Vikrant Massey‘s film 12th Fail has left an everlasting mark and is being largely appreciated for the inspiring storyline and towering performance. The film, describing the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma from dreadful poverty to Indian Police Serviceis appreciated by audiences and critics alike. The film, based on the book by Anurag Pathakdescribes the role of Sharma’s wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, without whom Manoj Kumar Sharma would not have moved this far.
However, in some interesting new revelations that come with the 14th edition of IFP festival, director Vidhu Vinod Chopra told the story of the film’s not-so-straightforward journey to production.
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Vidhu Vinod Chopra said that he had approached five different directors before finally agreeing to take up the project as director himself. All five had declined, and one of them even ghosted him after seeming interested. “Five directors turned down 12th Fail because they thought it was ‘bulls**t’—a plain, ordinary script,” said Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who made sure that his instincts guided him through this film.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra remembers one director who seemed to come from a place of utmost passion about the project. This guy came to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s home, talking about his dreams, mentioned Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Raju Hirani as his influences, and he just vanished four days later after having committed himself to directing. Word came in an intermediary that he just didn’t feel it was a film of his vision.
Later Vidhu Vinod Chopra decided to become the director himself and also casting Vikrant Massey too raised eyebrows in the industry. He thought people would not come and watch a film where he featured. While initial predictions estimated the film would gross around 30 lakhs, 12th Fail has surpassed expectations, grossing significantly more at the box office.