View source for 12B

{{short description|2001 film by Jeeva}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| image          = 12B poster.jpg
| caption        = Poster
| director       = [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]]
| writer         = Jeeva
{{Infobox
| decat = yes
| child = yes
| label1= Dialogues by
| data1 = {{ubl | [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]}}
}}
| based_on       = ''[[Sliding Doors]]''
| producer       = [[Vikram Singh (producer)|Vikram Singh]]
| starring       = [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]]<br />[[Simran (actress)|Simran]]<br />[[Jyothika]]<br />[[Suniel Shetty]]
| cinematography = Jeeva
| editing        = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]]
| music          = [[Harris Jayaraj]]
| studio         = Film Works
| distributor    = [[Media Dreams]]
| released       = {{Film date|2001|09|28|df=yes}}
| runtime        = 149 minutes
| country        = India
| language       = Tamil
}}
'''''12B''''' is a 2001 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] written, cinematographed and directed by [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]], with dialogues by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]]; it is his directorial debut. The film stars  [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] in his debut with [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] and [[Jyothika]] in lead roles. Hindi actors [[Suniel Shetty]] and [[Moon Moon Sen]] play supporting roles, and the music was composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], with editing by [[B. Lenin]] and [[V. T. Vijayan]].

''12B'' is an unofficial remake of the 1998 British-American romantic drama film ''[[Sliding Doors]]''. The film introduced the use of [[dual narrative]] to Tamil cinema; it depicts events in a man's life that depend on whether he catches a bus or not. The film gained attention for its casting of Simran and Jyothika, who were two of the leading female actors of Tamil cinema; it is also the first Tamil film in which Shetty and Sen appear. The film was released on 28 September 2001 and performed average at the box office. Critics praised the new concept but criticised the narrative, which they found confusing.

== Plot ==
One morning, Shakthivel alias Shakthi leaves his house for a job interview when he sees a woman, Jyothika alias Jo, walking down the street. Shakthi is distracted by Jo and begins to follow her. He misses his bus and gets mugged. The film then pauses as a [[voice-over]] tells the audience they are about to examine the impact of missing the bus on Shakthi's life.

Shakthi who catches the bus arrives on time for the job interview and is offered the job of a bank manager, and a young colleague Priya falls in love with him. Shakthi, however, is still in love with Jo but something repeatedly prevents him from meeting her. The obstacle turns out to be his alternate self. Shakthi the bank manager is well-off in life but is miserable because he cannot win the affections of Jo.

The Shakthi who missed the bus arrives late at the interview and is thrown out. On his way home, he passes by a junkyard, where he meets his friend Madhan, who gives him a job as a mechanic. The next day, while crossing the street, he sees Jo and again follows her. He gains her attention and they begin a relationship. One day, Jo's uncle Aravind visits, and it is revealed he too is in love with Jo and wants to marry her, much to Jo's dismay.

Due to a misunderstanding, Jo and Shakthi the mechanic separate. Priya expresses her love for the Shakthi the bank manager who, while reciprocating his love for Priya, has an accident. At the same moment, Shakthi the mechanic is also seriously hurt in the same accident while he tries to repair his relationship with Jo. Both Shakthis are admitted to the hospital. While Priya is crying over the death of Shakthi the bank manager, she glimpses Shakthi the mechanic making up with Jo. The film ends with a voice-over concluding the film.

