Popular 2023’s Hindi biographical and drama film, 12^th Fail officially announced as the first film to get subsidy from the state government under the Delhi Film Policy 2022 for shooting in the national capital. It is directed, produced and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film sheds light on the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma and his dedication to become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.  

The Film 12^th Fail also embraces the idea of restarting his academic journey with deep enthusiasm and clearing the world’s toughest exam, UPSC, despite facing major setbacks like poverty and inadequate facilities.

The audience related to the film’s concept very well – not giving up under any adverse circumstances. The film stars Vikrant Massay as Manoj Sharma in the lead role. Besides, Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshuman Pushkar and Priyanshu Chatterjee. It is based on 2019’s non-fiction book with the same name (12^th Fail) authored by Anurag Pathak. 

Hailing from the dreaded area of Chambal and born in a modest family with limited financial means, the movie captures Manoj Kumar Sharma’s struggles and overcoming every obstacle to achieve his dream of becoming an IPS officer.  

The film was release on October 27^th, 2023, in Hindi and Kannada languages. It received massive support from the audience. Produced with a budget of around Rs 20 crores (approx. $ 2.4 million). It shined on the box office after grossing 69 crores (approx. $8.3 million) globally. The film secured five awards at the 69^th Filmfare Awards. The awards including the Best Film, Best Director and the Best Actor won by Vikrant Massey.  

12^th Fail was mainly shot at various locations in Agra, Chambal, Delhi, Mussoorie and Mumbai. However, a significant portion of the film shot in the two educational hubs in Delhi- Mukherjee Nagar and Rajendra Nagar. Where lakhs of aspirants for UPSC preparation live to nurture their dream of cracking one of the toughest examinations.  

As per Delhi Tourism, a nodal agency looking after the Delhi Film Policy-2022. The makers will reimburse with a subsidy amount of up to Rs 3 crores once the Model Code of Conduct is over. Under this film policy, the tourism officials further also said that this amount will be based on the number of days of shooting, location and branding of Delhi.

Along with the hiring of local actors. It will also involve factors like screen time of Delhi locations, number of shoot days. Delhi-based skilled crew and support resources, line production cost in the city.

Additionally, the Delhi Film Policy 2022, aims to enhance the national capital city’s profile on both National and International fronts. In this film policy, the filmmakers will receive subsidies up to Rs 3 crores based on the parameters, the city’s visibility in the films. Every year, Delhi also hosts an International Film Festival to promote the city as a filmmaking hub.