No, Vikrant Massey wasn't the original choice for '12th Fail'
What's the story
Vidhu Vinod Chopra's latest documentary, Zero Se Restart, was released in theaters on Friday (December 13).
The 88-minute (one hour and 13 minutes) film provides an in-depth look into the making of his critically acclaimed and commercially successful movie, 12th Fail (2023).
One of the major revelations from the documentary is that actor Varun Dhawan was the first choice for the lead role in 12th Fail.
Casting considerations
Dhawan was the first choice for '12th Fail' lead role
The documentary revealed that before Vikrant Massey was locked for the lead role in 12th Fail, other actors were in the running too.
Anurag Pathak, the author of the book Twelfth Fail: Hara Wahi Jo Ladaa Nahi on which the film is based, preferred Dhawan to play the protagonist.
Several other team members felt the same way too.
Director's doubts
Chopra's reservations about casting Dhawan in '12th Fail'
However, despite the team's leaning toward Dhawan, director Chopra had his reservations.
In Zero Se Restart, he is seen acknowledging Dhawan's acting prowess and screen presence but also explaining why he thought the actor wasn't the right fit for this particular role.
Eventually, Massey was chosen to play Manoj Kumar Sharma, a character based on a real-life individual who rose from poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.
Director's chair
'Zero Se Restart' is directed by Jaskunwar Singh Kohli
The documentary Zero Se Restart is directed by Jaskunwar Singh Kohli, who was one of the editors, writers, and associate directors on 12th Fail.
The film also explores the romantic angle between Sharma and Shraddha Joshi (played by Medha Shankr), a woman who cleared the IAS exams and went on to become Sharma's wife.
Meanwhile, Dhawan is gearing up for his next action film Baby John, which releases on December 25.