India, Feb. 19 -- 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and starring Vikrant Massey, is a biographical drama based on the same-titled novel by Anurag Pathak. The story chronicles Manoj Kumar Sharma (IPS officer), a 12th-grade fail who decides to appear for the UPSC examination, one of the toughest examinations in India.

The story starts in a dacoit-infested village, Billgaon, in Chambal. Manoj Kumar Sharma's father, an honest man who works as a clerk, faces suspension for hitting a corrupt officer in his office. Meanwhile, we see the protagonist making chits for his 12th examination as many other peers did in his school; it was the norm for all of them to pass the examination, with teachers helping them cheat. When a new DSP is appoi...