central theme of movie:
The main idea in the movie "12th fail" is about facing difficult situations and working hard to overcome them. The characters, especially the main one named Manoj, go through a lot of struggles. From working in a library to dealing with family responsibilities and limited money, they show that life is tough. The movie focuses on how people like Manoj have to keep trying and working hard to get through these tough times. So, the central theme of "12th fail" is all about facing struggles and not giving up.
2.Corruption:
The second significant theme in the movie "12th fail" is corruption. This means that some people in power do dishonest things for their benefit. In the story, corruption is shown as a problem that affects the characters and their lives. It could be in the education system or other parts of society. The movie highlights how corruption makes life harder for people like Manoj who are already dealing with many challenges. By exploring this theme, "12th fail" brings attention to the negative impact of dishonest actions by those in authority, adding another layer to the struggles faced by the characters in the film.
3.Restart: soul of the movie
The heart of the movie "12th fail" beats with the theme of restarting. This means getting a fresh beginning, like trying again when things don't go well. The characters, especially Manoj, face tough situations but don't give up. They show that restarting is important in life. It could be starting over in education, relationships, or even in dealing with challenges. The movie tells us that no matter how tough life gets, having the courage to start anew is the soul of the story. It's about finding hope and strength to face difficulties, making "restart" a powerful and inspiring theme in the narrative.
Comparative study:
Comparison with "3 idiots"-
"3 Idiots," directed by Rajkumar Hirani, hit screens in 2009. This Bollywood comedy-drama follows three friends navigating the pressures of the Indian education system, using humor to critique societal norms. Celebrated for its impactful message, the film remains a blockbuster success, emphasizing themes of passion and individuality.-
"12th fail" and "3 Idiots" share common ground in their exploration of education, societal pressures, and individual struggles. Both movies emphasize the importance of unconventional thinking and pursuing one's passion over conforming to societal expectations.
In "12th fail," the central character, Manoj, faces hardships due to a lack of formal education and societal barriers. On the other hand, "3 Idiots" revolves around three friends challenging the traditional education system. Both narratives shed light on the flaws in the educational structure, promoting the idea that learning goes beyond textbooks.
However, a notable difference lies in the tone and approach. "3 Idiots" uses humor and satire to critique the education system, while "12th fail" takes a more serious and realistic tone, portraying the harsh realities of societal challenges faced by disadvantaged individuals.
Ultimately, both films converge on the idea of pursuing one's dreams and breaking free from societal norms, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the education system and the resilience required to navigate life's obstacles.
Conclusion:
In closing, "12th Fail" shines as a compelling tale of human strength amid academic challenges. With its deep themes, relevance to society, and powerful storytelling, the movie becomes a meaningful addition to cinema. Similar to "3 Idiots," which humorously comments on the Indian education system, "12th Fail" explores the struggles people endure while chasing their dreams. Both films stress the importance of staying determined and true to oneself. "12th Fail" adds an emotional layer, making us ponder the human spirit. Through relatable themes and cinematic excellence, the film delivers a lasting message, emphasizing the resilience we discover in the face of difficulties.
Finishing this with the famous dialogue of the film- “If I cannot be the Sun that shines upon the Earth, I can still be a lamp and light up my street”
Thank you.
Refrences
Barad, Dilip. “(PDF) The Changing Priorities of Education in India: A Worrisome Shift Mirrored in Popular Films and Fictions.” ResearchGate, 16 November 2023,
Kumar, Anuj. “'12th Fail' movie review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.” The Hindu Newspaper.
For Further explanation you can check this:
The interview of the real IPS Manoj Sharma and his wife Shraddha Sharma by The Lallantop.
There are two very famous video by Sandeep Maheshwari nowadays in which he practically contemplates the issues with coaching institutes and explores the dark side of competitive exams.
Comments
Post a Comment