12th Fail

12th Fail is a Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movie is based on the real-life story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and is adapted from the bestselling book by Anurag Pathak.

The film belongs to the biographical and inspirational drama genre, focusing on perseverance, honesty, and the struggle of UPSC aspirants in India. It received widespread critical acclaim for its realistic storytelling and powerful performances.

12th Fail Plot Summary

The story follows Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young boy from a poor village in Chambal, where cheating in exams is common. His life takes a turning point when a strict police officer stops cheating during his 12th-grade exams, causing him to fail.

Instead of giving up, Manoj chooses a path of honesty and determination. Facing poverty, hunger, and repeated failures, he moves to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC examination—one of the toughest competitive exams in India.

Throughout his journey, Manoj works odd jobs to survive, struggles with self-doubt, and experiences emotional setbacks. With persistence and support from friends and his love interest Shraddha, he continues striving toward his goal.

Ultimately, his hard work pays off as he clears the exam and becomes an IPS officer, proving that failure is not the end but the beginning of success.

Cast & Characters

• Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma
• Medha Shankr as Shraddha Joshi
• Anant Joshi
• Anshumaan Pushkar
• Priyanshu Chatterjee

Vikrant Massey’s performance was widely praised and even earned him a National Award for Best Actor.

Release Date & Runtime

• Theatrical Release: October 27, 2023
• OTT Release: December 29, 2023 (Disney+ Hotstar)
• Runtime: 146 minutes
• Language: Hindi
• Country: India

Production Details

• Director & Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
• Writers: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli
• Music: Shantanu Moitra
• Production Company: Vinod Chopra Films
• Distributor: Zee Studios

The film was shot across real locations like Chambal, Delhi, and Mukherjee Nagar to maintain authenticity, especially in depicting UPSC aspirant life.