12th Fail | Movie Screening

 12th Fail Movie review and Comparative Study 

This blog is part of Sunday Reading task. This blog will feature a movie review and a comparative study. 

Education in India is going through a big change in what it aims to achieve. This shift in the goals of education is shown a lot in movies, web-series, and popular stories, including "12th Fail."

First of all lets briefly discuss plot line.

IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma fearlessly embraces the idea of restarting his academic journey and reclaiming his destiny at a place where millions of students attempt the world's toughest competitive exam: UPSC. The narrative revolves around the challenging journey of a young man, Manoj Kumar Sharma, who hails from a disadvantaged background but aspires to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. 12th Fail applauds individuals deeply connected to their roots, committed to public service, and courageous in upholding the values of the Constitution.

Release date: 27 October 2023 (India)

Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Cast: Vikrant Massey, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Medha Shankar

Film Study : Theoretical Framework:

12th Fail feels far more succinct and compact than its length might suggest because it the film never loses momentum. The many unsettling upheavals and flashpoints that Manoj must negotiate imparts pace to the narrative. These movie uses technique is from regs to reaches, narrator who at the first stake unknown to us letter on introduced in it.

In the beginning of the movie, they use a helicopter shot to show how small Manoj's role is when he cheats in the exam. The film starts with the same kind of shot. In "12th Fail," dim lighting, quiet backgrounds, and soft music show challenges in the protagonist's life. These choices help us feel the struggles and aspirations of the characters. Realistic sounds for example animals, vehicles etc from the village add authenticity to the story. Overall, these film techniques precisely convey the determined journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma and the broader themes of resilience and education against social odds.

In one scene, there's a shoulder shot, which means the camera is focused on the shoulders, while Manoj's father throws chappals (slippers) at an officer. The film captures this moment from the perspective of a third person watching the event, giving us a view as if we are seeing it through someone else's eyes.

In the movie, when Manoj loses his bag, 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, Gauri Bhaiya uses UPSC as a symbol for the game of snakes and ladders. Manoj, lacking trust, finds friends to help him restart in this challenging game. The seasoned aspirant rightly describes UPSC as a game of snakes and ladders. Only 20 or 25 out of lakhs get selected, and the rest have to restart.

In this shot, the camera captures the view from the gate, resembling a prison. On one side, aspirants wait for their future with uncertainty. Using the gate to frame the scene signifies how it acts as an obstacle separating them from the awaited result.

In this scene, Manoj is dressed in the uniform of an IPS officer in front of his real inspiration, Digvijaysingh. He reflects on his past mistakes and expresses gratitude for Digvijaysingh's encouragement, which motivated him to become an IPS officer.

Moreover, there are long shots, and only three times does the entire frame turn dark. The use of longer frames portrays the reality and struggles of that place.In the movie, there are only short shots where Manoj is fully confident. Towards the end, there is a long frame of Manoj, confident and overcoming his odds, showcasing his success. Finally, there are bright colors and a livelier frame at the end.

In the movie, the camera takes us inside the important Union Public Service Commission. It shows the unfairness in the system, especially against candidates who come from vernacular (local) backgrounds. The film uses a poem by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee called "Haar Nahin Manooga" (Won't Give Up) to express its point in a poetic way. The line "raar nahin thanooga" (won't engage in dissension) not only represents Manoj's positive and determined attitude but also shows his optimism, staying away from the prevailing negativity.

The person who handles the camera, Rangarajan Ramabadran, shows us vivid scenes in dry Chambal and ordinary Mukherjee Nagar in New Delhi. The music in the background is simple but powerful, matching the genuine performances that fill the heartwarming story.

 Vikrant, who is good at expressing many feelings through his eyes in one picture, finally gets a chance to shine, and he does it well. He becomes the character written by the author, showing the determined and positive mindset of a boy facing tough situations. His calm acting helps balance some of the strong parts in the story. The whole cast, especially Medha, who shows grace and warmth, supports him well.

Symbol Of Hug : 

That's about hugs. Hugging is a usual thing, especially in movies like the one called 'Twelfth Fail.' It's not a bad thing, and it can be sweet and romantic. But in this movie, they use hugs a lot. There are like eight or ten scenes with hugs.

