Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra says Hollywood artists felt Vikrant Massey starrer 12th Fail deserved an Oscar

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, featuring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, not only earned critical praise but also became a box-office success following its release last year.

At the recent International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, while reflecting on his iconic film Parinda, Chopra revealed that many people, including Hollywood professionals, believed 12th Fail should have been India’s official entry for the Oscars. However, the filmmaker expressed that he was not focused on awards.

“Can I tell you one thing? So many people have told me, including people in Hollywood, that 12th Fail should have represented India at Oscars, not whatever went. Say yes or no, do I care? What I care for, did I make a good film, did I not make a good film. So please don’t give so much importance (to awards). Awards are for people outside of (the industry) who are acknowledging you for God knows what reasons. So please don’t bother," said Vidhu at IFFI.

12th Fail, based on a true story, portrays the struggles of countless students preparing for the UPSC entrance exam. However, the film extends beyond the exam itself, delivering a powerful message about overcoming failure and finding the courage to start anew.