In a recent interview, renowned director Vidhu Vinod Chopra opened up about the fascinating journey of his film “12th Fail.” The movie, which featured the talented Vikrant Massey portraying the biopic of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, garnered acclaim for its emotional storyline and powerful performances by the cast. While the film didn’t generate massive box office collections, it gained well-deserved recognition and attention after its release on OTT platforms. Let’s delve into the intriguing details of this biopic and the director’s revelation about its inception.
The Praises of Prominent Bollywood Figures on 12th Fail
“12th Fail” received accolades not only from the audience but also from prominent Bollywood figures. The likes of Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Kamal Haasan, Rishabh Shetty, and Vicky Kaushal had previously praised the film for its unique storytelling and impactful performances. The appreciation from these industry stalwarts further solidified the film’s reputation.
The Initial Plan of 12th Fail
Interestingly, during his conversation, Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed that the film was initially intended to be directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the renowned director behind critically acclaimed films like “Dunki.” However, things took a different turn, and Chopra found himself at the helm of the project.
The Approach to the Subject
When asked about how he approached the subject of “12th Fail,” Vidhu Vinod Chopra shared an intriguing anecdote. He mentioned that IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma approached him for a blurb for his book, which shares the same title as the film. With his trademark humor, Chopra confessed that being a slow reader meant it would take him two days to read the book. Furthermore, he assured Sharma that if he found it unimpressive, he would still have to publish his honest opinion.
Endorsements and the Revelation
After a few laughs, Chopra mentioned that Sharma subsequently requested him to send the book to people like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rajkumar Hirani. Following this request, Chopra obliged and sent the book to the mentioned individuals. However, six months later, when Sharma returned with the printed book, something surprising unfolded. Chopra discovered endorsements from the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and none other than Rajkumar Hirani himself. Intrigued by the endorsements on the cover, Chopra reached out to Hirani to inquire further.
Raju Hirani’s Astonishment
In response to Chopra’s inquiry, Hirani expressed his surprise and asked if Chopra hadn’t read the book yet. Chopra honestly admitted that he hadn’t, which led to Hirani’s revelation. Hirani informed Chopra that the book was actually being adapted into a movie. At the time, Chopra wasn’t interested in filmmaking. However, when he asked if Hirani would be directing the film, the response was unexpected – Hirani was already working on the script and offered to direct if Chopra took on the role of the film’s writer.
A Journey of Passion and Collaboration
Chopra agreed to the arrangement, and as he began writing the script, he grew fond of it. However, he soon realized that collaborating with the existing actors and vice versa could be challenging. It was then that Hirani recommended Vikrant Massey for the leading role. Having been impressed by Massey’s performance in “A Death in the Gunj,” Chopra invited him to his place outside Mumbai for a couple of days.
The Perfect First Shot for 12th Fail
Chopra vividly remembers the moment when he was contemplating the first shot of the film. Wondering how the young character would be portrayed in the beginning, Massey effortlessly assumed a childlike posture. This moment, captured on film, became the perfect opening shot – the scene where the character is caught cheating. Massey’s dedication and talent motivated Chopra to take on the role of director for “12th Fail.”
Recognition at the 69th Filmfare Awards
The success of “12th Fail” didn’t go unnoticed as the film received multiple accolades at the esteemed 69th Filmfare Awards ceremony. It was awarded Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for Vidhu Vinod Chopra, as well as Best Actor (Critics) for Vikrant Massey. These honors further cemented the impact and quality of the film.
In conclusion, the journey of “12th Fail” is an example of dedication, collaboration, and the power of a compelling story. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s decision to take the reins of the film, along with the stellar performances and appreciation from industry peers, contributed to its success. The emotional storyline and powerful portrayals by the cast resonated with audiences, solidifying “12th Fail” as a remarkable biopic worth watching.
