12th Fail is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film produced, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on Anurag Pathak’s acclaimed 2019 non-fiction book about the real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an officer in the Indian Police Service. The film stars Vikrant Massey in lead roles alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshuman Pushkar and Priyanshu Chatterjee. Released theatrically on 27 October 2023
Manoj Sharma, a youthful man from a humble vill, harboured a burning dream to wear the khaki of an IPS officer. But fate dealt him a cruel hand when he fumbled the 12th- grade examinations, leaving him labelled” 12 Fail” – a mocking tale that followed him like a shadow.
Life for Manoj became a struggle. Societal scorn, taunts from villagers, and the constant feeling of failure gnawed at him. He took odd jobs to support his family, the dream of the police uniform fading with each passing day. Yet, a spark flickered within him, refusing to be extinguished. One chance encounter changed everything. Manoj stumbled upon a UPSC coaching class in Delhi, its posters whispering promises of a new life. Hesitantly, he stepped in, the air thick with ambition and competition. There, he met Shraddha, a brilliant student who saw through his rough exterior and recognized the fire in his eyes.
The journey was arduous. Sleepless nights, mountains of books, and the constant sting of rejections became Manoj’s new reality. He stumbled, faltered, and faced ridicule, the “12 Fail” mocking him at every turn. But Shraddha’s unwavering faith and his own unyielding determination kept him going. He failed the first attempt, then the second, then the third. Each failure was a blow, shattering his confidence, but also hardening his resolve.
He learned from his mistakes, honed his strategies, and poured his heart into every question. In his fourth attempt, against all odds, Manoj cracked the UPSC exam, his name etched in the hallowed list. News spread like wildfire, turning the former “12 Fail” into a village hero. The once-mocking whispers transformed into cheers of admiration, his journey inspiring countless others. Manoj’s story wasn’t just about cracking an exam; it was about defying labels, conquering failure, and proving that dreams, no matter how tattered, can rise from the ashes. He became a symbol of hope, a beacon for those deemed incapable, a testament to the power of unwavering ambition.
From the depths of despair, Manoj Sharma, the “12 Fail,” rose to become an IPS officer, his journey a testament to the never-say-die spirit and the human ability to write extraordinary chapters even after facing failures. It’s a story that will leave you with a lump in your throat and a flicker of hope in your hear
