Vijay 69

"Vijay 69," directed by Akshay Roy, is a slice-of-life film featuring Anupam Kher as Vijay Mathew, a former athlete and swimming coach who sacrificed his career for his terminally ill wife. Now older, Vijay feels unfulfilled and decides to participate in a triathlon despite limited support from his daughter and society. The movie highlights his strong friendship with Fali (played by Chunkey Pandey) and his unexpected bond with a young rival athlete, Aditya (Mihir Ahuja), showcasing friendship's power beyond age.

While the film stumbles in its early scenes with TV-like production and forced humor, it becomes compelling as Vijay begins his journey. Kher's performance, especially in the triathlon scenes, is a standout, capturing Vijay's determination and resilience. Pandey adds humor, while Sahil Bhardwaj's cinematography brings intensity to the triathlon. Despite some overdramatized moments, the film leaves a positive impression with its message about second chances and seizing the day.

Vijay 69 (2024) : Movie Review -

Anupam Kher plays a 69-year-old Buddha, aka Jawan (not Shah Rukh Khan's film), aka Robert De Niro from the Intern (2015), in Vijay 69. This is a tale of passion we all have at 19, but at 69. Now don't get any wrong ideas with the 69 number, as here we have a cross connection but in a friendly manner. Though it's a film of a man at 69, it also includes an 18-year-old boy who learns a lot from this 69 fella and makes this rivalry look much better than many friendship tales we see in today's times. The film has some fine emotional segments but is harmed by the absurd humour and comical packaging. Did it have to be that funny, I mean in almost every single scene? My answer is NO.

Vijay is a 69-year-old Buddha who has achieved nothing in his life as such. Feeling a bit ashamed of himself, he decides to participate in triathlon and make a record for the eldest man ever to complete all tasks in this competition. In the same colony, we have an 18-year-old boy named Aditya (Mihir Ahuja) taking part in the same competition, and he aims to be the youngest one. This eldest vs. Youngest rivalry turns into a beautiful friendship during the training period, but things still go wrong with Vijay. He has to fight all odds, be it family members, his enemies, medical reports and tests, or sponsorship; can he do that?

Akshay Roy and Abbas Tyrewala have written a decent script that tackles a beautiful subject, but it doesn't really become unique. Vijau has anger issues, as if he's taken his name seriously by watching Amitabh Bachchan movies. He may not be that "Vijay Dinanath Chauhan," but he's sort of close to it considering his age. Using Chuuu word often is a common thing for him, and telecasting it is not an issue because it is "Netflix." Vijay may be the same fella as Robert De Niro from "The Intern," who starts a new career after retirement, but instead of a normal job, Vijay chooses something that is nearly impossible, if not completely impossible (I hope Niro sees it and hugs his friend Kher for this). Like Uunchai (2022), we have those slope climbing scenes, and as expected, Vijay (there was a different Vijay) is struggling to breathe and is low on stamina. All that has become a cliche to be taken seriously. Vijay 69 suffers from this very issue, and then there is its absurd and overly funny humour, which just doesn't stop coming.

Speaking of performances, Anupam Kher has done well. There is not much love for this legend to achieve, but he is still doing so well-putting even young generation actors at shame who are so lazy with the character-driven roles nowadays. Mihir Ahuja is that "my kind of fella," you know, something that many boys go through at the age of 18. He has also done a fine job, that too after standing in front of a giant like Anupam Kher. Chunky Panday's character is relatable, but like I said, the absurd humour doesn't leave any soul in it. It was a pleasure seeing Guddi Maruti, our 90s famous comic girl, back again on screen, and however overexposed her character was, you all feel good for her in the end. Sulagana Panigrahi and the rest of the supporting cast were decent with their roles.

Vijay 69 could have avoided the overuse of comedy and abuses to make it more emotional. In the pre-climax scene, Vijay's daughter comes to him and finally shows her support, and they both get teary-eyed. That was an emotional scene, but you don't feel emotional because the atmosphere is ruined by the absurd humour already. The same goes to many other good scenes, which would have looked much better if the presentation was a little serious. Akshay Roy should have been more sensible because drama is a much more powerful and sensitive genre than comedy. Comedy doesn't have to make any sense, but drama does; we all know that. So, keep them apart and keep them within limits. Don't overuse them and merge them to waste the individual potential of both. Vijay 69 will be an example for others to follow this basic formula. Rest, the technical aspects are fine, right from cinematography, sound design, editing, to production design. Overall, a decent film for the people who are looking for that "one single chance" in the second innings of their lives. Cheers to 69!

RATING - 5/10*

Vijay 69 is a very touching movie..amazing acting by the entire cast esp. Anupam Kher and Chunky Pandey..it has a lot of fun moments esp the cussing by the members with each other in a light hearted manner...good storyline and screenplay..keeps you invested in the movie till the end...very good message about enjoying life n about age being just a number...very relevant in today's times where kids give up/ignore their parents in old age n don't feel emotionally connected to them at all. Hope it inspires us to take effort to collect with our parents in their old age and make them feel relevant and important.

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.