Vikrant Massey’s latest film, 12th Fail, brings to life the extraordinary tale of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Based on Anurag Pathak’s best-selling novel, the movie explores the incredible journey of Sharma and IRS officer Shraddha Joshi. It also offers a glimpse into the lives of those who aspire to clear the prestigious UPSC exams.
Produced by Zee Studios and directed by the renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for his notable works like Parinda, 1942: A Love Story, and Mission Kashmir, 12th Fail pays homage to the honest officers safeguarding the Constitution of India.
It also acknowledges the countless students who aspire to follow in their footsteps. As Vidhu Vinod Chopra himself expressed, “If this film inspires even some individuals to strive for honesty and excellence, I would consider it a success.”
12th Fail: Who is IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma & what is his story?
Manoj Kumar Sharma hails from Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. His story is unlike the typical narrative associated with aspiring IAS or IPS officers. As the title of the film suggests, Sharma faced academic challenges and initially failed his Class 12 exams. He emerged from a humble background, and his academic journey was marked by a third division in both Class 9 and Class 10, and failure in all subjects except Hindi in Class 12.
Despite these setbacks, a significant turning point in Sharma’s life was his love story. He fell in love with Shraddha Joshi while in Class 12, but due to his academic struggles, he initially hesitated to propose to her. However, he mustered the courage and, surprisingly, she accepted his proposal. During the proposal, Sharma vowed, “If you say yes, then I will turn the world around.”
Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey to success
With limited financial resources, Sharma took up various odd jobs, from driving a tempo to spending nights with beggars, and even working as a dog walker. However, it was his job at a library that provided the direction he needed. Here, he immersed himself in the life stories of eminent personalities, including Maxim Gorky, Abraham Lincoln, and poet Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, drawing inspiration from their journeys.
Sharma’s pursuit of a career in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) began after he completed his graduation. Despite facing three consecutive failures, he refused to give up. In his fourth attempt, he achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All-India Rank (AIR) of 121. Today, he serves as an IPS officer and holds the position of Additional Commissioner in the Mumbai Police.
Sharma’s incredible journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and the vital role played by his wife, Shraddha Joshi, who herself is an IRS officer. Their love and support were instrumental in his success, and together, they embody the spirit of dedication and excellence that the film “12th Fail” seeks to celebrate.
12th Fail is not only a cinematic representation of students’ challenges and enduring friendships but also a tribute to the resilience and authenticity of student life. The film, which will be released worldwide in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, promises to be a compelling and heartwarming portrayal of the human spirit’s triumph over adversity.