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
* [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] as Shakthivel a.k.a. Shakthi
* [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] as Priya 
* [[Jyothika]] as S. Jyothika a.k.a. Jo / 12B
* [[Sunil Shetty]] as R. Aravind
* [[Vivek (actor)|Vivek]] as Madhan
* [[Moonmoon Sen]] as Sulo
* [[Shanti Williams]] as Shakti's mother
* [[R. Sundaramoorthy]] as Sadasivam
* [[Mayilsamy]] as Citizen
* [[Udayaraj|Master Udayaraj]] as Wall Tube
* [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]] as Bolt
* Lakshmikanthan as Nataraj a.k.a. Nut
* K. P. Mohan as Mohan
* [[Vaishnavi (Tamil actress)|Vaishnavi]] as Shakti's sister
* [[M. R. Krishnamurthy|M.R.K.]] as Shakti's uncle
* [[Crane Manohar]] as the 12B bus conductor
* [[Scissor Manohar]] as the auto driver
* Vengaiya Balan as a devotee
* Gowthami Vembunathan as Shakti's aunt
* [[Monica (actress)|Monica]] as Priya's co-worker
* Karnaa Radha as a devotee
* [[Citizen Mani]] as a devotee
* [[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]] as Shakti's co-worker<ref name="indianexpress">{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=16 July 2018 |title=I won't be doing multi-starrers anymore: Tamizh Padam actor Shiva |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/jul/16/i-wont-be-doing-multi-starrers-anymore-tamizh-padam-actor-shiva-1843770.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902222111/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/jul/16/i-wont-be-doing-multi-starrers-anymore-tamizh-padam-actor-shiva-1843770.html |archive-date=2 September 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=New Indian Express}}</ref>
}}

[[Parthiban]] provided the voice-over at the beginning of the film.<ref name="Review">{{Cite web |date=5 October 2001 |title=Film Review: 12 B |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/film-review-12-b/article27980588.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061855/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/film-review-12-b/article27980588.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

== Production ==
=== Development ===
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=Right|quote="It's been a big thrill, directing a film, being captain of the ship. Having been a cinematographer definitely helped, I could execute the film faster. And also, I've drawn a lot of inspiration from the directors I've worked with, like [[S. Shankar|Shankar]], [[S. J. Surya|Surya]], and my all-time favourite, [[Priyadarshan]]".|source=&nbsp;— Jeeva on the film, 2001<ref name="rediff"/> }}

''12B'' marked the directorial debut of cinematographer [[Jeeva (director)|Jeeva]] and is narrated in a [[dual narrative]] format, one if Shakthi (the protagonist) catches the ''12B'' bus to his job interview and one if he misses the same bus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warrier |first=Shoba |date=30 November 2005 |title=The ABCD of Shaam's life! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/30shaam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193206/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/30shaam.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="Hi">{{Cite web |date=2 June 2002 |title=Riding high on '12B' fame |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/riding-high-on-12b-fame/article28600473.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061845/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/riding-high-on-12b-fame/article28600473.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> Jeeva said the film would be titled ''12B'' after a bus he used to take during his college days in Chennai.<ref name="rediff"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2021 |title=மறக்க முடியுமா - 12பி [Can you forget – 12B] |url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/marakka-mudiyuma/93884/old-movies/Marakkamudiyuma---12B.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121221107/https://cinema.dinamalar.com/marakka-mudiyuma/93884/old-movies/Marakkamudiyuma---12B.htm |archive-date=21 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=Dinamalar |language=ta}}</ref> The plot of the film was taken from the 1998 English film ''[[Sliding Doors]]'' by [[Peter Howitt]], which follows alternate timelines on whether or not Helen ([[Gwyneth Paltrow]]) catches a train.<ref name="rediff" /><ref name="German">{{Cite web |last=Nirmalarajah |first=Asokan |title=Buslinie 12B – Was Wäre Wenn?|trans-title=Busline 12B – What happened if? |url=https://www.mannbeisstfilm.de/kritik/Jeeva/Buslinie-12B---Was-waere-wenn/839.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612192557/https://www.mannbeisstfilm.de/kritik/Jeeva/Buslinie-12B---Was-waere-wenn/839.html |archive-date=12 June 2020 |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=mannbeisstfilm.de |language=de|url-status=dead|date=11 November 2007}}</ref> The gender roles in ''Sliding Doors'' were reversed and the train was replaced by a bus in this film.<ref name="Chennai Online">{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |title=12B |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/moviereviews/tammov147.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050324062527/http://www.chennaionline.com/moviereviews/tammov147.asp |archive-date=24 March 2005 |website=Chennai Online |access-date=21 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name="German"/> Film producer [[Vikram Singh (producer)|Vikram Singh]] opted to make his first foray into Tamil film production after being encouraged to by director [[Priyadarshan]].<ref name="vikrams">{{Cite web |last=A P |title=Vikram Singh: No compromises |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010720/rtam1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010727113218/http://www.screenindia.com/20010720/rtam1.html |archive-date=27 July 2001 |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
[[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]] was initially considered for the lead role, but the actor was busy with other projects.<ref name="vikrams" /> [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] had worked as a model in [[Bangalore]] for four years before model coordinator Biju Jayadevan introduced him to director Jeeva, who was auditioning a debutant actor for his debut venture, ''12B''.<ref name="S">{{Cite web |date=24 November 2003 |title=Sailing with SHAAM |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/sailing-with-shaam/article28457109.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061845/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/sailing-with-shaam/article28457109.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Shaam had unsuccessfully auditioned for the lead role in ''[[Kadhalar Dhinam]]'' (1999);<ref name="S" /> he said during his first meeting with Jeeva, he handed over his portfolio and introduced himself in English. Jeeva said: "Repeat what you just said, in Tamil". Shaam did so and was signed on next day after a meeting with producer Vikram Singh.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sreelalitha |first=W. |date=19 October 2007 |title=Making progress steadily, surely |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/10/19/stories/2007101950110200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104113104/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/10/19/stories/2007101950110200.htm |archive-date=4 November 2008 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2014 |title=Shaam's audition was in English |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/shaams-audition-was-in-english/articleshow/40590247.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/shaams-audition-was-in-english/articleshow/40590247.cms |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Since Shaam was looking for film offers for four years, Jeeva did not treat Shaam as a newcomer.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=சக்கரம் |last2=சுபி |date=21 October 2001 |title=ஷாமுடன் டூ டிராக் பேட்டி! |trans-title=Two track interview with Shaam! |url=https://ibb.co/K0NkK1Z |url-status=usurped |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |language=ta |pages=20–23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427045622/https://ibb.co/K0NkK1Z |archive-date=27 April 2023 |access-date=27 April 2023}}</ref>

