Vikrant Massey on working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra: 'He has always walked his own path'

Vikrant Massey in director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, releasing on October 27.

Actor Vikrant Massey's extensive career spans television, the big screen and web series. Commended for his work in Lootera, Broken but Beautiful, Made in Heaven, A Death in the Gunj and Haseen Dillruba, among others, the 36-year-old is now ready for the release of his 18th movie, 12th Fail. Written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the October 27 release is based on a book (by Anurag Pathak) which documents the true life story and struggles of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, and his wife, IRS officer Shradha Joshi (played by Medha Shankar). Besides his first collaboration with Chopra and a varied upcoming slate of films, Massey is most excited about fatherhood. Excerpts from an interview:

For ‘12th Fail’, you had the script, which is based on a book, which is based on a real life story and living subject. From where did you get most of your notes and ideas for the character?

From all three of them. All of them are different mediums, and you have one living person. Each medium hits you differently. The book is far more in-depth and gives you more details, more substance to build your character. The script is semi-edited from the book itself, because you really cannot have everything from the book in the script... I spent a lot of time with Manoj Kumar Sharma too.

What you will eventually see on screen is a bit from the book, a bit from Vinod Chopra’s life, a bit from my life, a bit from everybody's life. That’s the beauty of it. On one hand, it is a universal story which would resonate in some way with whoever watches the film. Yet, it is very specifically about a person who appears for the UPSC exam and wants to join the IPS. That is a very particular struggle.

The love story is also intrinsic to the plot.

It is, because it's a real love story. Shradha Joshi has been that one pillar that kept Manoj Sharma afloat and today they are proudly married and both are government servants. They are incredible, honest people. Seldom do you come across people who stand their ground even today, and that is so reassuring.

As a director, what was Vinod Chopra able to bring out of you?

I can go on and on about how I've had the most eye-opening experience, the most heartfelt experience of my life working with him. I think I found a soulmate. His worldview is something very similar to mine. His passion for cinema, his fearlessness speaks through his work as well. In the 45 years that he's been making films, a part of his personality has definitely trickled into his art. I was so lucky to work under someone who inspires me.

What aspect of the character did you find most interesting and what attracted you to this film?

What attracted me the most was the story itself and the life lived by this guy. It is so inspiring... Millions of us are fighting our own battles. But by the end of it, hope is what keeps us alive. And the strength within to restart, to dust ourselves and walk the same mile again - all of us need a pat on our backs. And that is what happens with these kids appearing for the UPSC exam. I mean, it is one of the most daunting examinations in the world.

Vikrant Massey in 12th Fail.

Plus, I had the opportunity to collaborate with someone like Vidhu Vinod Chopra who is an experienced filmmaker and also someone who has always walked his own path.

You are going to be a father soon. In your busy shooting schedule, have you kept time aside for paternity leave?

After 12th Fail releases in cinemas on October 27, I have Sector 36 coming out early next year and then I'll have Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba which I am really excited about. There are some other productions underway and if all goes well, I definitely will be spending some time with my family. I am really looking forward to it. I've been waiting for this for a very long time.