Vijay 69

The movie depicts a very simple story of Vijay, who's age is 69 and who gets very upset looking at his eulogy written by his friend. He wants to write something special which tells his entire life and what achievements he made. Fun loving, simple family drama but giving a very precious message. Age doesn't matter, every human in this world deserves his/her identity which is like a base of life. Everyone doesn't get a chance to achieve whatever they want in their young age but as it is said there is no time for any good thing to happen. Hence nobody should loose hope and keep trying until last.

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.

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*

It is a movie that tries to inspire you to achieve some thing great in life and shows that age is a just number if you aspire to make great things in life. Won't say it is a new concept but is a fun watch that doesn't bore you. It has many funny moments that makes you happy and tries to keep you engrossed in the movie.

Loved the chemistry between Anupam Kher and Chunky Pandey, both have acted well and are soul of the movie. On negative side didn't like the climax and the recommendation of minister to re-instate Vijay in the last moment that portion could have certainly be written differently, takes away the whole experience away.

But overall nice movie that makes you happy.

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.