10 Must-watch Inspirational Movies Like ‘12th Fail’

January 08, 2024, 10:22 AM
by Farhana Afrose Rini

UNB News
Publish- January 08, 2024, 10:22 AM
Farhana Afrose Rini
Update- January 15, 2024, 06:35 PM

10 Must-watch Inspirational Movies Like ‘12th Fail’

Annapoorani - The Goddess of Food (2023), Sesham Mike-il Fathima (2023), Vaathi (2023) Dasvi (2022), and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Recently, the “12th Fail” film was hugely appreciated by the audiences. Through heartfelt storytelling, this inspiring film mirrors the real-life journey of a government job aspirant. Drawing from true events, this film encapsulates the unwavering perseverance, determination, resilience, challenges, struggles and triumphs of Manoj Kumar Sharma, played by actor Vikrant Massey.

This movie is a compelling tale, urging viewers to embrace hope and pursue their ambitions regardless of circumstances. Here are 10 films like “12 Fail” that can encourage you to reach your dreams, overcoming challenges.

10 Motivational Films Like ‘12th Fail’ You can Watch

Annapoorani - The Goddess of Food (2023)

"Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food," an Indian Tamil-language drama, marks Nilesh Krishnaa's directorial debut. Starring Nayanthara in the lead role alongside Jai and Sathyaraj, the film narrates Annapoorani's journey, aspiring to be a chef.

Her pursuit of a hotel management degree and aspirations to emulate Chef Anand Sundarajan define the plot. Released on December 1, 2023, it received mixed reviews upon its theatrical release. The movie delves into Annapoorani's challenges and encapsulates themes of ambition, obstacles, and culinary passion.

Sesham Mike-il Fathima (2023)

"Sesham Mike-il Fathima," an Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama, was released on November 17, 2023. This movie unveils a young woman's spirited quest amidst cultural expectations and is the directorial debut of Manu C. Kumar. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role as Fathima Noorjahan, the storyline revolves around her ambition to become a football commentator.

Fathima, hailing from a conservative Muslim family in Malappuram, aspires to break barriers by pursuing her passion for sports commentary. Her journey reflects her determination to defy societal norms and follow her dream. The film encapsulates themes of aspiration, breaking stereotypes, and the pursuit of personal goals.

Vaathi (2023)

"Vaathi," a period action drama, directed and written by Venky Atluri, was released on 4th February 2023. The film, shot in Tamil and Telugu (titled "Sir"), stars Dhanush, marking his Telugu debut. Samyuktha also plays the role of another main lead in the film.

The plot follows the story of a young teacher assigned to a government school, embroiled in a battle against those seeking to commercialise education.

The narrative revolves around his struggles to preserve the sanctity of education amid adversity. "Vaathi" explores themes of integrity and the fight against the commodification of education, showcasing Dhanush in a compelling role as a determined educator facing societal challenges.

Dasvi (2022)

"Dasvi," a Hindi social comedy film directed by Tushar Jalota, premiered on April 7, 2022, on Netflix and JioCinema. The storyline follows Ganga Ram Chaudhary, a corrupt and uneducated politician who lands in jail due to police efforts.

Chaudhary was assigned to make chairs in the jail workshop, as being an 8th grade dropper student, he was unqualified for any other work. When he came to know that prisoners preparing for the 10th-grade diploma got exemption from work, Chaudhary was motivated to start study. Throughout different eventful sequences he finally earned his 10th-grade diploma.

The film stars Abhishek Bachchan as the politician on a quest for education, Yami Gautam as an IPS officer, and Nimrat Kaur as Chaudhary’s wife. Commended for its storyline, humour, and performances—especially Bachchan, Kaur, and Gautam—alongside its social message, "Dasvi" earned mixed reviews. Abhishek Bachchan's stellar portrayal earned him the Best Actor (Male) at the 2022 Filmfare OTT Awards.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

"Everything Everywhere All at Once," an American absurdist comedy-drama, showcases Michelle Yeoh's versatile performance within a unique, multilayered storyline exploring interconnectedness and identity.

