12th Fail - Film Review - Disney+ Hotstar

***spoilers alert****

’Tis the season for all the directors who’d gone producer-mode for years, to return to their first love of directing and making movies in line with their vision of stories they want to tell. After Karan Johar with Rocky aur Rani, it’s one of our other favourites Vidhu Vinod Chopra, with 12th Fail on Disney+ Hotstar, inspired by a true story.

12th Fail is the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), son of a clerk, living in rural Chambal, growing unaware and unexposed in a flawed system of education and poverty, hurtling towards his inevitable destiny of the vicious cycle of poor education leading to poor jobs leading to poor income, continuing the cycle of poverty for the next generation. Until a chance encounter with an honest police officer, Dushyant Singh gives him the epiphany of wanting to change the course of his life towards becoming a police officer himself. With this dream, heading to Gwalior for enrolment, getting robbed, and losing everything on the way, another chance encounter with Pandey, sets him on the path to Delhi. What begins is the extremely high struggle and ‘ragda’ preparation for civil services and IPS, across many years and multiple attempts, with the support from strangers who become his friends and family, all of them cheering and helping him eventually achieve his dreams. 

The beauty of India is the infinite stories we can tell about the different Indias that exist all around us. And so, while Zoya Akhtar’s Gen Z films tell stories of the urban and mostly the well-heeled (seen recently in The Archies and Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan), 12th Fail tells the other side of the Indian Gen Z reality, the story of what’s loosely referred to as Bharat, of largely the middle and lower income homes, in small towns and rural India. 

This is why 12th Fail is such an important film, that is being loved by everyone, generating word of mouth, more than many recent OTT releases. It is the story that is still being played in the lives of millions of young people in India, who are not often seen anymore in popular cinema. Amidst our collective obsession with landing on the moon and conquering space, celebrating the re-establishment of the home of our most beloved God, cheering the arrival of India on the global stage through our economy and politics, and participating in the activism of inclusion and diversity, this film comes as a timely reminder of one of the most critical, complex and yet unresolved issues of our time, youth employment. It's a well-known fact that if we want to move towards our vision of being a developed nation by 2047, we cannot do it without ensuring the vast majority of our youth get meaningful jobs, to be able to earn a livelihood, toward a positive virtuous circle of personal and social progress. And it is also well-known that we are far far far away from this goal, as a country.

This central issue told through a deeply emotional story of one individual, Manoj, and his struggles, is what hits the mark. And humbly reminds us that as a country, we are not there yet… no matter what we see and hear on popular media everyday.

The film is a classic feel-bad-feel-good-underdog-story that is a timeless formula that works again and again. It’s a film that builds hope and re-instates our faith in people and humanity, in the kindness of strangers, in the idea that if you want something so badly (and you’re willing to work like a dog for it), the whole universe conspires to make it happen. Very early on, we, as the audience, become part of the gang of Gauri Bhaiyya (Anhsuman Pushkar), Shraddha (Medha Shankar), Pandey (Anant Joshi), Naval (Sanjay Bishnoi), and others, who are rooting for him, helping him and egging him on his path to his ambition. Because like Gauri Bhaiya says “Jis din hum mein se kisi ek ka bhi jeet hota hai, toh Hindustani ke croredon bhed bakri ka jeet hota hai”. This beautiful idea of a community moving forward through one individual or put another way, an individual is only successful when their community progresses, can only be felt by this side of Hindi-medium-Bharat, who actively reject the urban English-medium idea of individual success and glory. The film captures this essence so beautifully that it warms our hearts and souls throughout the 145 minutes of viewing time.

The actors do a fabulous job of their characters, each one of them, and not only Vikrant Massey, as the lead actor. Just like his IPS preparation, each of the supporting cast is as essential to Vikrant’s performance as is his own. He wouldn’t have shone without them, just like they wouldn’t have a purpose without him.

If there’s one fault I’d place on the movie, it would be the missed opportunity to explore other dimensions of the characters of Manoj and his friends. As a 2.5-hour film, which is reasonably long for OTT, there was ample time and space to explore further Shraddha and Manoj’s relationship, or perhaps Gauri Bhaiya’s back story, or Pandey’s possible path in life without IAS prep. Alas, all of them become just props to tell Manoj’s single-minded story of his struggle to become an IPS officer. And we miss an opportunity to build a more complete world of this part of Bharat (and not just one individual called Manoj), that needs more space on our screens and more time in our narratives.

