Motivational Cinema on Campus: Why Films Like 12th Fail Inspire Students

For most of the students it is very normal to feel pressurised by the idea of exams, as exams rank the ability of the students to memorize and replicate their understanding of the subject on the  basis of lectures rather than having their own interpretations. At Presidency School of Media Studies, we have screened movies like 12^th Fail, The God Father, No One Killed Jessica, Laapta Ladies, and Wall-E to foster creative thinking among the students and spark their imagination.

The 2023 movie, 12^th Fail directed by critically acclaimed director, Vidhu Vinod Chopra delves into the story of a boy hailing from Chambal Valley who fails in his 12^th standard exams,  faces a lot of setbacks and finally  cracks UPSC exams to become an IPS officer. Starring the actor Vikran Massey, this film is based on the real-life story of IPS officer, Manoj Kumar Sharma.

This movie struck a chord with the audience but especially students as many students also share the aspirations of becoming successful in their lives. The storytelling is heartfelt and serves as a light of hope for the students who struggle in their academics. Through the messaging of “Keep going” this film normalizes the idea of failure. It emphasises how hard work  and efforts can help an individual to attain wisdom and success.

In a country like India, where there are innumerable students who prepare and take coaching for cracking JEE, NEET, UPSC, and even board exams the competition is dreadful and the chances of succeeding is very bleak. For those students who fail in these exams, this film is a reminder that failure does not define a person but there always exists an option to restart. From sweeping libraries to studying under the streetlights, Manoj’s journey showcases the struggles of various students who juggle between jobs and studies.

Manoj’s relentless perseverance is celebrated in the films as he did not lose hope after repeated rejections in UPSC. The raw portrayal of Manoj’s life where he is covered in flour from a mill job, and lives in a cramped house and his unsettling spirit to work harder after each setback gives the students an opportunity to introspect and rethink life. His hustle is what keeps the students motivated and inspires them to succeed against all odds.

Also, one of the best things portrayed in the film is the integrity of Manoj, who does not hide his 12^th standard failure. His choice of being honest and real shows that there are no quick fixes in success, for those students who resort to rote learning and cheating this serves as a powerful lesson. Also, this film authenticates that building one’s character is most important than just passing exams. Hence the students must take the learning route during their studies and always keep chasing their dreams if they are truly passionate about it. After all, failures do not define your destiny, are not end of your story but the start of a fresh chapter.

Written by,

Dr. Garima Ganghariya

Assistant Professor

Presidency School of Media Studies