Welcome to my blog,
This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Film Screening - 12th Fail, assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir Department of English MKBU.
हार नहीं मानूँगा,
रार नहीं ठानूँगा,
-अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी
Introduction
Manoj Kumar Sharma is a determined individual hailing from the challenging backdrop of Chambal. Facing familial struggles and societal pressures, Manoj's journey unfolds as he navigates the complexities of education, love, and the pursuit of a dream to become an IPS officer. The narrative skillfully weaves through moments of adversity, resilience, and personal growth, resulting in a triumphant culmination that reflects on the transformative power of determination and the enduring spirit of chasing one's aspirations.
Director - Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Writer - Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jaskunwar Kohli
Cast - Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar
Production company - Vinod Chopra Films
Language - Hindi
Theoretical Framework:
High Angle Shot
In a high-angle shot, the camera points down at your subject. It usually creates a feeling of inferiority, or “looking down” on your subject. But, again, with every other camera angle, there are many applications.
Close-up
Head and shoulders, enabling you to easily see facial expressions, which gives the audience a better impression of what your characters are thinking and feeling.
12th Fail is Based on the novel of the same name by Anurag Pathak.
12th Fail also takes on the loopholes of our education system where a school in Chambal openly makes the kids cheat in their board exams because only if they clear 12th standard, can they get some jobs and earn for their families. One day, when DSP Dushyant Singh (Priyanshu Chatterjee), in a small yet impactful role, lands at the school and stops kids from cheating, that's when Manoj (Massey) realizes that this is the path he wishes to follow. But the next year, DSP is transferred, and the school is back to implementing the usual practice and everyone passes with the first division except Manoj who is happy with his third division. He lands in Gwalior for UPSC coaching, and eventually, fate takes him to Delhi where he finds himself in the middle of a chaotic Mukherjee Nagar area, famous for being home to a million students who have come from all parts of the country that one spot in the UPSC. How Manoj, along with his girlfriend Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankar), navigates this journey, daily hurdles is what 12th Fail focuses on.
As a struggling UPSC student, he is full of grit and determination and doesn't mind sleeping three hours every night to ensure he has enough time to study and do petty jobs for survival. Massey owns up to Manoj's character in all aspects that you'd expect and performs it to the word T leaving no scope for any complaints. Be it Manoj's friend Pandey, a government servant's son, or Manoj's mentor Gauri bhaiya (Anshuman Pushkar), who after failing to fulfill his dream of becoming an IPS, devotes his life to training others and getting them to restart life - everyone has a story if their own, narrated with nuances.
12th Fail is a must-watch to understand not only the hardships and emotions that UPSC students go through, but also shed light on the overall education in our system, something that Chopra won hearts at with 3 Idiots.
This film is based on the real-life story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma. Who failed his class 12 and then eventually chased his dream of becoming an IPS officer. His grit and determination cracked UPSC despite the many challenges.
The film reflects the multifaceted landscape of youth aspirations. It goes beyond conventional narratives by suggesting that success is not confined to a singular path. Instead, it encourages viewers to recognize and celebrate diverse paths to success, inspiring the youth to pursue their passions and talents beyond traditional academic routes.
"Socio-cultural relevance" becomes a central theme as the film contributes to ongoing social dialogues. It engages viewers in conversations about redefining success, the mental health impact of academic pressures, and the need for a more empathetic outlook on the challenges faced by students in contemporary society. By fostering empathy and understanding, "12th Fail" emerges as a cultural artifact that has the potential to bring about positive shifts in societal perceptions.
"12th Fail" is not just a cinematic narrative; it is a mirror reflecting the intricacies of societal expectations, the challenges within the education system, and the aspirations of the youth. As it weaves through these discourses, the film beckons society to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate narrative—one that acknowledges the resilience and determination inherent in the diverse journeys of the youth.
"Super 30" (2019)
"अब राजा का बेटा राजा नहीं बनेगा...अब राजा वही बनेगा जो हकदार होगा..."
"Super 30" is a 2019 Bollywood film inspired by mathematician Anand Kumar's life. Portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, Anand rises from humble beginnings to become a teacher. The movie focuses on his struggles and the establishment of the "Super 30" program, providing free coaching to underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exams. While the film emphasizes the challenges and determination of the students, it does not delve into controversies surrounding Anand Kumar. Despite a few flaws, Hrithik Roshan's solid performance and the film's inspirational message make it worth watching.
