'12th Fail: A Resounding Success Story in Bollywood
Vidhu Vinod Chopra's directorial masterpiece, 12th Fail, has etched its name in Bollywood history by achieving the extraordinary milestone of completing 25 consecutive weeks in theaters. This remarkable feat, unprecedented in the industry for over two decades, has propelled the film and its cast into the limelight.
Medha Shankr, who captivated audiences with her performance as Vikrant Massey's love interest in the film, expressed her exhilaration over this triumph:
'It's truly astounding. Any film that manages to sustain a 25-week theatrical run is an exceptional achievement,' Shankr exclaimed. 'The last film to achieve this silver jubilee milestone was Gadar in 2001, so it's a testament to the enduring power of 12th Fail that it has joined this elite club.'
The cast and crew celebrated this significant achievement with a festive gathering at a local theater. Certificates commemorating the 25-week run were distributed, a celebratory cake was cut, and posters were unveiled, creating a heartwarming and joyous atmosphere.
'It was a small but meaningful celebration,' Shankr shared. 'We all felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, recognizing that we had been a part of something truly special.'
For Shankr, 12th Fail has proven to be a transformative experience, catapulting her career to new heights:
'My life has completely changed since the release of 12th Fail,' she asserted. 'It has opened doors to collaborations with filmmakers I had only dreamt of working with. The success of the film and my performance have instilled confidence in these renowned directors, leading to an abundance of exciting work opportunities.'
The film's impact extended beyond the silver screen, as Shankr's social media presence skyrocketed, amassing a staggering 2 million followers from a mere 16,000 prior to the film's release.
'It's a surreal feeling,' Shankr admitted. 'I'm not naturally drawn to Instagram, but I recognize the importance of engaging with my fans, especially after the overwhelming response to 12th Fail.'
The film's true success, however, became palpable after its release on OTT platforms, according to Shankr:
'While the film was well-received in theaters, it was after its OTT release that I truly grasped the magnitude of its success,' she explained. 'Everywhere I went, people wanted to take pictures, and my Instagram account exploded with messages of appreciation.'
'The commercial success that we as actors experience often materializes after OTT releases,' Shankr continued. 'It's only after this film that I've started receiving the recognition I deserve, both in terms of opportunities and popularity. 12th Fail has truly been a gift that continues to bestow its blessings upon me.'
Despite the newfound fame, Shankr remains steadfast in her commitment to both commercial and creative projects:
'I've always believed that compelling cinema will always resonate with audiences, regardless of its genre,' she stated. 'My ideal career trajectory as an actor would be a harmonious blend of commercial and creative endeavors. I don't subscribe to the notion that commercial films lack substance or exceptional performances. This dichotomy is often exaggerated, and I firmly believe there's no inherent conflict between the two.'
Shankar emphasized her eagerness to embrace commercial cinema, provided that the underlying story captivates her:
'I'm particularly drawn to the narrative and my role within it,' she said. 'I don't perceive a fundamental divide between commercial and art cinema. In fact, I'm enthusiastic about exploring both genres.'
As 12th Fail continues its triumphant run, Medha Shankr stands as a beacon of inspiration, a testament to the transformative power of hard work, talent, and a story that resonates with the hearts of millions.'
