TOI Dialogues: Vikrant Massey on 12th Fail success - 'Vidhu Vinod Chopra's wife once said, 'He's an OTT actor. Who will watch?''

Vikrant Massey is feeling more grateful than ever following the unexpected success of his film 12th Fail. During his conversation with former journalist, RJ and presenter Richa Anirudh at TOI Dialogues held in Varanasi, the actor recalled moments of doubt and self-realization that accompanied the project, with even the director, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, facing skepticism.
Massey shared that Chopra's wife, Anupama Chopra, a prominent film critic, once remarked, "He is an OTT actor. Why will anyone come to see such a film?" This doubt was compounded by the fact that Shikara, Chopra’s previous film, had not been widely seen.

However, Massey firmly believes in the power of honest storytelling. "If you make something with a lot of honesty, then it will automatically find its way towards success," he said. This belief was reinforced during preliminary screenings, where industry insiders were moved to tears, giving them confidence in the film's quality.

Massey credits the film's success to its authenticity and the refusal to manipulate the audience. "Vinod sir did not want to go out there and buy a media net and by posting 50 on Instagram or by buying stars," Massey explained. Instead, they relied on word-of-mouth and organic recommendations. The film resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in India, where it inspired many, including government bodies that recommended it for viewing.

Massey also shared how he landed the role of Manoj Sharma in 12th Fail. It was Rajkumar Hirani who recommended him to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Initially, Chopra was skeptical about Massey playing a 19-year-old. However, Massey proved his versatility by shaving his beard and convincing Chopra of his suitability for the role.

Discussing his preparation for the role, Massey emphasized the importance of immersion and observation. He spent extensive time with the real Manoj Sharma and his family, learning not just about their life experiences but their worldview. This, combined with dialect coaching, helped him bring authenticity to his performance.

Looking ahead, Massey remains realistic about the unpredictable nature of success in the film industry. He acknowledges that not every film will be a hit, but he stays committed to telling stories that matter to him. "I want to utilize this privilege as I recognize it as a privilege. It is about time, through my work, through my stories, I go out there and represent the common man," he concluded.