12th Fail: The recently successful Bollywood film, ’12th Fail,’ has now been released in Telugu, featuring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar in lead roles under the direction of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Let’s delve into how this Telugu version fares.
Plot Summary:
’12th Fail’ draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer. Hailing from a humble family in Chambal, Manoj (Vikrant Massey) witnesses his father’s suspension for upholding honesty in his work. At a school where malpractice is encouraged during exams, Manoj is enlightened by DSP Dushyant (Priyanshu Chatterjee) about the paramount importance of honesty. Motivated by Dushyant’s words, Manoj embarks on a journey to become an honest officer and bring about societal change. The film unfolds the challenges and hardships he faces on this path.
Highlights:
The film stands out with its brilliant storytelling, expertly handled by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Crafting a screenplay for a theme like ’12th Fail’ demands engaging narration, and Chopra successfully blends humor and emotional elements, ensuring the film is replete with gratifying moments.
Vikrant Massey delivers a stellar performance as Manoj Kumar Sharma, showcasing his versatility and elevating the film. His portrayal is earnest, making ’12th Fail’ a defining moment in his career. The real-life chemistry between Massey and Medha Shankar is well-captured, with notable scenes that deserve applause, particularly the impactful final interview sequence.
Areas for Improvement:
The film grapples with pacing issues, occasionally slowing down the proceedings. Crisper editing could have enhanced the impact of the narrative. As with many films in this genre, predictability becomes a factor as the story progresses.
The initial part of the second half lacks vigor, and the conflict between the lead characters could have been portrayed more effectively. While the film underscores the importance of honest officers in the system, it lacks certain commercial elements, which might not resonate with all audiences. The continuous voiceover throughout the movie, even for minor details, could have been toned down.
Technical Evaluation:
Shantanu Moitra’s music, especially the Telugu lyrics, adds value to the film. The Telugu dubbing team deserves recognition for seamlessly blending the movie into the language. Cinematographer Rangarajan Ramabadran effectively transports the audience into Manoj Kumar Sharma’s world. While the production values are commendable, the editing could have been tighter.
Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra navigates the film skillfully, infusing humor and emotions into this real-life saga. Terrific performances from the entire cast underscore his directorial prowess, although a few scenes in the second half could have been refined.
Verdict:
’12th Fail’ stands as a sincere exploration of the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer who triumphed over challenges. The film remains true to its purpose, with Vikrant Massey delivering a compelling performance, complemented by Medha Shankar’s impressive portrayal. The film is filled with heartwarming moments, although the pacing and predictability may pose challenges for some viewers. If you appreciate real-life inspiring stories, ’12th Fail’ is worth considering for a weekend watch.”