[[Simran (actress)|Simran]] and [[Jyothika]], two of the leading Tamil female actors at the time, were cast in the other lead roles; Jyothika got more screen time.<ref name="rediff" /> Simran called her role a "special appearance".<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 May 2001 |title=Unfazed by the numbers game |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/unfazed-by-the-numbers-game/article27932540.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028235157/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/unfazed-by-the-numbers-game/article27932540.ece |archive-date=28 October 2021 |access-date=28 October 2021 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Thota Tharani]] worked as the art director for the film.<ref name="rediff" /> The promos of the film were critically praised; Shaam signed on to appear in several projects before ''12B'' was released.<ref name="Hi" /> The film also featured Jeeva's assistant director, [[Srinath (Tamil actor)|Srinath]], in a supporting role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2007 |title=Jeeva's blue-eyed boy: Srinath |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Jeeas-blue-eyed-boy-Srinath/articleshow/4535211.cms?referral=PM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061857/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Jeeas-blue-eyed-boy-Srinath/articleshow/4535211.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> After the first filming schedule, another actor tried to fill the lead role but Jeeva insisted on retaining Shaam.<ref name="St">{{Cite web |last=Sangeetha |first=P. |date=19 October 2008 |title=Shaam strikes back |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Shaam-strikes-back/articleshow/3612367.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701101903/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Shaam-strikes-back/articleshow/3612367.cms |archive-date=1 July 2019 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>   [[Srikanth (actor, born 1979)|Srikanth]] was also briefly attached to the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Avinash |date=4 March 2020 |title=18 years in cinema, actor Srikanth says he is 'unaffected by trolling' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/mar/04/18-years-in-cinema-actor-srikanth-says-he-is-unaffected-by-trolling-2111737.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305134500/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/mar/04/18-years-in-cinema-actor-srikanth-says-he-is-unaffected-by-trolling-2111737.html |archive-date=5 March 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> [[Parthiban]] provided a voiceover for the film.<ref name="Review" />

A leading Hindi actor was revealed to play a cameo in the film.<ref name="rediff" /> The actor was later revealed upon release to be [[Sunil Shetty]], who was cast to play Jyothika's uncle.<ref name="Sify">{{Cite web |date=25 April 2003 |title=12B |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/12b-review-tamil-pclulOghiiejb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819234044/https://www.sify.com/movies/12b-review-tamil-pclulOghiiejb.html |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Bengali actor [[Moon Moon Sen]], mother of [[Riya Sen]], was signed on to play Jyothika's mother in the film.<ref name="New Straits">{{Cite news |last=K. N. Vijiyan |date=6 October 2001 |title='12B' ride to nowhere |work=[[New Straits Times]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7ishAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hXgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2336,3697386 |access-date=23 February 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In ''12B'', Shaam's voice was dubbed; an uncommon practice for male actors in Tamil cinema at that time.<ref name="T">{{Cite web |date=6 October 2001 |title=Ticket to stardom on 12 B |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/ticket-to-stardom-on-12-b/article27982297.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819224457/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/ticket-to-stardom-on-12-b/article27982297.ece |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Karupiah |first=Premalatha |date=March 2017 |title=Voiceless Heroines: Use of Dubbed Voices in Tamil Movies |url=http://e-asianwomen.org/xml/10075/10075.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=[[Asian Women (journal)|Asian Women]] |location=United Kingdom |page=79 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061843/http://e-asianwomen.org/xml/10075/10075.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> [[Shiva (actor)|Shiva]], who later starred in ''[[Chennai 600028]]'' (2007), made his acting debut with this film in a minor role.<ref name="indianexpress" /> Chennai-based model [[Manish Borundia]] played a background actor in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2009 |title=Manish: Waiting for good news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Manish-Waiting-for-good-news/articleshow/4234521.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014015027/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Manish-Waiting-for-good-news/articleshow/4234521.cms |archive-date=14 October 2020 |access-date=13 October 2020 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack of ''12B'' was composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2002 |title=Fame on a platter |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/fame-on-a-platter/article28571700.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061856/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/fame-on-a-platter/article28571700.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> The soundtrack became popular particularly the song "Oru Punnagai Poove".<ref name="Review" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Pinto |first=Sanjay |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMB7DwAAQBAJ&dq=oru+punnagai+poove&pg=PT117 |title=My NDTV Days |date=24 January 2019 |isbn=978-1-5290-2260-5 |publisher=Pan Macmillan |location=India |page=<!--Chapter 25: Chennai Hospitality--> |author-link=Sanjay Pinto |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030043438/https://books.google.com/books?id=MMB7DwAAQBAJ&dq=oru+punnagai+poove&pg=PT117 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Premgi Amaran]] crooned the rap song "Anandam".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-premgi-5-memorable-tracks-of-the-versatile-artist/articleshow/89828497.cms|title=Happy Birthday Premgi: 5 memorable tracks of the versatile artist|work=The Times of India|date=11 July 2022|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=11 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711185658/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/happy-birthday-premgi-5-memorable-tracks-of-the-versatile-artist/articleshow/89828497.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{track listing
| all_lyrics    = [[Vairamuthu]] except where noted
| extra_column    = Singer(s)
| total_length = 33:16
|headline = Tamil Track-List<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mio.to/album/12B+%282001%29|title=12B (2001)|work=Mio|date=2001|access-date=1 May 2022|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506094159/https://mio.to/album/12B+%282001%29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| title1          = Love Pannu (Oru Punnagai Poove)
| lyrics1 = 
| extra1 = [[KK (singer)|KK]], [[Prashanthini]]
|length1 = 4:40
| title2 = Sariya Thavara
| lyrics2 = 
| extra2 = Samantha Edward, [[Febi Mani]], Mathangai
| length2 = 5:02
| title3 = Mutham Mutham
| lyrics3 = 
| extra3 = [[KK (singer)|KK]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length3 = 5:02
| title4 = Poove Vai Pesum Pothu
| lyrics4 = 
| extra4 = Mahalakshmi Iyer, [[Harish Raghavendra]]
| length4= 5:48
| title5 = Jothi Neranjava
| lyrics5 = 
| extra5 = [[Sukhwinder Singh]], [[Febi Mani]]
| length5 = 4:46
| title6 = Anandam
| lyrics6 = 
| extra6 = [[Premgi Amaren]], [[Clinton Cerejo]]
| length6 = 2:17
| title7 = O Nenjae
| lyrics7 = 
| extra7 = Sujatha Rao
| length7 = 1:47
| title8 = Oru Paarvai Paar
| lyrics8 = 
| extra8 = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
| length8 = 2:22
| title9 = Party Music
| note9 = [[Instrumental]], Shehnai&nbsp;– [[S. Ballesh]]
| length9 = 1:32
}}
{{tracklist|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
|headline = Telugu Track-List<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KHovpI5UY8|title=12 B Jukebox {{!}} Shaam, Suniel Shetty, Jyothika, Simran {{!}} Jeeva {{!}} Harris Jayaraj {{!}} Telugu Songs|work=[[T-Series (company)|T-Series Telugu]]|date=21 October 2024|access-date=30 April 2025|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
|total_length=21:31
| all_writing =Kulasekhar
|title1=Anna Thotti Dammu|extra1=[[Febi Mani]]|length1= 5:03
|title2=O Punami Puvva|extra2=[[S. P. B. Charan]], [[Gopika Poornima]]|length2=4:41
|title3=Naalo Ee Mouna |extra3=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]], Gopika Poornima|length3=5:49
|title4=Mela Thalatho|extra4=[[Mallikarjun]], Gopika Poornima |length4=4:47
|title5=Muddu Muddu|extra5=Karthik, Gopika Poornima|length5=5:03
|title6=Theme Music|note6=[[Instrumental]]|length6=1:30
}}

