Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog where I review the movie "12th Fail," directed by the acclaimed Vidhu Vinod Chopra. This blog is part of an task given by Dilip Barad sir, and it aims to delve into the educational challenges depicted in the film. During the screening, I came across various intriguing articles and videos that helped enhance my understanding of the themes portrayed. Let’s explore these insights together!
12th Fail: Film Review and Comparative Study
Introduction:-
The film "12th Fail," based on the book by Anurag Pathak, follows the journey of a small-town boy aiming to become an IPS officer despite numerous obstacles. It highlights the challenges faced by aspirants from humble backgrounds in cracking the UPSC exams. The movie faces criticism for its monologue and exposition problems, with characters being introduced based on their righteousness, and the love story between Manoj and Shraddha feeling rushed and convenient. However, it's criticized for its monologue issues and rushed love story between the protagonist and Shraddha. (Tyagi)
Theoretical Framework :-
Hear are some frames which i have noticed during film screening:
Beginning of Book and Film:
In the movie, it begins with a long drone shot focusing on a small object, while in the book, it starts with Manoj reading loudly to exaggerate because there are ladies nearby who can hear him.
Frame of Grandmother and Gun:
In a significant scene, when someone arrives to deliver the letter of Manoj's father's suspension, his grandmother is depicted saying, "Nikal bandhuk (Gun Out)."
The article delves into the theme of caste privilege depicted in the movie, pondering how the trajectory of the main character would have unfolded had he belonged to a Dalit background. It juxtaposes the character's relatively smooth journey with the harsh realities faced by Dalits, including discrimination, humiliation, and limited opportunities. By highlighting the privileges afforded to the character due to his caste, the article underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing systemic inequalities. It calls upon individuals from privileged castes to reflect on their advantages and actively work towards dismantling caste-based barriers. In doing so, it shifts the burden of creating a more equitable society away from Dalits and onto those who have historically benefited from caste privilege.
Another article based on privilage on caste:
In the movie, Sharma performs poorly during the interview stage of the competitive exams but is unexpectedly given another chance. This turn of events raises questions about the motives and biases of the members on the interview board. While the film doesn't delve into the social composition of the board, such favors are typically not easily granted. Sharma's struggle with comprehending simple English, despite being a third-generation individual, adds complexity to the situation. The article suggests that the sympathetic treatment Sharma receives from the interview board is unusual, as all India civil services officers are not selected in this manner. Hence, this occurrence is portrayed as the biggest miracle in the movie.
Frame of 3 People:
In a particular scene, the movie shows three characters together in one frame.
In this frame, a person's shoulder with a camera suggests they are merely a spectator to the unjust events happening to Manoj's father, highlighting their lack of power to resist.
Power and Government:
In a particular frame, corrupt individuals in power, including the village headman, manipulate both the villagers and the police. As a result, the police arrest Manoj, his brother, and their rickshaw, showcasing the influence of corruption within the system.
In one scene, corrupt village leaders control both the villagers and the police, leading to the arrest of Manoj, his brother, and their rickshaw, highlighting the pervasive influence of corruption in the system.
Sound:
In the film, sound plays a crucial role, particularly in representing the characters of Manoj and Shraddha. Manoj's world is depicted with low and soothing sounds of traditional instruments, reflecting his rural and traditional background. On the other hand, Shraddha's world is accompanied by modern sounds like piano, representing her more urban and contemporary lifestyle. When the two characters come together, their distinct sounds merge, symbolizing their union and the blending of their worlds. This merging of sounds is evident in scenes such as when they come together, and also when Manoj is reading a letter written by Shraddha, where the sound transitions from traditional to modern instruments, reflecting their connection and the bridging of their differences.
Shoes as Metaphor :
In a significant frame during Manoj's interview, the camera focuses solely on his shoes. This moment captures his discomfort and fear before reading Shraddha's letter, symbolized by his tight shoes. However, after reading the letter and realizing that Shraddha will marry him regardless of the outcome, he becomes more relaxed and confident. The shoes serve as a metaphor for his initial anxiety and later carefree attitude towards the job interview, reflecting his newfound confidence and assurance.
Contextualization:
In the Indian education system, there's a big focus on landing government jobs, often seen as the ultimate goal. But lately, issues like leaked exam papers have made it harder for honest, hardworking folks to succeed. In a new film, the story centers on Manoj, a rural guy trying to crack the tough UPSC exams. It sheds light on the challenges faced by small-town and village kids who lack access to good education and face stiff competition. The film also talks about how despite efforts for inclusivity, English and regional biases still dominate India's administrative services.
Thematic Study:
The film tackles big themes like how education can change lives, corruption in schools, the importance of mentors and connections, and the debate between merit and privilege. It follows Manoj's journey, showing how his integrity and determination help him fight corruption and social barriers. His bond with a former cop highlights the victory of idealism over pessimism.
Conclusion:
After being initially captivated by the movie, I've started noticing some concerns upon repeated viewings and thinking critically. Differences from the original book, like added scenes with the grandmother and changes in Manoj's educational journey, make me question the film's fidelity to the source material. The movie mainly focuses on Manoj's UPSC preparation, but a two-hour film can't fully capture his entire life as the book does. Perhaps a longer format like a series could have done justice to the nuances of the story.
Despite these issues, the film tells a powerful story of hope and resilience in the face of social challenges like corruption and discrimination. It sheds light on the aspirations and struggles of small-town youth, resonating with many young Indians dreaming of a better future. In this way, the film contributes to important discussions about education, employment, and building an inclusive society.
References:-
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