Penned and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the movie premiered on March 11, 2022. Michelle Yeoh leads as Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant pulled into a quest after an IRS audit reveals her role in connecting alternate versions of herself across parallel universes.

The narrative shows her journey to thwart a powerful entity's plan to devastate the multiverse. The film intricately weaves various genres and film styles, merging surreal comedy, science fiction, fantasy, martial arts, immigrant narratives, and animation.

CODA (2021), Soul (2020), Super 30 (2019), The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015), and Vikramadithyan (2014).

CODA (2021)

"CODA," an English-language remake of the 2014 French-Belgian film, "La Famille Bélier," is a coming-of-age comedy-drama. It is directed and written by Sian Heder, premiered on January 28, 2021, at Sundance and was released in the USA on August 13, 2021.

"CODA" earned critical acclaim, securing wins at the 94th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film centres on Ruby Rossi, portrayed by Emilia Jones, the only hearing member in a deaf Gloucester family.

Balancing her family's fishing business with high school, Ruby discovers her passion for singing after joining the choir club, leading her to navigate relationships and her newfound musical aspirations. Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo also starred in this film.

Soul (2020)

Enter the vibrant world of "Soul," an animated fantasy comedy-drama directed by Pete Docter, which premiered at the London Film Festival on October 11, 2020. Follow Joe, a middle-school band teacher with an unfulfilled life, harbouring a deep passion for jazz.

Voiced by Jamie Foxx, Joe embarks on an otherworldly journey to unearth someone's true calling, ultimately discovering the essence of 'soul' himself. Tina Fey, Graham Norton, and Rachel House lend their voices to this compelling narrative. Nominated for three Academy Awards and winning two, 'Soul' garnered widespread acclaim for its exploration of purpose, creativity, and the joy of living.

Super 30 (2019)

"Super 30," a Hindi biographical drama directed by Vikas Bahl, debuted in India on July 12, 2019. The film chronicles the journey of Anand Kumar, a Patna-based mathematician, navigating challenges on route to success.

According to the storyline, Anand, played by Hrithik Roshan, got a chance to study at the University of Cambridge. But due to lack of money he missed his chance. Later he became a coaching teacher and aided thirty underprivileged IIT aspirants to fulfil their dreams.

Through Anand's story, the film resonates as an ode to educational empowerment, highlighting his determination and impact. Capturing his inspirational life and the transformative initiative, 'Super 30' stands tall as a compelling cinematic portrayal of resilience and altruism.

In this film, Hrithik's heart-warming acting earned widespread acclamation, supported by stellar performances from Mrunal Thakur, Nandish Sandhu, and Virendra Saxena.

The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)

"The Man Who Knew Infinity," directed by Matthew Brown, premiered on September 17, 2015, and on April 8, 2016, in the UK. This British biographical drama centres on the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an extraordinarily gifted mathematician from India, chronicling his inspiring journey.

Dev Patel masterfully portrays Ramanujan, showcasing his rise from poverty in Madras to his remarkable achievements at Cambridge University during World War I. Jeremy Irons delivers a compelling performance as G. H. Hardy, Ramanujan's mentor and collaborator.

With Devika Bhise and Toby Jones in supporting roles, the film captures the beautiful friendship and academic collaboration between Ramanujan and Hardy, highlighting their groundbreaking contributions to mathematical theories.

Vikramadithyan (2014)

"Vikramadithyan," a Malayalam-language comedy-drama helmed by Lal Jose, debuted on Eid-ul Fitr, July 25, 2014. Anchoring the narrative is Adithyan, the son of a disgraced thief, contending with Vikraman for a police officer's role.

The film, starring Dulquer Salman, Unni Mukundan, Namitha Pramod, and Anoop Menon, features Nivin Pauly in a cameo. It revolves around the struggle for societal acceptance amidst a backdrop of love and rivalry. The movie amuses the audiences through its successful blend of humour and drama, contributing to its commercial triumph in the industry.

Summing Up

These 10 inspirational movies, much like "12th Fail," encompass diverse themes, cultures, and emotions, through a profound sense of storytelling. Each of these films stands out with its unique narrative, compelling performances, and captivating direction. Anyone seeking inspiration and enlightenment to attain a goal can watch these motivational movies.