The makers of the biographical film ‘12th Fail’, starring Vikrant Massey, recently held a special screening at the Supreme Court of India. This unique event brought together an audience that deeply connects with the film’s inspirational message, focusing on individuals overcoming challenges to achieve their dreams.

The film, directed, produced, and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is based on Anurag Pathak’s 2019 non-fiction book, which chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who battled extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, IANS reported from New Delhi.

The screening was attended by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, several judges, and more than 600 officials of the Supreme Court along with their families. Following the screening, a special interaction took place between the Chief Justice, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, and the lead actors, Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar.

During the post-screening discussion, CJI Chandrachud praised the film’s inspirational narrative, remarking, “Where we all seek inspiration, our society flourishes on hope, and each one of you has provided that—not just for this evening, but for the whole nation.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing real-life stories like ‘12th Fail’, which depict exemplary motivation and resilience in the face of adversity. Chandrachud encouraged staff and officials to share such stories to inspire future generations.

The Chief Justice also lauded the performances of Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, appreciating their dedication to embodying their characters’ experiences. “There were moments in the movie when I thought I’d need a hanky as my eyes were moist. This film conveys such a strong message of hope,” he added, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Supreme Court staff for the evening’s experience.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who spent five years bringing ‘12th Fail’ to the screen, shared his feelings of fulfillment from the event, particularly because of the connection CJI Chandrachud had with the film. “Watching the film next to a man who understood everything I tried to say in the film made me feel that spending five years of my life on this was worth it,” he commented, calling the evening “magical.”

Alongside Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, ‘12th Fail’ features performances from Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee. The film was theatrically released on October 27, 2023, and continues to resonate with audiences for its inspiring story of perseverance.

The Supreme Court screening of ‘12th Fail’ not only provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement with a powerful narrative but also served as a reminder of the role that cinema can play in inspiring change and fostering hope.