Vidhu Vinod Chopra Defies Critics as 12th Fail Surpasses Expectations in 100-Day Theatrical Run

Renowned director Vidhu Vinod Chopra celebrated the 100-day milestone of his film, 12th Fail, at a special event, reflecting on the movie’s unexpected success. Despite initial skepticism, including warnings from his wife, film critic Anupama Chopra, that the Vikrant Massey starrer would not fare well in theaters, the film exceeded predictions. Originally projected to earn ₹30 lakh, 12th Fail, produced for ₹20 crore, surpassed expectations by grossing ₹55.63 crore nett during its Indian theatrical run, as reported by Sacnilk.com.

The triumph extended beyond the box office, with positive reviews pouring in from notable personalities like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Kareena Kapoor after its OTT premiere on Disney+ Hotstar in December. Vidhu Vinod Chopra, addressing the movie at a special gathering, emphasized the significance of intention in filmmaking, stating, “You make an honest film, and it can reach those numbers.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the film’s production, Chopra revealed that even his wife advised releasing it on OTT, expressing doubts about its theatrical success. Trade agencies had predicted a meager opening of ₹2 lakhs and a lifetime business of ₹30 lakhs, adding to the apprehension. However, 12th Fail’s journey demonstrated that an authentic film could triumph against initial skepticism and achieve substantial success.