Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals people in Hollywood told him 12th Fail should've represented India at the Oscars

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Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 2023 film 12th Fail earned widespread appreciation upon its OTT release compared to its theatrical run. Starring Vikrant Massey in the lead role, 12th Fail was sent for consideration last year for the Oscars. However, Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 was eventually sent for the Academy Awards’ Best International Film category. Now, Chopra has revealed that people in Hollywood told him that 12th Fail should have represented India at the Oscars.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra on his film 12th Fail

At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Vidhu Vinod Chopra was discussing his 1989 film Parindaa. That's when he was asked why thrillers don't get the National Award. To this, the filmmaker said, "You are giving too much importance to the National Awards." He recalled how people in Hollywood told him that 12th Fail was better suited to represent India at the Oscars (97th Academy Awards).

"Can I tell you one thing in return that so many people have told me, including people in Hollywood, that 12th Fail should have represented India at the Oscars, not whatever went," he said, according to The Indian Express.

The director further asked the audience at the IFFI if they agreed to what he said. "Say yes or no, do I care? What I care for — did I make a good film, did I not make a good film. So please don’t give so much importance (to awards). Awards are for people outside of (the industry) who are acknowledging you for God knows what reasons. So please don’t bother," added Chopra.

More about 12th Fail and its OTT platform

For those who are unaware, 12th Fail, starring Vikrant, was a biographical drama based on the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma. He overcame extreme poverty and became an IPS officer. The movie also featured Medha Shankr, Sarita Joshi, Anant V Joshi, Anshuman Pushkar, Harish Khanna, and others.