All in all, a heart-felt warm emotional film that makes us tear up and smile and cheer, and give a big loud “yes” at the end, when Manoj finally makes it, feeling our own achievement in his success. Not to be missed! 

Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan, 2023, Netflix - Film

Touted as the Gen Z movie of the year, by the makers of Gully Boy, Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan, is a sweet finish to what has been a phenomenal come-back year for Bollywood in 2023. It also feels like a fitting end to the year, that seems to have been highly obsessed by Gen Z, for one reason or another.

The story revolves around three 20-something friends, in the significant life stage of post-college, early working years, where each is trying to figure themselves, their relationships, and their careers, all at the same time. Imaad (Siddhant Chaturvedi) with a troubled past, a stand-up comedian, and a serial flirt Tinder addict with commitment issues, Ahana (Ananya Panday) with boyfriend trouble that consumes her entire life, both online and therefore offline, and Neil (Adarsh Gourav), gym trainer who wants to do and be a lot more than his personal and social circumstances naturally allow. All are different individuals, with different personalities and dreams. With only two things in common. One, they are best friends. And two, they’re all addicted to social media, living a large part of their lives through it. The story follows their trials and tribulations as they navigate their urban lives between work, dreams, and love, with moments of laughter, booze, sex, heartbreak, misunderstandings, and finding purpose in building something together… a future, their future… at least for the time being.

Just like the life of a Gen Z, nothing really happens in the entire 2 hours+ of the film, and yet a lot happens throughout the story. Capturing this quintessential reality of a 20-something life in an urban metro today (and the most metro of them all, Mumbai) so perfectly, can only be done by the brilliant Zoya-Reema team, ably directed by Arjun Varain Singh. The film is like a one-time response to all those Millennials and Gen X’ers who have been talking about Gen Z’s behind their backs, criticizing their work ethic, curious about their private lives, envious of their easy sexuality, disappointed by their entitled self-obsession, in awe of their self-confidence with which they own and navigate the world. And the Gen Z response is simply this “every older generation feels like this about the next one. your generation had your struggles and challenges that you overcame to become the adults of today. our generation has our own struggles and challenges, that we are overcoming to become the adults of tomorrow. it doesn’t mean that we have it easier than you. it just means we have it different from you. we know you can’t help us, we have to help ourselves, just don’t judge us. this is the world we are growing up in. and we are doing the best we can. and if you don’t believe us, here… let us give you a glimpse into our lives…”

And THAT is the entire movie. A small window into the lives of urban young adults today. A zoom-in to a year in the life of these young men and women, who are seeking love and seeking themselves. A freeze-frame of this time in their lives that will possibly end up being their most defining years. A day, a month, a moment that is as real and un-ending, as it is fleeting and liminal. Speaking on behalf of his generation, the director, invites everyone into the world of Gen Z, opening their homes, their hearts, their souls, and most importantly their social media to us all and says to us “Aao aakey dekho lo.. ki kho gaye hum kahaan”

Perhaps the most impactful part of the film, and the reason for it being so enjoyable to watch irrespective of which generation you belong to, is beautifully captured in this line from the title song Hone Do Jo Hota Hai “Saari Khushiyaan hain saath mein.. ki apne faisley hain apne haath main”. The film immerses us into this beautiful transition stage of life that all of us have been through - the early mid-20s, when we get the first whiff of independence. When we’ve just got out of college and out of decades-long dependence on our parents, to finally be able to make our own choices and decisions. When we may not have a lot of money, but it’s enough to feel that it’s all up to us now. That our fate is in our hands. That we don’t need to seek permission to make our own decisions. It’s that rush that comes with losing the helplessness of being a child and simultaneously realizing the openness of the world. The joy and intoxication of this time (and many of us remember it like it was yesterday), when anything is possible. The heady cocktail of freedom and not-much-to-lose possibly makes this the best life stage of our lives. Even as we are acutely aware of how quickly this phase is going to pass away. Unlimited Space. Limited Time. And, it is this time and this emotion that the movie captures brilliantly.

Of course, like every movie, this film also has a message for our youngsters, because we just can’t help being the parents of this generation! Social media lives are not real lives. Get your face out of your phones. Look up, Love the people around you, and Move forward. The world is waiting, and it’s out there. Not in your screens. 

The soundtrack by OAFF and Ankur Tewari is fabulous, and reminiscent of the Gehraiyaan soundtrack. The title song Hone Do Jo Hota Hai is immersively enjoyable. Teri Yeh Baatein is a heady trip. And I Wanna See You Dance is a wonderful foot-tapping retro Nazia Hassan-style disco track. The other songs also do a good job of creating the right mood. If you want to get into a YOLO evening feel, hit the album and play it on loud, preferably with a few light drinks!

