Vijay 69

In Vijay 69, Anupam Kher plays a retired elderly widower who begins to feel like a bit small, ashamed and unaccomplished when he looks at himself through the perceived eyes of society with no significant achievements to boast about or legacy to be remembered for. Some initial confusion results in his family and friends thinking that Anupam's character has taken his own life and even though his friends and family admire him for dedicating his life to teaching swimming to children, when new community members question what his real job was, he starts to question his life choices. He decides to make a difference.

After a brief search for feats that he can strive to achieve, he decides to become India's oldest Triathlete and compete in a state triathlon event. The movie follows Kher's Vijay as he tries to raise money, spirit and strength to compete in the event. He faces stiff resistance from his daughter, the sports organization and a competitive neighbor whose son is trying to become India's youngest triathlete. There are some amusing and entertaining moments that happen as Vijay tries to make a difference and create his legacy. Will he be able to jump over various hurdles and cross the finish line or at 69 or will his family, friends, doctors, society and fitness stop him from even running for his legacy.

Anupam Kher is very believable and does a good job through most of the movie but there are moments in the movie especially during the climax when the emotional needle of his performance moves from dramatic to overly melodramatic. I think this is more about the director's style and (in)experience than Kher's acting. Just like the signature, Vijay 69 looses steam right before the final act which is very unfortunate since it has all the right components to deliver a knockout punch. This is yet again another movie where Kher's performance is pulled down by inconsistent direction and mediocre acting by his supporting cast. Mihir Ahuja is pretty good as India's youngest triathlete but Chunky Pandey is OK and does get a bit over the top and cringeworthy in some scenes. The other actors dont get much screen time and hence cant make any impact.

This is a movie worth watching for the simple, relatable and emotional story, Kher's acting for most of the movie and some light humor and fun. A good and simple movie....could have been better. 7/10 for the movie and Kher's performance.

A decent feel good movie with a few moments to smile. Anupamkher's acting is good and the combo with chunkey pandey makes you realise you need that one good friend who is always there for you. The story was good and there are no over the top drama and sequences. There is a deeper meaning the movie tries to convey about life which ever human being knows and does not do anything about it. There are no songs in the movie which helps with the momentum of the movie and makes it more close to a real life movie.

Overall definitely a one time watch movie with family except for a few words here and there.

Vijay 69 is a heartwarming and humorous sports drama that challenges the stereotypes associated with aging, proving that dreams truly don't have an expiry date.

The film follows Vijay Mathew (Anupam Kher), a 69-year-old former athlete who, driven by a promise to his late wife, decides to tackle a seemingly impossible goal: completing a triathlon at his age. In his journey, Vijay must confront his own physical and mental limitations, but he's not alone. With the unwavering support of his eccentric yet loyal friends, Vijay embarks on a life-affirming adventure that's as humorous as it is moving.

Anupam Kher delivers a standout performance as Vijay. At 69 himself, Kher brings rare authenticity to the role, playing a character who is equal parts stubborn, vulnerable, and inspiring. His portrayal captures the struggles of a man haunted by his past choices, driven by a need to accomplish something meaningful before it's too late. Kher's range is on full display, as he transitions from Vijay's unwavering determination to his poignant reflections on aging, making the journey emotionally impactful and relatable.

Chunky Pandey delivers a surprising and delightful comeback as Fali, Vijay's lifelong friend and biggest supporter. In a role filled with humor, warmth, and loyalty, Pandey's portrayal brings out the best in Vijay, reminding him (and us) of the importance of true friendship. Fali is more than just comic relief; he's the one who believes in Vijay's dream when no one else does, even helping him find the right coach and resources for his ambitious endeavor. Pandey's chemistry with Kher feels genuine and earned, making Fali a memorable and lovable character who reminds us of the friends who stick by us no matter what.

Sulagna Panigrahi delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Vijay's daughter. Her portrayal of a daughter torn between supporting her father's dreams and wanting to protect him adds an important emotional layer to the film, making the family dynamics deeply relatable.

Saanand Verma's electrifying screen presence as the journalist trying to bring Vijay down adds a thrilling layer of tension to the story. His sharp, driven energy keeps the audience on edge, expertly portraying a character who challenges Vijay while also exploring his own motivations. Verma's performance is one that commands attention, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess.

Vrajesh Hirjee brings his unique comedic style to the role, providing much-needed levity in the film. His impeccable timing and natural humor make him a standout in lighter moments, balancing the more dramatic beats of Vijay's journey.

Mihir Ahuja shines in a heartfelt performance, bringing sincerity and charm to his role. His portrayal of a key character who helps further Vijay's journey with understanding and determination adds emotional depth to the story.

While Vijay 69 may follow a familiar underdog story arc, the performances elevate the film, making it both inspiring and entertaining. Director Akshay Roy strikes a nice balance between the comedic and dramatic elements, crafting a film that speaks to viewers of all ages.

Watching Vijay's journey to self-rediscovery and physical accomplishment serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams, or to redefine what "success" means in life.

Terrible over-acting.. Especially Chunky.. was and will always be one of the worst.. Kher same old antics, contorted faces, yelling.. Of course, it's "tailored" to the Bharatiya audience, so can't blame someone trying to make a quick buck.. and allowing Chunky to get some desperate earning.. The core message is great, but why this utter waste of time if all the people involved in this venture?? Ahh.. comes back to the audience. Oh well, they got what they want (deserve). Sadly, nowadays 90% stuff from Bollywood is this same rubbish. My review could be done in 5-6:words, but I've to reach the target (pun intended).

Vijay 69 (2024), directed by Akshay Roy and streaming on Netflix, presents a heartwarming premise of a 69-year-old widower, Vijay, played by the legendary Anupam Kher, determined to conquer a triathlon. Backed by YRF Entertainment and Yash Raj Films, the movie sets out to deliver an inspirational slice-of-life story but struggles to break free from formulaic storytelling.

The film's premise, centered around a foul-mouthed yet endearing protagonist who rekindles his passion for swimming, holds promise on paper. However, the execution lacks the depth and creativity required to elevate it beyond a predictable narrative. From the start, it's clear that Vijay's journey will end in triumph, leaving little room for suspense or emotional stakes.

Anupam Kher's performance remains the film's standout feature. His ability to infuse humor, vulnerability, and determination into Vijay's character is commendable. Kher is the sole reason the movie retains any appeal, showcasing why he's considered a legend in Indian cinema. Unfortunately, even his stellar portrayal cannot rescue the film from its unimaginative storytelling.

The lack of narrative twists or fresh elements makes Vijay 69 feel like a missed opportunity. While the intention to inspire and uplift is clear, the film fails to truly engage, as the predictable plotline robs it of thrill and excitement. The movie ends up being a simple, feel-good story without much impact.

Rating: 5 - Watch Vijay 69 for Anupam Kher's heartfelt performance, but don't expect surprises or a gripping narrative. It's a film that plays it safe, delivering a mildly enjoyable but ultimately predictable experience.