People hug in various situations – friends meeting, father-son, mother-son, siblings, grandmother-son, and lovers meeting. Each hug has something in common: when characters don't have many words to say, they hug. It's like they create a moment where even great writers can't find the right words. The silent talk between two people while hugging is loud and clear for everyone in the audience. Hugs in the movie express different feelings like happiness, sadness, motivation, and more.

Symbol of Atta-chakki : 

An atta chakki (gristmill) stands out in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail. It serves as a potent, if tangential, metaphor for the gruelling grind that the hard-to-crack Indian Civil Services examinations entails. The decrepit structure that houses the grain-grinding mill is dark, dispiriting and filled with flour-dust. It is here that the protagonist finds employment as he doubles down to the task of bracing himself for a make-or-break exam.

This about Film Study. Now let's look at another aspects of it. 

Education System and 12th Fali : 

In article The Changing Priorities of Education in India: A Worrisome Shift Mirrored in Popular Films and Fictions Dilip Barad argues that Subjects of study are chosen not out of genuine interest or ability, but purely based on how they will improve one's chances in these competitive exams. (Barad)

Nowadays, if we observe the changing scenario of the education system, education is becoming less about knowledge and more about entrance tests and material rewards. For the middle class and lower middle class, education is the primary means for financial gains and power. In the movie "12th Fail," a boy belonging to the lower class uses education as a pathway to a better social life and standing. Otherwise, the cycle of working as a peasant and living and dying in the same life of toil continues.

 However, education rules should balance making money with being a good person. Smart people warn us not to focus only on practical education. We're busy with exams and jobs, but education is about more - it's about being wise, kind, and living well. Real life needs skills, but learning should also be about being creative, doing the right thing, and helping others.

Thematic Study:

12th fail unfolds themes of Overcoming adversity, importance of education, the pressure of societal expectations, and importance of family and friends. morovre, in deep it also showcases caste system, and lacking of education system. While belonging from lower class family Manoj goes through many adversities like working in library, work of grindmil, and family responsibilities. The disadvantaged youth knows all too well that hard work is the only option available to aspirants like him. He is from a rustic background. Hindi is the only language he can understand and speak. And he is precariously low on monetary resources. (Chaterjee)

Corruption in Goverment system :

"12th Fail" is a movie that pays tribute to a few honest bureaucrats who resist corruption, even when it's tempting to go along with a system that encourages dishonesty and compromise. The story begins with the focus on Manoj's father, Ramveer (played by Harish Khanna). He loses his simple government job because he stands up against a corrupt official and a tricky local lawmaker who misuses his power without any consequences. While the father goes to Gwalior to seek legal help for his unfair dismissal, the son, armed with his grandmother's savings (Sarita Joshi), travels to Delhi to pursue his goals. The main idea is simple: India requires honest bureaucrats and policemen, just as much as it needs anything else to keep the country going. 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.” 

Feminist Discource : 

Shraddha comes from a well-off background but decides to become a bureaucrat instead of pursuing medical studies. She believes this role gives her the power to help people who are denied their rights. Shraddha's character is traditional, resembling the mythological character Sita, yet she's considered modern.

Even though she qualifies for the PCS exam and becomes a Deputy Collector, she still needs her father's permission, raising questions about trust. Shraddha is portrayed as an ideal character - innocent and desirable. There's a debate about whether a girl should marry someone who runs an atta-chakki.

In contrast, Manoj's mother handles things differently. Despite Manoj's father being honest, he chooses to leave home, leaving family responsibilities behind. Under these circumstances, Manoj's mother takes charge, fulfilling family needs on her own without complaining.

There is some minor characters which can be elaborated with their viewpoints. 

Character of Gauri Bhaiya : 

The world of 12th Fail exists in the shadow of TVF’s Aspirants. But while the latter series delved into the motivations of each of its characters, the film’s supporting characters feel stock. There is Anshumaan Pushkar as Gauri, the know-it-all veteran of Mukherjee Nagar, who reminded me of Sandeep bhaiyya from Aspirants. But Gauri only had the skeleton and not the muscle of the popular TVF character.

