5th January 2023, Mumbai: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s latest film, “12th Fail,” has become a sensation, with Vikrant Massey’s stellar performance as Manoj Kumar Sharma earning widespread acclaim. However, a curious revelation emerged when an eagle-eyed viewer on X (formerly Twitter) shared a screenshot showing real-life IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, in the background of a scene.
Vikrant Massey, in response to the viral screenshot, confirmed the authenticity of the cameo, stating, “Haha!!! So I finally found someone who noticed this. True, it’s them. A small @VVCFilms tribute to them. Another trivia… it happened at the same place, which is Delhi Haat.”
While the revelation generated applause and appreciation for the film, skeptics argued that it was merely a calculated publicity stunt to boost attention and subsequent promotion. This sparked a debate: Was it a clever publicity trick or a genuine expression of the director’s emotions? Contrary to this belief, wearing the director’s hat involves the weighty responsibility of creativity. Directors often refer to their films as their child, showcasing an unparalleled love for their creation.
The inclusion of the real-life couple was clearly not a strategic move but a heartfelt tribute, an amalgamation of frames and scenes to convey the director’s genuine emotions. In the realm of filmmaking, these actions are not mere publicity tricks; they are a director’s sincere expression of appreciation and homage to the real-life inspirations behind the characters.