This blog is part of a task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad. In it, I am tasked with conducting a review and comparative study of the movie "12th Fail."
Introduction:
"12th Fail," directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, emerges as a cinematic venture grounded in reality. Based on a true story, the film promises to delve into the nuances of life after academic setbacks, hinting at a narrative that goes beyond the conventional.
Meet Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer, fearlessly embarking on a new academic journey to reclaim his destiny. Coming from a disadvantaged background, he aspires to become an IPS officer, facing the challenges with determination. "12th Fail" celebrates individuals like Manoj, deeply rooted, committed to public service, and courageous in upholding constitutional values.
Release date: 27 October 2023 (India)
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Medha Shankar
Theoretical Framework:
Applying film studies theories, "12th Fail" skillfully utilizes cinematography and storytelling techniques to navigate its narrative. The film resonates with the human experience, potentially aligning with theories that emphasize emotional storytelling and societal reflections.
The movie starts with a drone shot, just like when Manoj cheated in the exam, highlighting how small his role seems. In "12th Fail," dim lights, quiet backgrounds, and soft music show the challenges in the main character's life, making us feel their struggles and dreams. Realistic sounds, like animals and village noises, make the story more real. All these film tricks help tell the determined journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma and the big ideas about overcoming tough situations in education.
In this particular frame we can find out Manoj Kumar Sharma when he lost his bag during his journey it symbolizes more than just a lost belonging. It represents the loss of all hope for his future, making him feel abandoned. In this specific scene, Manoj is depicted sitting alone, and the use of dull and dark colors in the frame reflects the mental turmoil he is going through.
In this scene, the camera takes a shot from the gate, making it look like a prison. On one side, hopefuls wait with uncertainty for what lies ahead. Framing the scene with the gate symbolizes it as a barrier, keeping them apart from the awaited result.
In this scene, it's evident that the creators aimed to depict the genuine struggles of Manoj Kumar Sharma. Through this frame, we understand how he worked all day and studied throughout the night in the library, facing challenges without proper facilities.
As this film is based on a true story, in this specific frame, the director creatively incorporates the actual Manoj Kumar Sharma and his wife as the backdrop, providing an authentic touch to the film's characters.
In this scene, Manoj wears the IPS officer uniform in front of his real inspiration, Digvijaysingh. He looks back on his past mistakes and thanks Digvijaysingh for the encouragement that inspired him to become an IPS officer.
Contextualization:
Education system and Government Jobs:
"12th Fail" dives into the world of Indian schools and government jobs, showing how tough it can be. The movie likely talks about the stress and competition people face while trying to make it in a system that cares a lot about grades.
Cultural context:
Understanding the movie means looking at the traditions, family life, and rules in the culture it portrays. We'll get a glimpse into what the characters go through and how their choices are influenced by their culture, mixing old ways with new dreams.
Reflection of Youth Aspirants:
"12th Fail" probably captures what young people today dream about and struggle with. It might show how society shapes their goals and how setbacks in school affect their sense of self and their dreams of having stable jobs.
Socio-cultural Relevance:
The film is likely not just a story but a mirror reflecting things in Indian society. It could talk about how people value grades, how setbacks in education affect individuals, and why many aim for government jobs. In simpler terms, it tells a story that speaks to the challenges young people face in today's India.
Thematic study:
Bouncing Back from Failures:
"12th Fail" could be all about people not giving up when things go wrong in school. The characters might show us that it's okay to fail sometimes, but what matters is how you pick yourself up and keep going.
Dreams vs. What People Expect:
The movie might talk about how individuals have big dreams, but there's also pressure to do what society thinks is right. The characters could struggle with choosing between what they want for themselves and what others expect from them.
What's Wrong with School?:
The film might point out what's not so great about the school system, showing how strict rules affect people. It could say something about how grades and exams impact how we see success and failure.
Finding Yourself Beyond Grades:
A key idea could be about characters figuring out who they are beyond just good grades. The film might explore how personal identity goes beyond what you achieve in school and how societal expectations play a role.
Struggles of Young People:
At its heart, the movie could be about how tough it is to be a young person today. It might show the challenges they face and what they dream about for a better future. Looking at these themes helps us understand the characters and what the movie is trying to tell us about life.
Comparative Analysis:
To deepen our understanding of "12th Fail," a comparative analysis with the Iranian film "The Salesman" provides intriguing insights. While "12th Fail" navigates the Indian education system, "The Salesman" delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships in Iranian society.
Similarities:
Both films share a common thread of resilience against societal pressures. "The Salesman" and "12th Fail" explore characters facing challenges beyond their control, highlighting the universal theme of human tenacity.
Differences:
While "12th Fail" focuses on educational hurdles and career aspirations in the Indian context, "The Salesman" centers around the aftermath of a traumatic event within a marriage. The cultural disparity in themes showcases the diverse societal pressures portrayed in each film.
Cultural Significance:
The juxtaposition of these films underscores the cultural nuances shaping their narratives. "12th Fail" reflects the struggles faced by Indian youth in pursuit of academic success and government jobs, while "The Salesman" sheds light on the intricacies of personal relationships in Iranian culture.
Impactful Storytelling:
Both films employ nuanced storytelling techniques. "The Salesman" uses suspense and psychological drama, while "12th Fail" potentially relies on emotional resonance. The divergent storytelling approaches contribute to the distinct atmospheres of each film.
In essence, the comparative analysis reveals how cinematic narratives, though culturally divergent, share universal elements of human experience. "12th Fail" and "The Salesman" showcase the power of film to transcend cultural boundaries while offering unique perspectives on the human condition.
(For this comparative analysis I have sought assistance of ChatGPT)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "12th Fail" appears to be a poignant exploration of human determination in the face of academic setbacks. Through its thematic depth, societal relevance, and cinematic prowess, the film stands as a compelling contribution to the cinematic landscape, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the human spirit.
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,
Chaterjee, Saibal. “12th Fail Review: A Gentle Little Film That Stays True To Its Purpose.” NDTV, 27 October 2023, https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/12th-fail-review-a-gentle-little-film-that-stays-true-to-its-purpose-3-5-stars-4518068.
Kumar, Anuj. “'12th Fail' movie review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.” The Hindu Newspaper.
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