Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, which created a buzz in October 2023 and became a box office hit, is finally getting a prequel titled “Zero Se Restart.”

12th Fail is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed, produced, and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, based on the 2019 non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak. The film tells the inspiring story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, played by Vikrant Massey, who rises from the depths of poverty in the dacoit-infested Chambal region to become an Indian Police Service officer. Born to an honest clerk, Manoj faces numerous obstacles, including the suspension of his father for standing up to corruption and the pressure to succeed academically. After failing his Class 12 exams due to a crackdown on cheating, Manoj struggles to support his family while dreaming of a brighter future.
With determination and resilience, Manoj pursues his studies, facing setbacks along the way, including losing all his belongings to a thief during a bus journey. He learns about the UPSC exam and travels to Delhi to study for it. Through hard work, mentorship, and personal growth, Manoj ultimately passes the exam and becomes an IPS officer. Along the way, he navigates love, heartbreak, and friendships, eventually reconciling with his love interest, Shraddha, played by Medha Shankar, while also helping those around him. The film beautifully captures Manoj’s journey from failure to success, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the belief that success is not just about achievements but also about learning from failures.
A Prequel Is On Its Way!
At the IIFA 2024 event in Abu Dhabi, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra made an exciting announcement: his next film, Zero Se Restart, will serve as a prequel to the critically acclaimed and successful 12th Fail. Set to release on December 13, this film will feature the same talented cast, including Vikrant Massey, who reprises his lead role from 12th Fail.
Zero Se Restart will delve into Manoj Kumar Sharma’s backstory, exploring the events that shaped his character and fueled his remarkable determination. As audiences join him on this journey, they can expect a mix of heartfelt moments, humor, and valuable life lessons.
In the world of cinema, a recent buzz surrounds IMDb’s latest list of the top 250 Indian movies of all time. Compiled from over 8.5 million votes, this impressive ranking showcases films spanning various decades, genres, and regions. At the moment, 12th Fail proudly holds the No. 1 spot, solidifying its place in the hearts of moviegoers everywhere.
However, the history of prequels and sequels has been a mixed bag. Many have struggled to capture the magic of their predecessors, often leading to disappointment among fans. Yet, there’s hope that Zero Se Restart will break this cycle and deliver an engaging, thoughtful narrative. With Chopra at the helm, known for his knack for storytelling, the film has the potential to be a delightful treat for both new viewers and die-hard fans of 12th Fail. So mark your calendars for December 13, because this prequel promises to be a cinematic experience you won’t want to miss!
News Sources: Express Tribune, Bollywood Hungama, & India Today.
