Anurag Kashyap Praises Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail': The Best Mainstream Film I’ve Seen In 2023

The ‘Gangs Of Wasseypur’ filmmaker could not watch Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail' in theatres. But recently, he got the chance to watch it on Disney+ Hotstar and loved the experience. Post the film, he praised Chopra for crafting a 'masterpiece' at the age of 71.

Sharing his review of '12th Fail' on social media, Anurag Kashyap wrote, "Probably the best mainstream film I’ve seen in 2023 @vidhuvinodchoprafilms at the age of 71 has crafted a masterpiece out of a simple story of an adamant man wanting to be more than what life gives him. He goes and takes what he wants and how. "

He further wrote, "What amazed me about the film is how he breaks all the conventions of the mainstream and has scenes done in simple long shots...the crowd scenes of Mukherji nagar, which feels like the camera just happened to watch the story unfold without disturbing the atmosphere. It just felt like we were fly on the wall witnessing the film unfold.”

Kashyap further talked about the music of '12th Fail' and how Chopra has managed to set a new benchmark for filmmakers like him, who “have been feeling a bit lost.”?

He lastly praised the whole cast and crew and wrote, “Kudos to the whole team who I don’t know and all the actors . Especially @vikrantmassey @medhashankr @anshumaan_pushkar @anantvjoshi and the cinematographer Ranga , the production designer and the music directors and writers . I have met Manoj and I’ve read the book but I never could have seen it how VVC saw it. It’s on HotStar and a must watch. I was unlucky to find time to see it in cinemas but saw it on my personal screen but do give this film a shot . Love you VVc for inspiring me . May you never really grow up and always be the troublesome brat that you are even at 71 . Just big big hug and love to you . And I am ready to #restart (sic)."

Meanwhile, '12th Fail' has also been rated the highest, with a rating of 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb, and secured number one spot on IMDb’s Top 250 films of Indian Cinema.

It is inspired by real-life stories, delves into the relentless struggles of millions of students attempting the UPSC entrance exam. It stars Vikrant in the lead role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee in pivotal roles. In November 2023, ‘12th Fail’ was also submitted to the Oscars as an independent nomination.