Anand Mahindra reviews 12th Fail, says Vikrant Massey deserves National Award: ‘Special effects no match for simplicity of story well told’

Vikrant Massey--who plays IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in the film--has been praised by the audience and colleagues such as Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | January 18, 2024 11:06 AM IST

3 min read

Anand Mahindra is moved by 12th Fail.

Actor Vikrant Massey is being hyped for National Awards, that too by Anand Mahindra. The businessman and the chairman of Mahindra Group has called filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail a great watch and showered praise on Vikrant for his poignant performance.

In the film, Vikrant plays the role of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer. His performance–and also the film–has been widely praised by the audience, including industry colleagues such as Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.

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Anand Mahindra wasn’t behind, as he took to X and penned a long note for the film, talking about it in detail and calling for the National Awards for Vikrant Massey.

“Finally saw ‘12th FAIL’ over this past weekend. If you see only ONE film this year, make it this one. Why? (1) Plot: This story is based on real-life heroes of the country. Not just the protagonist, but the millions of youth, hungry for success, who struggle against extrordinary odds to pass what is arguably one of the most competitive exams in the world.

(2) Acting: @VidhuChopraa does a brilliant job of the casting. Each character is credible in the role & they turn in gritty, passionate performances. But @VikrantMassey delivers a bravura performance that merits a National Film Award. He was not just acting out the character’s life, he was living it,” a part of his tweet read.

The businessman praised the narrative style of 12th Fail and said Vidhu Vinod Chopra “emphatically” reminds the audience that “great cinema is about great stories” and that “special effects are no match for the simplicity and authenticity of a story well told.”

“The highlight for me was the interview scene. Yes, it may seem a bit contrived, but the profound dialogue makes this sequence hit you squarely between the eyes and shows you what India must do to build a new Bharat. Mr Chopra, yeh dil maange more films like this!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽,” he wrote.

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Overwhelmed with his praise, Vikrant Massey thanked Anand Mahindra and wrote that his appreciation for the team’s efforts and “recommendation for the film means the world to me.” He added, “And I’m sure each & every member of our team shares the same excitement. You’ve been an inspiration to millions through your commitment in excellence & compassion. Guess we did something right. Thank you again 🙏🏽🧡”.

Based on a book by Anurag Pathak, 12th Fail put a spotlight on the rise of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma and how his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, was instrumental in it. The film is currently streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar.

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