Years of quiet determination, unflinching sincerity, and artistic courage have finally culminated in a moment Vikrant Massey had only dreamed of — a National Film Award. The gifted actor has been named Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards for his stirring performance in 12th Fail, and the win is as personal as it is historic.
In response to the announcement, Vikrant kept it short but deeply heartfelt. On Instagram, he posted a picture with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra and captioned it simply: “We did it Sir ♥️ @vidhuvinodchoprafilms”
That single line, filled with emotion, captured a journey that began far from red carpets and award stages — one rooted in persistence, struggle, and soul.
12th Fail is more than just a film — it is a story of second chances, resilience, and hope. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film is based on the real-life journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man from Chambal who once failed his 12th-grade exams, but later rose through the odds to crack the UPSC and become a police officer.
Massey stepped into the shoes of Manoj with extraordinary empathy. His portrayal was stripped of any glamour — raw, restrained, and deeply human. Made on a modest budget, 12th Fail went on to become a sleeper hit, embraced by students, civil services aspirants, and ordinary Indians chasing extraordinary dreams.
For those who’ve followed Vikrant Massey’s career, this National Award is not a surprise — it’s a long-overdue reward. He began his journey in television, with roles in popular serials like Balika Vadhu and Qubool Hai. While others chased fame, Massey honed his craft. Bit roles in films like Lootera and Dil Dhadakne Do gave him screen time, but it was his breakthrough lead in A Death in the Gunj (2017) that made critics — and the industry — sit up.
From there, Vikrant chose stories that mattered: Chhapaak, Haseen Dillruba, Love Hostel, and OTT hits like Mirzapur, Criminal Justice, and Broken But Beautiful. Each role added a new layer to his range. But it’s 12th Fail that has become the defining performance of his career.
Vikrant Massey’s win is symbolic. In an industry that often overlooks quiet brilliance for loud spectacle, his recognition feels like a win for every underdog who dared to dream. He didn’t arrive with a legacy or a blockbuster debut — he arrived with patience and purpose.
In that brief Instagram post — “We did it Sir ♥️” — lies the weight of a journey fulfilled. A message from a student to his mentor. From an actor to his director. From a dreamer to the dream.
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