The “12th Fail” by eminent and legendary filmmaker, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has taken the nation by storm. All thanks to OTT. Though the film did great business in the box office (earning ₹66.5 crore worldwide in 52 days) however, only after its release it has garnered the highest number of viewership and a cult status and most talked about or “Ohh You haven’t watched it yet?” category. Half of the memes floating on the internet today are inspired by the movie.
Based on a book by Anurag Pathak, “12th Fail” is chronicled on the real life story of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar, played by Vikrant Massey and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi, played by Medha Shankar and explores the struggles of students coming from extreme poverty stricken families, the biases and challenges of the education system.
Lessons from “12th Fail” by Dr. Lakshman Kumar : Popularly known as Dr. YLK – Growth Champion, and Director of Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Management, Hyderabad who decodes the movie, the teacher student equations, the struggles by students and learnings.
The film accurately portrays the stigma surrounding failure capturing both the internal turmoil and external pressures faced by individuals in difficult situations. The screenplay strikes a balance between humor and pathos of the montage depicting ‘Manoj Sharma’ – The simpleton protagonist coming from a humble, poverty stricken small time village and his emotional journey which serves as a metaphor for his strength and determination. ‘12th Fail’ goes beyond portraying failure; it delves into a poignant exploration of human resilience and the significance of second chances while challenging societal norms.
Through him we witness a multitude of emotions – from the crushing defeat to a determination, to expectations. The script shines with authenticity and relatability. The dialogues are grounded, steering clear of preachiness or clichés, skillfully tapping into a range of feelings; disappointment, despair, resilience, hope and ultimately triumph. The movie carries a message of hope, resilience and the significance of pursuing one’s distinct journey.
A file pic was posted a few days back by IPS Manoj Sir, which has gone viral. Someone asked him if he had returned double the amount to ‘Gauri Bhaiya’s’ loan!
Takeaways for Students and Teachers
For Students
- Failure doesn’t define you: Manoj faced repeated failures. He didn’t let them define him. This is a lesson for dealing with exam pressure. Remember, failure is a stone, not a roadblock. Learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up and keep moving.
- Discovering the path: Manoj’s journey emphasizes the importance of self discovery. Align your goals with your interests. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams even if they differ from the path. Do not succumb to pressure like Manoj’s friend Pritam Pandey who did not have intent, passion nor the skills for IPS.
- Embrace hard: Resilience Manoj’s success showcases the power of perseverance and dedication. He consistently puts in effort and overcomes challenges. Never gives up on his dreams. Success rarely happens overnight; it requires work, discipline and unwavering commitment.
- Seeking support: and building connections Manoj’s journey would not have been possible, without the support of his family, friends and mentors. This highlights the significance of cultivating a support network comprising individuals who believe in you and motivate you to realize your potential. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance and guidance.
- Have faith in yourself: Ultimately Manoj’s accomplishments stem from his unwavering self confidence. He refuses to let doubts and limitations define him. Nurture a belief in yourself and do not allow anyone to dim your inner light. Trust your abilities. Pursue your aspirations, with assurance.
For Educators
- Prioritizing development : Manoj’s story challenges the education system that primarily focuses on achievement alone. Teachers can draw inspiration from this. Strive to create a learning environment that fosters growth nurturing not only academic skills but also critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence.
- Celebrate talents : The film underscores that academic success is not the measure of one’s worthiness. Teachers play a role in recognizing and fostering the talents and potential of each student creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to pursue their individual strengths.
- It is essential to highlight the significance of resilience: Teachers can establish an atmosphere where students feel secure enough to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them. Encouraging them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and develop resilience in the face of setbacks.
- Cultivating student teacher relationships: Teachers should build connections with their students, not only as educators but also as motivators, mentors and trusted guides. This fosters an engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance and sharing their struggles.
- Valuing individuality while promoting self discovery: Each student possesses dreams and aspirations. Teachers can assist students in exploring their interests, uncovering their passions and discovering their purpose in life. Encourage thinking, questioning norms and empowering them to forge their own paths.
About The Author : Dr. Y. Lakshman Kumar (YLK), is an M.Com, M.B.A, EMC from C.M.C – Canada and 
also a Ph.D. His experience is a mix of industry and academia that spans over 33 years in Sales Management, Brand Management, Marketing, Teaching, Training, Consulting, Placements, Academics, Examinations, and Institution building. He has been part of well-known universities/colleges in India. From a humble beginning as a lecturer to leading a University as the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. YLK has vast experience in academia and industry and taught Marketing courses at IIT Madras, IFMR Chennai (Krea University), and IIM Vizag as visiting faculty for many years.
Dr. YLK published more than 20 quality research papers and reviewed Marketing Management by Philip Kotler (13th Edition). His areas of interest being – Marketing & Sales, entrepreneurship and Brand Management and has been a distinguished and prominent speaker. He is currently the director of Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Management, Hyderabad
Team Campusutra is grateful to Dr. Lakshman Kumar.