In 2002, Anand Kumar and Abhayanand initiated Super 30, selecting 30 economically disadvantaged students for free IIT-JEE coaching. Anand's mother, Jayanti Devi, cooked for them while teachers provided mentoring, study materials, and free accommodation for a year. The program's success grew, with 18 students qualifying for IIT in the first year. In subsequent years, the numbers increased, reaching 28 out of 30 in 2006. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, acknowledged their achievements, awarding each student a cash prize of ₹50,000.
Dunki
"Dunki" is a film that follows the journey of Hardy Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) and his friends from Punjab who aspire to immigrate to London. Faced with challenges and failures, they resort to unconventional methods, including the risky Dunki route. The story spans two timelines, exploring their struggles in 1995 and an elderly Hardy's reunion with an ailing friend, Manu, in 2020. Together, they attempt to return to India via the Dunki route. The narrative weaves themes of immigration, love, and sacrifice, showcasing the harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life abroad. The film explores the characters' resilience, traumatic experiences, and the ultimate price some pay for their dreams.
Dunki has taken inspiration from a village named Dingucha in Gujurat, where there is a population of 3000. Regarding this, around 2800 residents left the country to make a future in the overseas country.
Comparative Analysis:
Educational Goals in Contemporary India:
Education in India was deeply rooted in the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and contributing to societal welfare. However, a notable shift is evident in contemporary times, where education is increasingly seen through an instrumental lens, primarily as a means to secure high-paying jobs and financial stability. This shift is reflective of the changing dynamics of the global economy and the heightened competition for coveted positions in various industries.
''The competition for government jobs in India is like a race with 300 people at the starting line, but only the first person gets a job.''
12th fail -
Herd Mentality:
Imagine thousands of students marching in a single direction, eyes fixed on the distant mirage of a government job. This "herd mentality" disregards individual talents and passions, leading to a homogenized workforce lacking diversity and innovation.
Sacrificing Genuine Learning:
The relentless focus on exam-cracking tactics pushes aside genuine learning and skill development. It's like cramming for a test by gulping down knowledge without actually digesting it. This results in superficial understanding and a lack of critical thinking, hindering long-term growth.
Neglecting Diverse Subjects:
Arts, humanities, and vocational subjects are relegated to the sidelines, gathering dust as students flock toward the perceived safety of government jobs. This neglect stifles creativity, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills, leaving an educational void that needs to be filled.
Spoon-feeding and Coaching Culture:
The intense competition fuels a thriving industry of coaching centers that prioritize rote learning and spoon-feeding information over independent study and critical thinking. This creates a dependence on shortcuts and hinders the development of essential learning skills.
Media Hype and Educational Reform:
The media often portrays the government job craze as a desirable and inevitable path, further reinforcing the narrow focus. This highlights the need for educational reforms that promote diverse talents, celebrate the intrinsic value of knowledge, and prepare students for a wider range of fulfilling careers.
Dunki -
Big-screen dreams like "Dunki" and Bhagat's novels expose the dark side of India's obsession with overseas education.
The cost of the chase:
Brain drain: Top talent lost, hindering India's progress.
Neglect of homegrown solutions: Local knowledge and subjects sidelined.
Cracks in the ivory tower: Indian education suffers as best minds leave.
Widening the gap: Expensive degrees fuel inequality.
Beyond the "gora ticket":
Reform, not race: Invest in Indian education, and nurture all talents.
Diverse paths: Celebrate careers inside India, not just abroad.
Knowledge for its own sake: Rekindle the love of learning.
Let's break free from the foreign degree fever and build an education system that empowers all, not just the privileged few.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movies serves as a reflective exploration into the multifaceted realm of education, aspirations, and societal expectations as portrayed in films like "12th Fail," "Super 30," and "Dunki." Through the lens of these narratives, we witness the struggles, triumphs, and complexities that individuals face in their pursuit of education and career aspirations.
Collectively, these films contribute to ongoing societal dialogues about the purpose and nature of education. They advocate for a more holistic, inclusive, and empathetic approach that recognizes the intrinsic value of knowledge, embraces diversity, and empowers individuals to pursue their passions beyond conventional paths.
As we navigate the intricate landscape of education in contemporary India, these cinematic narratives serve as cultural artifacts, prompting introspection and encouraging a broader perspective on the diverse journeys individuals undertake in the pursuit of knowledge and success.
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