The documentary film Zero Se Restart has won the Audience Award at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025, and was honoured with The German Star of India 2025. The film, directed by Jaskunwar Kohli and backed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, chronicles the behind-the-scenes journey of Vikrant Massey starrer 12th Fail.
Speaking about the honour, Chopra said in a press release, “I’m deeply thrilled that the raw emotion and sincerity of Zero Se Restart have resonated beyond borders. I'm truly grateful for the overwhelming love from the people of Germany."
Jaskunwar added, “It feels surreal to have audiences halfway across the world choose our film as their favourite. Thank you, Stuttgart. Thank you, Germany. This was completely unexpected and incredibly heartening. It brings to mind VVC’s line from Zero Se Restart — ‘Tayyar raho yaara, kabhi bhi kuchh bhi ho sakta hai!’ (Be ready, my friend—anything can happen at any time!”
Released in 2023, 12th Fail is based on a true story and draws from the struggles of the millions of students who attempt the UPSC entrance exam. Besides Vikrant, the film also stars Medha Shankr, Harish Khanna, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Anant Joshi, among others. It is adapted from Anurag Pathak's novel of the same name, about the journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS officer Shraddha Joshi.
Zero Se Restart is currently streaming on Prime Video.
