Vijay 69 is a quirky Hindi drama, the fourth collaboration between Netflix and YRF. Written and directed by Akshay Roy, the 1 hour 52 min family entertainer brings a tale of self-discovery, second chances, and a triathlon that serves as both a goal and a metaphor for life.
Storyline
The film starts off in a hilarious manner: Vijay, an aggressive 69-year-old, is presumed dead, and his best friend Fali is delivering a heartfelt eulogy, reminiscing about Vijay’s glory days as a rummy player and a garba champ. But lo and behold, Vijay crashes his own memorial, scolding his friends and family for the goof-up and then Fali for underselling his legacy while reflecting on his life—or lack of one worth remembering. Sure, he’s a former bronze medalist in swimming, but what else?
Enter the triathlon—a grueling set of three races that a local 18-year-old boy Aditya is competing in, to set a record for being the youngest ever to complete it. After searching for options to add to his achievements, an inspired Vijay dives into research on the triathlon and decides to sign up, determined to prove he’s not just a relic of the past. What follows is a rollercoaster of challenges, from bureaucratic obstacles to outright ridicule. But with support from an unlikely mix of friends and foes, Vijay begins to prepare for the race of his life. His wife, whom he had lost to cancer years ago, cheers him on, with the song ‘Aage bhi..’ from an old movie playing in the background.
Will Vijay cross the finish line and reclaim his self-worth, or will he lose it all? Watch Vijay 69 to follow his predictable, somewhat heartwarming journey.
Our critique
Written and directed by Mudassar Aziz, this is a roller coaster ride where normal situations turn comic and light moments suddenly give rise to serious turns. Most of the sensitive moments in the movie have been treated well, barring one or two at the end.
The scene where Rishabh gives advice to his teenage daughter about her relationship is one of the highlights. A couple of scenes could have been edited; they drag.
The movie is a cocktail of emotions. Vijay’s training antics and attempts at sponsorships are laugh-out-loud moments, while his struggles with health and self-esteem tug at the heart-strings. Particularly memorable are scenes like Vijay climbing into his own casket for a moment of introspection, his challenge to the father of his grandson’s competitor in a swimming race and his growing bond with Aditya.
While the premise starts strong, the movie falters by sticking too rigidly to the triathlon plotline. In fact after the initial third of the movie, it starts dragging. Unlike the pulse-pounding cycle race in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar or the senior citizens’ adventure in Oonchai, the triathlon itself fails to deliver any thrill. The event feels oddly amateurish, as if anyone with a bit of luck and determination could finish it. The predictable ending doesn’t help either, leaving the conclusion a little too lukewarm to be satisfying. Camerawork and editing during the body-double scenes from the triathlon are too shoddy.
Screen performances
In terms of performances, Anupam Kher shines as Vijay, bringing an angry-old-man vibe and vulnerability in equal measure. Chunky Pandey as Fali tries to provide comic relief, but his eccentric antics get irritating after a point. It’s a treat to see Guddi Maruti on screen after a while and she does well. The supporting cast—Sulagna Panigrahi as Vijay’s daughter, Mihir Ahuja as Aditya, Vrajesh Hirjee as the quirky trainer, Anirban Bhattacharya as the doctor, and Dharmendra Gohil as Aditya’s father—add texture to the narrative.
Overall opinion
Despite a not-so-strong script, Vijay 69 is a decent watch. It thoughtfully nudges viewers to ponder their own legacies—what will people truly remember you for? It also subtly critiques the pressure insensitive parents put on their children.
Our rating:
