Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s documentary *Zero Se Restart* has just scored a major win at the 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart in Germany. The film took home The German Star of India 2025, an audience award that celebrates standout achievements in entertainment. And honestly? It’s not hard to see why.
The documentary, edited and directed by Jaskunwar Singh Kohli, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of *12th Fail*, Chopra’s critically acclaimed 2023 film. Starring Vikrant Massey, *12th Fail* tells the inspiring true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame financial struggles to become a civil servant. The film was a hit both commercially and among critics, and *Zero Se Restart* gives viewers an intimate glimpse into its creation.
Chopra couldn’t contain his excitement about the award. *I’m deeply thrilled that the raw emotion and sincerity of ‘Zero Se Restart’ have resonated beyond borders,* he said in a statement. *I’m truly grateful for the overwhelming love from the people of Germany.*
Kohli, too, was blown away by the reception. *It feels surreal to have audiences halfway across the world choose our film as their favourite,* he shared. Reflecting on the win, he even quoted a line from the documentary: *Tayyar raho yaara, kabhi bhi kuchh bhi ho sakta hai! (Be ready, my friend — anything can happen at any time!)*
The recognition in Stuttgart is another milestone for Chopra’s *Zero Se Restart*, which is now available for streaming on Prime Video. For anyone who loved *12th Fail* or appreciates documentaries that capture the magic of filmmaking, this one’s a must-watch. The German audience has spoken — and their verdict is clear.
It’s always exciting to see Indian cinema making waves internationally, and *Zero Se Restart* is a shining example of how powerful storytelling transcends borders. Whether you’re a fan of behind-the-scenes documentaries or just love a feel-good success story, this film is worth your time. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect moment to hit play.