Actor Vikrant Massey’s onscreen portrayal of IPS Officer Manoj Sharma in the film 12th Fail has received a great response from both the critics and audience. The film’s co-writer and Assistant Director Jaskunwar Kohli took to Instagram to share a moment from the film where the actor associated strongly with Manoj’s journey and couldn’t stop crying after shooting a certain scene.
Jaskunwar wrote a long note on Instagram, sharing how Vikrant and Manoj’s story amalgamated at one point. He wrote, “I will never forget this moment — during the shoot of the final result scene, Vikrant Massey had to fall down onto his knees again and again. But no matter how many takes it took, he cried so deeply every time that it was unbelievable. In the middle of takes when he would be standing, ready for the shot, he would keep muttering one line to himself — ‘Main bhi yahan tak bina oxygen support ke pahuncha hoon, woh bhi nange pair.’ This is the line Manoj Kumar Sharma says to the panelists during his interview.”
He further wrote, “Later, when the shot was done, Vikrant sat down on the floor, but did not stop crying. He cried and he cried as Medha gently held him by the shoulders. ‘It’s also my story,’ he told her through his tears. ‘It’s taken me 19 years to get here… and I’ve also reached here without oxygen support Medha… barefoot… it’s my story as well…’ In this iconic moment from the film, it was not just Manoj Kumar Sharma, but also Vikrant Massey. The two sides of the coin blended into one surreal human experience. Both made it, together, at the same time.”
In one of the pictures posted by the writer, Medha Shankar is seen sitting holding Vikrant, who is crying with his head down. Vikrant commented on the post, “Jassi my brother…I love you and your compassion”. Medha also commented on the post and wrote, “This moment, pure magic.”
12th Fail received a lot of love from celebrities around the country. Actors such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vijay Deverakonda, Abhishek Bachchan and others praised the film for its story and performances. The movie has also given Vikrant his first Filmfare award in the Best Actor (Critics) award for his performance.
Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail is the inspiring story of IPS officer Manoj Sharma. The film is set against the backdrop of UPSC aspirants.