== Marketing and release ==
''12B'' received pre-release publicity because it brought together Simran and Jyothika, two of the Tamil film industry's leading actresses of the period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saravanan |first=T. |date=27 September 2013 |title=Shaam hits a six |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shaam-hits-a-six/article5175240.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919085925/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shaam-hits-a-six/article5175240.ece |archive-date=19 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="R">{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=14 June 2001 |title=Movies: Simran: Absolutely hot! |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/14simran.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606181631/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/14simran.htm |archive-date=6 June 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2020 |title=ஜோதிகா பிறந்தநாள் ஸ்பெஷல்: ரசிகர்களின் பேரன்பையும் பெரும் மரியாதையையும் பெற்ற நடிகை |trans-title=Jyotika Birthday Special: An actress who has earned the admiration and great respect of the fans |url=https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/592364-jyothika-birthday-special-2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112855/https://www.hindutamil.in/news/cinema/tamil-cinema/592364-jyothika-birthday-special-2.html |archive-date=23 October 2020 |access-date=20 October 2020 |website=Hindu Tamil Thisai |language=ta}}</ref> The film's trailer, which was edited by Deepak Bhojraj, was the fasted edited trailer in Tamil cinema at the time featured the names of the film's technicians coming and going like the sound of a bus horn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/kollywoods-pin-boy-meet-deepak-bhojraj-man-who-designs-film-posters-85156|title=Kollywood's pin-up boy: Meet Deepak Bhojraj, the man who designs film posters|work=[[The News Minute]]|date=21 July 2018|first=Nandhu|last=Sundaram|access-date=9 October 2024}}</ref>

The film performed modestly at the box office with average collections reported.<ref name="D">{{Cite web |last=Poornima |date=19 April 2003 |title=Dhool, the only real Tamil hit |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/apr/19south.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506043330/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/apr/19south.htm |archive-date=6 May 2018 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="S" /> Producer Vikram Singh revealed that he lost money producing the film although he felt it was worth it due to the film's unique script.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 May 2002 |title=Working to a professional script |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/05/30/stories/2002053002720200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125065138/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/05/30/stories/2002053002720200.htm |archive-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> Jeeva later stating he felt the film had not been properly promoted and could have done better business if it had been.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2007 |title=The director's cut |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-directors-cut/article2247185.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013061855/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-directors-cut/article2247185.ece |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

