Vikrant Massey plays the protagonist in 12th Fail, that releases in cinemas today. The film, based on the inspiring real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma (played by Vikrant), who cracked the IAS exam after failing the 12th standard, is directed by eminent filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. t2 chatted with Vikrant on his new release, working with Chopra and welcoming his firstborn next year. t2 is a media partner of 12th Fail.

What was your primary impetus to do 12th Fail?

The first reason was Mr (Vidhu) Vinod Chopra, the man himself. We have all grown up watching his films. His tales, in the cinema world at least, are almost like folklore for young aspirants like us. It was always a dream to work with him.

Also, the story of 12th Fail and the intent with which Mr Chopra wanted to make the film really resonated with me. He’s so passionate about filmmaking and when he told me he wanted to make this film, I wanted to be a part of this journey. We all make movies, we all go out and do our bit but seldom does one come across a man as passionate as him.

The story of 12th Fail in itself is very inspiring, It really struck a chord with me. This story belongs to all of us. Through this protagonist (Manoj Kumar Sharma), we are not just telling one story... we are telling the stories of millions of people out there. I was asked to read the book (12th Fail by Anurag Pathak) first and I was thoroughly inspired. And when the script was handed to me, I knew there and then that I wanted to be a part of this film, come what may.

What seen and unseen facets of you as an actor has enacting this part tapped into?

To begin with, Vinod Chopra’s style of preparation is very unique. He does not compromise. Nothing is half-hearted. We shot this film over a period of two months, but we prepped for it for over a year-and-a-half. How often does one get an opportunity to do that?

As an actor, I was pushed against the wall every week. I had to bring out something that I hadn’t done before. This film allowed me to connect with my inner self after such a long time. My beliefs, my worldview, my takeaway from life... all of that was reformed and replenished by this film in some way. It’s a rare opportunity for any actor.

Were there any aspects of this character that you related to a bit more than the rest?

Quite a lot of things. The sincerity with which he lived his life, and his dedication in the face of failure really resonated with me. I firmly believe that if you are steadfast, if you have the capacity to get up, dust yourself and restart, then you will find your way. I have been persistent all my life in ensuring that my tomorrows are better than my todays.

#Restart, the tagline of 12th Fail, is relatable to all of us in many ways. How does it fit in with how far you have come in your career?

Like everybody, I do restart in various ways from time to time. It could be professional, but on most days, it is actually personal. I am compelled to look at myself, face myself and start again. I have come far enough, but then again I feel that I have just begun. I have so many stories to tell. I want to give back to the people who have given me the life that I have and I want to tell their stories. I want to utilise this privilege that they have given me and be their voice.

As an actor, one would think that you restart every time you jump from one character to another. Do you recalibrate before every project?

Absolutely! Every character demands something different out of you. The preparation is different and so is the approach. As you said, we do have to recalibrate. Every project needs us to give our best so that the viewer gets his money’s worth.

What was it like being on a Vidhu Vinod Chopra set? He is known to be a maverick and also someone who says it like it is....

It was much, much more than what I hoped it would be, and all in a positive way. I think I have found a soulmate in him. Working with him was like finding a home. I have been working for nearly two decades now and finally, I found someone who I feel safe with.

His penchant for perfection and his utmost honesty is well known. He is known to be someone who doesn’t mince his words. One needs to have the gumption to take his words of wisdom because they are always bang-on and are for one’s own good, actually. I had a great time working with him. Very seldom does an actor find a perfect fit with a director. This equation happens to be the most cherished one for me so far.

A few days ago, there was a screening of Vinod Chopra’s 1985 film Khamosh, which had you rubbing shoulders with the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Kamal Haasan, What was that experience like?

For the last 45 years, he has been making movies that have stood the test of time and this screening was part of a Vinod Chopra film festival. It was lovely meeting all of them, especially Kamal sir because I had never met him before. I have had the privilege of meeting Naseer sir and Shabana ma’am in the past. We were celebrating Mr Vinod Chopra and his crazy passion for life and cinema. He’s indomitable and there are very few like him around.

What are your favourite films of his?

Khamosh and, of course, Parinda. I even loved Kareeb and we have all grown up watching Mission Kashmir... a young Hrithik Roshan doing the Bhumro dance. I also loved Eklavya. It’s very underrated and so is Kareeb.

The films he has produced are, of course, loved the world over. Whether it’s the Munna Bhai series or 3 Idiots, PK or Sanju... these are all masterpieces.

It’s been a good few years for you on the career front. What kind of a headspace are you in going forward?

My work calendar is full until the summer of 2025. The next year-and-a-half is fully committed. I am taking each day as it comes. I am a part of some really interesting stories. I am not genre-specific, I go by my gut. If there is a certain story that needs to be told, I latch on to it.

Being booked up to summer 2025 is great, but I hope you have factored in paternity leave!

Yaaaa! (Laughs) My schedule has gone for a toss because of this but I am very happy about it. Thank you for asking! I have taken some time out once the baby comes (Vikrant and his wife Sheetal are expecting their first child). I had to... I have to go home at the end of the day! (Laughs) I am really looking forward to it.

Which real-life #Restart story would you like to see on screen?
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