Zero se restart: This making of 12th Fail is a masterclass in filmmaking!

This one-hour-thirteen-minute documentary delves into the immense effort it takes to bring a film to life, particularly when it’s a rare gem like 12th Fail.

Translating real-life experiences onto the screen or turning the real-life of someone for celluloid can be as challenging, if not more so, than living the life itself. Because when life is being led, moments are lived without the pressure of cinematic appeal, but in film, every second must resonate visually and emotionally. Hence, no wonder creating a film about IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma’s life likely came with its unique hurdles. But who would have known that the making of 12th Fail would end up mirroring the journey of Manoj whose life was all about restarting from zero! 

It is often said that every film charts its journey, and if this documentary is any proof, it is of exactly this statement! The film faced many uphill battles: several directors initially rejected the project, feeling it was too much of a universal story, too ordinary to make a movie out of. Over a hundred drafts were written over two years with feedback from a lot of people before the project finally hit the floors. Yet despite immense planning, the very first scene of the movie, divided into 24 different shots, ran into an unexpected setback while recce on location in Chambal due to a misunderstanding. What followed was a significant breakthrough—Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the director, realised that this film demanded a different approach. Instead of a traditional shoot with multiple takes, they chose to capture the scene in one sweeping take, where the camera acted like a breathing entity among the chaos. This technique gave the film its unique tone, making audiences feel as though they were part of the action, standing alongside Manoj rather than merely watching him. This innovative decision gave the fictional film an immersive quality, just like a documentary film, turning it into an experience rather than just a narrative.

Also Read: 12th Fail review: This heart-rendering hopeful hug is diligent not calculated in delivering its message

And this was only one of many instances where setbacks forced the filmmakers to restart from zero, ultimately achieving something even greater! The documentary takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey, revealing the painstaking process behind each shot and moment in the film. What we see on screen is a calculated and meticulous creation, but also the product of countless flukes and spontaneous discoveries. One such crazy example was when the crew’s search for an atta chakki (flour mill) led to the realization that filmmaking is often an exercise in not knowing exactly what you’re doing, even the director has no clue—and that’s okay. Because persistence is key, and sometimes, solutions present themselves in unexpected ways. Another is how open-mindedness becomes crucial, as location, timing, or even a small detail can dictate the direction of a scene, such as what happened with the Railway canteen.

When I first watched 12th Fail in the theatre what stood out most—beyond the authenticity of the locations, from the bustling streets of Mukherjee Nagar to the rugged Chambal terrain—was the raw experience each scene left behind. The camerawork made the moments feel incredibly real, while the sound design, such as a dog’s howl blending with the growl of a character’s stomach, amplified the visceral nature of the film. Now, seeing Vidhu Vinod Chopra narrate the making of the film he did not even want to direct, working alongside his dedicated team to navigate through the challenges of overcrowded locations or directing real people, you come to appreciate the determination and ingenuity required to tell such a story.

In the end, this documentary encapsulates the very essence of 12th Fail. It’s not just the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey from failure to success—it’s the story of everyone involved in the film, each restarting from zero, pushing through obstacles to create something beautiful. This journey highlights that there’s no single method to this madness of making a film. Instead, it’s about the pure relentless pursuit of storytelling, the desire to deliver an experience that resonates deeply with everyone. Just like how 12th Fail and its journey became than more than just a film, it became a testament to success against all odds similarly Zero se restart is also about that! While I wished the film delved more in detail about the process yet this filmmaking crash course is the ultimate guide for people who wished to know more about behind the scenes of a film! 

Zero se restart is currently running in theatres near you!

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