The appearance of Sunil Shetty in a prominent role led the filmmakers to dub the film in Hindi as ''Do Raaste 12B'' ({{Translation|Two ways 12B}}) in 2005.<ref name="New Straits" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://search.worldcat.org/title/62364609|title=Do raaste 12B &#124; WorldCat.org|website=[[WorldCat]]|access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref> A Telugu dubbed version was released after being planned in October 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2005 |title=12B in Telugu next month |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news264.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819211152/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news264.html |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=23 May 2024 | website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_shaam_2009.php |title=Stars : Star Interviews : Excl: Interview with Shaam |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |access-date=2024-10-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231113257/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_shaam_2009.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Hindi dubbed version was released in Germany in 2007 under the title ''Buslinie 12B – Was wäre wenn?'' ({{Translation|Bus route 12B – What if?}}) with Shetty falsely promoted as the lead actor.<ref name="German"/>

== Reception ==
A critic from ''[[The Hindu]]'' said the film is like "moving through a maze, because for many it could be confusion confounded, at least for the most part of the first half". The critic added; "Shyam in the hero's garb is an apt choice and looks more like a [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]] clone and for a newcomer, Shyam is absolutely at ease in dance and fights" and "Simran does a commendable job in the climax".<ref name="Review" /> ''[[New Straits Times]]'' wrote; "The presence of Jyotika, Simran and Shyam saves this movie from boredom".<ref name="New Straits" /> ''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'' concluded its review; "full marks to the intention&nbsp;– considerably less for the execution", praised the film's performances and technical aspects and said a "drawback would be the languid pace—there is not enough tension built into the film and, for large chunks of time, the story remains static, with the result that you do not empathise with the characters". The reviewer said Simran's portrayal "continues with her policy of shifting gradually from glam roles to the more sedate, serious ones and proves to have what it takes".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=23 October 2001 |title=Movies: The 12B review |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/oct/23south.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118080623/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/oct/23south.htm |archive-date=18 January 2018 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref>

''[[Sify]]'' wrote; "Ultimately it is very difficult for the audience to understand this superficial tale, as they cannot follow the thin line between reality and imagination. It is total confusion". The reviewer praised the Jayaraj's music for the film.<ref name="Sify" /> Malini Mannath of ''Chennai Online'' opined that "But Jeeva steers his script deftly, and offers a film that is different, giving enough food for thought and room for discussion even after the film is over" but questioned the change from a female protagonist in ''Sliding Doors'' to a male protagonist.<ref name="Chennai Online"/> Visual Dasan of ''[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]]'' criticised the film's story (which he felt was similar to ''Sliding Doors'' and the 1999 German film ''[[Run Lola Run]]''), called both roles of Shaam confusing and felt bad for Simran taking up such a role. He praised Vivek's comedy, Harris Jayaraj songs and the director for trying to take up a unique subject for his debut film.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=தாசன் |first=விஷுவல் |date=14 October 2001 |title=12B |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2001-10-14/page/n97/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230326121436/https://archive.org/details/kalki2001-10-14/page/n97/mode/2up |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=26 April 2023 |magazine=[[Kalki (magazine)|Kalki]] |page=96 |language=ta |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> Asokan Nirmalarajah of the German site ''mannbeistfilm.de'' reviewing the Hindi dubbed version in 2007 wrote that "Debutant director Jeeva [...] is at his best especially in the down-to-earth musical sequences and uses the fresh, youthful, lively, very romantic songs by Harris Jeyaraj to make the film very dynamic and entertaining. This only applies to a limited extent for the rest of the film" but felt that the "what if?" aspect was already explored in films such as ''[[Blind Chance]]'' (1987), ''Sliding Doors'' and ''Run Lola Run''.<ref name="German"/>

== References ==
{{reflist|refs=<ref name="rediff">{{Cite web |last=Rajitha |date=14 August 2001 |title=Movies: Of bus routes and love |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/14bus.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223073844/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/14bus.htm |archive-date=23 February 2020 |access-date=23 February 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> 
}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}

{{Jeeva (director)}}

[[Category:2000s fantasy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2000s Indian films]]
[[Category:2000s romantic comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2001 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2001 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jeeva]]
[[Category:Films scored by Harris Jayaraj]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Jordan]]
[[Category:Indian fantasy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]]
[[Category:Indian remakes of American films]]
[[Category:Indian remakes of British films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic fantasy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Unofficial film adaptations]]