Character of Pandey : 

Another is the film’s narrator and Manoj’s friend Pandey (Anant Joshi), a tired cliché of the reluctant applicant, who is appearing for the exams at the behest of his strict father. Pandey’s voiceover for instance tries to make light of an otherwise dramatic plot but is mostly insipid. Medha Shankar Manoj’s love interest and fellow aspirant is confined to being the driver of his story and lacks a life of her own. Back in 2009, Chopra produced and co-wrote 3 Idiots, a comprehensive take on the lives of students, their dreams, needs and struggles. 

Comparative Analysis:

"Freedom Writers" is a powerful 2007 drama directed by Richard LaGravenese, based on the true story of Erin Gruwell. Hilary Swank portrays Gruwell, a determined teacher who transforms a group of racially divided and at-risk high school students in Long Beach, California. Using literature and writing, she breaks down barriers and inspires her students to reflect on their own lives. The film explores themes of tolerance, diversity, and the transformative impact of education. Gruwell's approach, drawing parallels between the struggles of her students and those during the Holocaust, results in a moving story of empowerment, resilience, and the potential for positive change.

Similarities:

1. Educational Transformation: 

Both "Freedom Writers" and "12th Fail" revolve around the transformative power of education. They highlight how individuals, despite facing various challenges, can find empowerment through learning.

2. Overcoming Adversity: 

The protagonists in both films, Erin Gruwell in "Freedom Writers" and Manoj Kumar Sharma in "12th Fail," come from different backgrounds but face adversity in their respective educational journeys. They strive to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.

3. Social Impact: 

Both movies explore the broader social impact of education. They depict how education can break down societal barriers, bridge gaps, and bring about positive change, whether it's in a racially divided American classroom or the challenging context of Indian Civil Services exams.

Differences :

1. Setting and Cultural Context: "Freedom Writers" is set in Long Beach, California, and focuses on the racial dynamics in an American high school. In contrast, "12th Fail" is set in India and delves into the challenges faced by aspirants in the Indian Civil Services exams, providing different cultural contexts.

2. Narrative Focus: "Freedom Writers" centers on a teacher's efforts to connect with her students and bring about change collectively. On the other hand, "12th Fail" primarily follows the individual journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma as he pursues success in the competitive examination system.

3. Themes: While both films share themes of empowerment through education, "Freedom Writers" places a significant emphasis on unity, diversity, and collective growth. "12th Fail" explores themes of individual perseverance, resilience, and the impact of socio-economic challenges on educational aspirations.

In essence, while both films touch on the transformative nature of education, their unique settings, cultural contexts, and narrative focuses result in distinct stories that highlight different aspects of the educational journey.

(I sought help of Chatgpt for it.)

Good educational films are also movies you’ve seen in theaters. Like good teachers, they have challenged, inspired, scared, angered, and moved you. Here are 14 of the best movies for students that are fun to watch but also have some important messages.

14 Educational Movies No Student Should Miss!

Conclusion : 

Educational movies are a key component of learning and the majority of films aren’t written just to entertain. There are messages of hope, endurance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the power of the human spirit.

Movies can challenge you to be and do better and to take the first steps to make the world a much better place. Take every opportunity to enjoy a great movie.

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, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375641812_The_Changing_Priorities_of_Education_in_India_A_Worrisome_Shift_Mirrored_in_Popular_Films_and_Fictions. Accessed 15 January 2024.

Bhardwaj, Kartik. “'12th fail' movie review: Too long a ted talk.” The New Indian Express, 28 October 2023, https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/oct/28/12th-fail-movie--too-long-a-ted-talk-2627608.html. Accessed 15 January 2024.

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. Accessed 15 January 2024.

“14 Educational Movies that Can Change the World.” UoPeople, reviewhttps://www.uopeople.edu/blog/top-14-educational-movies-that-prove-education-can-change-the-world/. Accessed 15 January 2024.

Kumar, Anuj. “'12th Fail' movie review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.” The Hindu, 26 October 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/12th-fail-movie-review-vidhu-vinod-chopra-delivers-yet-another-hug-of-hope-that-is-more-earnest-than-magical/article67460764.ece. Accessed 15 January 2024.