The 3 lead actors do a really good job too, perhaps because they are just being themselves in real life. Even Ananya and Siddhant (after the disaster of Gehraiyaan) redeem themselves. They are loveable and easy. And you can’t help feeling for them. But the main shout-out goes to Adarsh Gaurav, who does another seemingly-simple-but-emotionally-complex character role very impactfully. He is really a discovery. From hating him intensely in Mom (2017) to being impressed in White Tiger (2021), to being fascinated by him in Guns and Gulaab (2023), to adoring him in this film, he has shown a versatility of his acting beyond his years. Becoming the role that he is doing, he looks like someone who will go far with his career. Kalki, by now the predictable side character in every young urban content, is radiant and lovely to watch.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and easy watch for anyone who wants to feel like a Gen Z, for just that brief moment. And just like everything Gen Z, it’s easily available on a screen next to you. Go for it!

My Year 2023 in 16 Books

The year that was #2023 in 16 books. 

1. Jan: Winning Middle India, TN Hari, Bala Srinivasa- recommended by @deepikawarrier, this became the first book of the year, painting the picture of the new Middle India, based on insights from successful new gen start up companies that are creating products and services for this audience. 

2. Feb: If It Bleeds, Stephen King - Short stories in classic King style of haunting storytelling of unexpected events, including a sequel to the outstandingly terrifying novel “Outsider” (also an HBO series) a few years ago

3. Mar: The Man Who Died Twice, Richard Osman- the second book of what is now one of the most successful novel franchise in recent times, The Thursday Murder Club, though this one underwhelmed vs the first, but dying to read the third one. 

4. April: Now We Are 40, Tiffanie Drake: Thoroughly enjoyable narration of us, Gen X’ers life, culture, growing up (or not), influences and a validation of our legacy (if we do say so ourselves

5. April: The Half Known Life, Pico Iyer: A beautifully narrated travelogue of places around the world that give a semblance or illusion of paradise, across Iran, Australia, North Korea, Kashmir, Israel, Japan

6. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, Charlie Mackesy- a soulful, beautifully illustrated feel good book in a dark dark time. 

7.  The Immortals of Meluha, Amish - Did this as my first audiobook, and it worked better than my skepticism had suggested. Listening to stories can be as fun as reading them. And for this pop mythological fiction, it hit the spot. 

8. 1984, George Orwell - With intention to read atleast one classic every few months, picked this iconic novel, that was scaringly contemporary and absolutely genius in its almost prophetic vision of nation and politics. 

9. July: Good Omens, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman- as hilariously whacky and mad hatter joyride as can be, since Douglas Adams. 

10. Aug: A Study in Scarlet, Arthur Conan Doyle, audio book again. Always wanted to read this classic and narrated by Stephen Fry, absolute joy to ‘listen’ to this book. 

11. Aug: Illegitimate Authority, Noam Chomsky- Fantastic conversations between brilliant political brains of our times, with penetrating insights on American politics, decisions, democracy and what it means for the US and the world. 

12. Sep: Pyre, Perumal Murugan - longlisted for the Booker, this English translation of the acclaimed author’s Tamil novel, was a real portrayal of the extreme intolerance of inter-caste marriage, but didn’t speak to me despite the poignant narrative in every page. 

13. Sep: The Inimitable Jeeves, P G Wodehouse- My all time favourite author, this time read it as an audio book, enjoying listening to the narration of the classic light hearted innocent and very British humour fix that we need from time to time. 

14. Oct: Metamorphosis, Ivy Logan- my author friend’s second book in the series of Breach Chronicles, with a classic young adult fantasy-romance fiction for the new reader. 

15. Nov: Ve Din, Nirmal Verma - decided to read a Hindi novel for the first time in my life to start honing my other language, which arguable is my first language. Not always easy, but got the hang of it and appreciate how different a language can make to the experience of a book, having assumed that English reading is the only option. An immersive story of few days of friends and love, in the life of an Indian student in university at Prague. 

16. Dec: Roman Stories, Jhumpa Lahiri - nothing like one of my favourite authors to end the year with. Another master stroke of short stories, all set in her current adopted city Rome. Indian origin English author writing in Italian and translating back to English! Go figure! In typical Lahiri style, each story a unique gem of portraying nuanced and authentic stories of people and their lives, each with their own pain and joy, their own freedom and prisons, with a recurring underlying theme of migrant lives in an increasingly intolerant world.