Anupam Kher’s new film, Vijay 69, tells the inspiring story of a 69-year-old man who takes on an extraordinary challenge, proving that age is no barrier to achieving dreams. The film isn’t perfect, but it delivers its message well: if you’re alive, there’s always time to dream. While young people often pursue big ambitions, Vijay 69 highlights that older individuals can also achieve remarkable things. The story centers around the belief that dreams don’t fade with age; in fact, they can grow even stronger.
The plot follows Vijay Mathew, a 69-year-old man who feels he hasn’t accomplished anything significant in his life. Determined to change that, he decides to compete in a triathlon, aiming to set a record as the oldest person to complete one. Along the way, he faces multiple obstacles, including health issues, family opposition, and restrictions from the triathlon committee. Will Vijay succeed? That’s what Vijay 69 reveals.
Anupam Kher is outstanding in the role, delivering an inspiring performance that resonates across all ages. His portrayal brings depth to Vijay’s character, motivating not only senior citizens but also younger viewers. Chunky Panday plays a supportive friend, adding humor and warmth with his Parsi accent and excellent comic timing. Guddi Maruti’s return to the screen is a treat, as her vibrant energy lights up every scene. Mihir Ahuja’s portrayal of a young friend to Vijay is heartwarming, and their chemistry adds richness to the film. Other supporting cast members also do well, although their roles are brief.
The movie doesn’t feature any new songs but effectively uses the classic “Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu” from Waqt (1965), which complements the film’s inspirational tone.
However, Vijay 69 stumbles with some forced humor and melodrama, which don’t always connect emotionally. Like many films today, it tries to blend realism with commercial elements, but the humor sometimes falls flat. Anupam Kher’s frequent swearing may raise some eyebrows, as it seems to rely on shock value for laughs—a trend common in recent Bollywood films.
Director Akshay Roy’s work is effective in parts, successfully delivering the film’s core message. Some emotional scenes lack impact, but Roy’s direction shines when he takes a balanced approach.
Despite its shortcomings, the story has a powerful core, and the film’s message about keeping dreams alive is inspiring. The friendship between a 69-year-old man and an 18-year-old, as well as the depiction of the struggles and mindset of senior citizens, is especially moving. The film also touches on family dynamics, showing the bond between aging parents and their children.
The screenplay drags in places, causing the film to lose momentum at times. Some scenes feel slow, while others are engaging and offer life lessons. The dialogue is powerful in parts, with lines that resonate deeply.
Overall, Vijay 69 is a film with something for everyone, delivering a meaningful message: that as long as we keep dreaming, we stay young at heart. It’s a reminder that there’s no expiration date on dreams. YRF hardly disappoints with low-budget films, and Vijay 69 proves it once again. Vijay 69 is a decent one-time watch, streaming directly on Netflix—a rare treat, considering the amount of subpar films on OTT platforms these days.
Rating – 3/5*
