Vijay 69 sets out with a premise that should resonate universally — a story of perseverance, second chances, and the determination to break through societal constraints. Anupam Kher headlines as the titular Vijay, a 69-year-old retired club swimming coach, training for a triathlon, the film tries to challenge the typical narrative surrounding ageing and ambitions. Directed by Akshay Roy (known for the incredible 2017 film, Meri Pyaari Bindu), the movie seems like it has all the right ingredients, but somewhere along the way, it loses its momentum.
Brave Yet Predictable Plot
Vijay 69 is designed as an inspiring, slice-of-life story centred around the idea that it is never too late to chase dreams. Vijay is a man who refuses to accept the limitations of age. When faced with a health scare and the weight of his past regrets, he decides to take on a triathlon challenge, defying his family’s and society’s expectations. The core message is uplifting — pushing beyond stereotypes and embracing a new phase of life with vigor. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the film suffers from predictability. The script, though well-meaning, fails to offer any surprises. The plot moves in a chronology, filled with the usual hurdles and emotional beats you’d expect in such a feel-good narrative. The storytelling leans heavily on melodrama, making it more of a motivational anecdote than a gripping narrative.
Roy’s approach to Vijay 69 is safe, almost too much so. This lack of innovation makes the film feel like a missed opportunity. It is visually pleasing, with bright, sunny sequences during the training montages that evoke a sense of hope. However, the cinematography by Sahil Bharadwaj falls into predictable patterns, seldom venturing beyond conventional shot compositions.
Anupam Kher’s Stellar Turn
If there is one element that stands out, it is Anupam Kher’s performance. Kher embodies Vijay with sincerity, capturing both the physical vulnerability and the spirited resilience of a man refusing to go gently into old age. His comedic timing brings levity to the role, and he manages to inject warmth into scenes that would otherwise fall flat due to formulaic writing.
Supporting actors, including the funniest Chunky Pandey (who plays Vijay’s friend, Fali) and Mihir Ahuja (who made his debut last year with Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film, Archies), do their part, but they often feel underutilized. The film fails to explore the depth of its characters, focusing more on Vijay’s journey without giving much room for the secondary cast to shine. This creates a somewhat one-dimensional world where everyone exists merely to react to Vijay’s decisions, rather than adding meaningful layers to the story.
Should You Watch It?
Vijay 69 aspires to be an uplifting narrative about challenging the status quo and proving that age is just a number. Anupam Kher’s dedicated performance keeps the film afloat, but the uninspired direction and predictable screenplay weigh it down. It’s the kind of movie you might watch on a lazy afternoon for some light motivation, but it’s unlikely to leave a deep impression once the credits roll. Ultimately, the film feels like a missed opportunity. It has the right premise and the right lead actor, but it settles for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence. It’s heartwarming, but it’s also frustratingly safe, never quite living up to its potential.
You can watch Vijay 69 on Netflix.
