12th Fail

"#RESTART"

2023 2h 26m HI

🙌

7.9

BANGER

★7.9TMDB · 278

Drama

Synopsis

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Based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, 12th Fail sheds limelight on fearlessly embracing the idea of restarting the academic journey despite the setbacks and challenges and reclaiming one's destiny at a place where millions of students attempt the world's toughest competitive exam: UPSC.

“#RESTART”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Vikrant Massey
Manoj Kumar Sharma
Medha Shankr
Shraddha Joshi
Anant Joshi
Pritam Pandey
Anshumaan Pushkar
Gaurinandan
Priyanshu Chatterjee
Dushyant Singh
Geeta Agrawal Sharma
Pushpa Sharma
Harish Khanna
Ramveer Sharma
Vikas Divyakirti
Vikas Divyakirti

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Writers: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli
Languages: English, Hindi
Countries: India

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Shot for just $2.4M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Earned back only 2% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 3 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Hindi.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, shot by Rangarajan Rambadran. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Jaskunwar Kohli shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr and Anant Joshi carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "#RESTART".

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Vidhu Vinod Chopra directs. Rangarajan Rambadran behind the camera. Jaskunwar Kohli cuts. A commercial under-performer on release. Produced in India. Dialogue in English, Hindi.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Shot for just $2.4M — micro-budget by Hollywood standards.
2Earned back only 2% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.
3Released 3 years ago.
4Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Hindi.
5Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, shot by Rangarajan Rambadran. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
6Editor Jaskunwar Kohli shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr and Anant Joshi carry the top of the cast.
8Marketing tagline: "#RESTART".
9IMDB entry: tt23849204 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Cinematography: Rangarajan Rambadran
Editing: Jaskunwar Kohli
Makeup / hair: Gaurav Chauhan
Sound: Manav Shrotriya
Runtime: 146 min · 2h 26m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $2,400,000
Box office: $37,231
Return: 2% of budget
Original language: HI
Certification (US): PG
IMDB: 12th Fail (2023)

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Vidhu Vinod Chopra

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Community reviews

What people are saying

ramu982024-01-30
★ 10/10
Forget Bollywood clichés, 12th Fail is a breath of fresh air. With crisp editing and stunning visuals, it tells the feel-good story of Manoj, a chronic exam-failer battling societal scorn. But Manoj's resilience is inspiring, and the film's unique perspective celebrates alternative paths to success. Vikrant Massey shines as Manoj, while the film smartly reflects on education pressures and surprises with innovative storytelling. More than just entertainment, 12th Fail is a warm embrace, reminding us that success comes in many forms and unexpected detours can lead to fulfilling destinations. Recommended without reservation!

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