Vidhu Vinod Chopra Didn't Want 'So-Called Hindi Star' for 12th Fail, Says 'The Film Would Look Fake'

Vikrant Massey starrer 12^th Fail impressed everyone with its inspiring storyline. The film was a huge hit at the box office, and not only fans but celebrities also praised every actor’s performance. Vikrant Massey gained massive prominence for his performance. At IIFA Awards 2024, director Vidhu Vinod Chopra was seen praising Vikrant and revealed that he was the first choice of the film.

Talking about the same, Vidhu Vinod Chopra was heard saying, “Yes, he was. I have a big problem. Because see I couldn’t star a so called Hindi film star in the film. The film would look fake.”

He also talked about the small things which he included in the film. “Well, what I think frankly I wonders why others don’t look for it. It;s like now I am talking to you, you ask me a question. I didn’t get you, I ask you. This is what happens naturally. But if this happens in movie, director would say cut, one more time you fumble. Fumbling is natural. So, for me what I do I think everybody should do, everybody should strive for excellence. There should not make movies just to make money.”

Adapted from Anurag Pathak’s book and starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, 12th Fail narrates the life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma. Overcoming severe poverty, Sharma went on to achieve the rank of Indian Police Service officer. The film sheds light on his journey, highlighting the pivotal role played by his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, in his success.

Speaking to ANI recently, Vikrant recalled the deep impact that the film had on him. “Even with Manoj Kumar Sharma, there were moments when Vinod sir would call a cut and I would continue weeping even after the cut was called because I just could not control myself,” he said.

Vikrant mentioned in the interview that some roles have a great impact on the actor personally. He also mentioned how playing his character in A Death in the Gunj pushed him to dark corners. “That was the first time, after filming that film, I started taking therapy because I felt I needed to talk to someone. If you tell your parents about your worries, then they get worried so you really can’t share all these things with them,” he said.

In a recent development, a special screening of the film took place at the Supreme Court on September 25. The Chief Justice of India along with other honourable judges and over 600 officials of the Supreme Court and their families attended the special screening. Chief Justice of India Dr D Y Chandrachud also praised the film in a conversation with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra and his team following the screening.