Vidhu Vinod Chopra says everyone including his wife told him not to release '12th Fail' in theatres

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Vikrant Massey. Pics/Yogen Shah

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra is on cloud nine as his film 12th Fail starring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankr completed 100 days in cinemas. Despite the film streaming on oTT, the film has been able to attract the audience to the big screen. On Saturday, the team of '12th Fail' celebrated '100 days of 12th Fail' in cinema.

During the event, Vikrant asked director Vidhu Vinod Chopra on how he reflects on the film 100 days later. "100 days ago, in this very screen, we had our first show. When we talk about numbers, Rs 100 cr, now there's Rs 500 cr, Rs 1,000 cr, Rs 2,000 cr, but to me it boils down to one thing. What is your intention? Why are you making that film? You make an honest film and it can reach those numbers. When I was making the film, I was told by everyone, including my dearest wife (film critic Anupama Chopra), to put it out on OTT!"

"She said, ‘Nobody will go to see Vinod! Teri aur Vikrant ki film!' She told me I don't know, that I'm not connected with movies (anymore). On top of this, these (trade) agencies were writing that it'll open at Rs 2 lakhs and do a lifetime business of Rs 30 lakhs! Everyone scared me," the filmmaker said.

Later, Anupama Chopra who was also present at the event said, "I've had very little contribution here, it (the success) is of all these people here. But, he's right, I did say I don't know who will come to the theatre to see this film. So I'm saying in public that I was wrong and you are right!"

Speaking on the occasion, Vikrant shared, "I truly believe that 12th Fail was a restart moment of my career. I would be honest when sir (Vidhu Vindo Chopra) approached me to play the role of Manoj, he told me, 'tujhe koi nahin janta... bahut sare log tujhe nahin jante iske bawajood tu kaam kar raha hai itne salo se.' So yes, it was a restart moment for me to work with such a great director, and that too on a big story. I had to go back and unlearn so many things. I learnt so much by working in 12th Fail. I was with Sir for 2.5 years on the sets of the 12th Fail. He made me learn so much. Every day you wake up, there is a restart moment."

Based on a book by Anurag Pathak, '12th Fail' chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. The film puts the spotlight on his journey and how his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, was instrumental in his rise. Vikrant played the role of Manoj, while Medha portrayed the role of Shraddha. '12th Fail' was released in theatres on October 27 last year.