Hello Readers! This blog is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir for the screening of '12th Fail' at the Department of English. This blog discussed the different frames of the movie. In this post, I attempt to delve into the significance of this movie.
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12th Fail:
"12th Fail" is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed, produced and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on the 2019 eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak about Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.
The movie "12th Fail" directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra offers an inspiring narrative that delves into the highs and lows of real-life struggles. It provides viewers with a close look at the journey of someone striving to succeed in competitive exams, particularly the UPSC. Filled with captivating characters, the film tells an uplifting story that evokes a range of emotions. Through its protagonist, the movie delivers a clear message: "Haar nahi manunga" (I will not accept defeat), echoing the sentiment of countless UPSC aspirants who refuse to give up.
Theoretical Framework:
Sound:
In movies, sound plays an important role. When we pay close attention, we can observe the different sounds for different things, like the piano, drums, or flute. For Manoj, they use calm and old-fashioned sounds, like traditional instruments, which make you feel relaxed. But for Shradha, it's all modern, with sounds like the piano. When we see them come together at that time both sounds merge. Another scene is when Manoj is Reading Letter by Shraddha at that time also Sound is merged with Traditional and goes to Modern Instruments. It's a clever way of showing how their worlds are coming together, even though they're different.
High Angle Scene:
The aerial perspective serves to underscore the protagonist's vulnerable position, emphasizing their lack of power. Conversely, a wide-angle view provides a comprehensive tableau, allowing the audience to observe the scene in its entirety and effectively communicate the intended message within the context of film analysis.
Shoes as Metaphor:
In the scene where Manoj is giving his interview, there's a close-up shot of his shoes. This is because earlier, he was feeling really nervous and uncomfortable about the interview. But then, after reading Shradha's letter, he suddenly feels more relaxed and confident. He realizes that even if he doesn't get the job, Shradha will still be there for him. So, when the camera focuses on his shoes, it's like a metaphor. His tight shoes represent his anxiety and stress before reading the letter. But after reading it, he feels free and easy, just like his loosened shoes. This shows how the letter from Shradha changed his mindset and gave him the confidence to face the interview without worrying too much about the outcome.
Contextualization:
Challenges Faced by Youth:
In "12th Fail," the movie shows how many young people in India focus mainly on getting government jobs for satisfaction. But sometimes, even if they work hard, they face problems like cheating in exams.
The main character, Manoj, comes from a rural area, which reflects the struggles many people from small towns and villages face to get a good education. Despite trying many times to pass the UPSC exams, he finds it hard because there are not enough opportunities and too much competition, especially for people who don't speak English well. The movie also talks about how there are still differences between regions in India's government services, even though there have been efforts to make things fairer.
Political Power Struggles in Movie:
In "12th Fail," the movie sheds light on various societal problems, including the influence of a cheating mafia supported by political figures and the sluggishness of the justice system. This highlights the power struggles present in society, where political involvement often leads to corruption and injustice. Through the film, these issues are skillfully exposed, revealing how they contribute to the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities and drive individuals to seek positions of power as a means of empowerment.
Thematic Exploration:
The movie "12th Fail" delves into several interconnected themes, offering insights into the complexities of the Indian education system and its impact on individuals:
1. The Power of Education:
The film portrays education as a transformative force in the protagonist Manoj's life, empowering him to overcome challenges and achieve his goals.
2. Corruption in Education:
It highlights the prevalence of corruption within the education system, exemplified by the principal's willingness to allow cheating in board exams.
3. Influence of Mentors:
The role of mentors like Gauri Bhaiya and the reformed police officer is emphasized, showcasing the importance of positive influences in shaping educational and moral growth.
4. Merit versus Privilege:
The movie raises questions about the balance between merit and privilege in accessing educational and career opportunities, challenging societal norms.
5. Need to Change Education System:
The overarching theme underscores the necessity for educational reforms that prioritize diverse talents and knowledge over the narrow pursuit of government job exams, advocating for a more holistic approach to education.
In short, "12th Fail" offers a nuanced exploration of various socio-cultural dynamics within the Indian education system, urging viewers to reflect on the current state of education and the need for meaningful reforms. The popular media portrayal of the craze for government jobs underscores the urgent need for educational reforms that prioritize diverse talents and knowledge for its intrinsic value.
Comparative Analysis:
Aspirants and 12th Fail are both inspirational web series and films that are about the struggles of UPSC aspirants. Aspirants is a 2021 TV series that tells the story of three friends preparing for the UPSC exam. The series is based on real-life experiences and is said to be relatable and authentic. 12th Fail is based on the real-life story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi.
In today's entertainment landscape, parallels can be drawn between the themes explored in "12th Fail" and contemporary web series and movies. For instance, the popular web series "Aspirants" by TVF, released in 2021, shares similarities with "12th Fail" as both narratives revolve around characters facing personal challenges while preparing for significant exams like the UPSC. However, while "Aspirants" delves deeply into the motivations and complexities of its characters, "12th Fail" may fall short in fully developing its supporting characters, leaving them feeling somewhat stereotypical. For example, characters like Gauri in "12th Fail" resemble familiar archetypes such as Sandeep bhaiyya from "Aspirants," but lack the depth and nuance that made the latter character so memorable.
"Super 30: An Educational Journey"
"Super 30" portrays the remarkable story of mathematician Anand Kumar, who devotes himself to mentoring underprivileged students for the challenging IIT entrance exam. This biographical drama not only highlights academic achievement but also emphasizes the profound impact of education in changing lives.
"Super 30" and "12th Fail" share a central theme of education and its transformative power. In "Super 30," education is depicted as a means of empowerment for underprivileged students, offering them the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve success. Anand Kumar's coaching program not only provides academic support but also instills confidence and hope in his students, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping their futures. Similarly, in "12th Fail," education serves as a pathway to a better life for the protagonist, Manoj Sharma, and others like him. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Manoj remains determined to pursue his dreams through education. The film underscores the value of education in unlocking opportunities and overcoming obstacles, highlighting the resilience and perseverance required to succeed in the face of adversity.
Super 30 Movie Trailer
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while my initial fascination with the movie "12th Fail" was undeniable, further analysis has revealed certain concerns. Discrepancies between the film and the original book, particularly in the portrayal of characters and events, raise questions about the thoroughness of the adaptation. Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's additions and omissions from the source material, while adding depth in some areas, may also detract from the authenticity of the narrative. Despite these discrepancies, the film effectively captures the struggles and aspirations of its protagonist, Manoj, as he prepares for the UPSC exam. However, the limited scope of a two-hour movie may not fully do justice to the complexity of Manoj's journey as depicted in the book. A more extended format or a series could potentially offer a more comprehensive exploration of his life and experiences.
"12th Fail" offers a poignant narrative of hope and resilience amidst societal challenges. It sheds light on issues such as corruption and discrimination while portraying the aspirations and struggles of small-town India. Ultimately, the film contributes to important discussions around education, employment, and the quest for a better future, resonating with audiences grappling with similar challenges in their own lives.
Words - 1,485
Images - 4Work Cited
“From 12th Fail To Super 30: A Spotlight On Indian Films Based On Real-Life Stories That Inspire.” ABP Live, 24 November 2023, https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/from-12th-fail-to-super-30-a-spotlight-on-indian-films-based-on-real-life-stories-that-inspire-1644984. Accessed 25 April 2024.
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