What Is the Story About?
Vijay, a former swimming coach, steps out of his home one night and doesn’t return, only for the world to presume he’s dead. Much to everyone’s shock, he miraculously arrives, driven by a renewed zest for life. Out of the blue, he decides to participate in a triathlon, much to the shock of his family and friends. He also has competition within his neighbourhood – an 18-year-old boy Aditya.
Performances?
Anupam Kher infuses life into the portrayal of a determined Vijay, who defies age and societal norms. While he’s every bit sincere in mirroring the protagonist’s lion-hearted spirit, the inconsistent characterisation is a minor deterrent. Chunky Pandey is entertaining in a brief yet crucial role of a supportive friend, standing by Vijay, come what may.
The Archies, Made in Heaven actor Mihir Ahuja has a likeable screen presence and shares a warm camaraderie with Anupam Kher. Sulagna Panigrahi gets a raw deal as the ever-weepy daughter. Guddi Maruti, Vrajesh Hirjee chip in with decent performances while Ravish Desai, Dharmendra Gohil, Ketika Sharma are strictly okay in largely forgettable, one-note roles.
Analysis
Anupam Kher, who recently starred in a Saransh-like film – The Signature – a tale of elderly helplessness and parental neglect, is now back in a more vibrant avatar with Vijay 69. Leading production house YRF’s direct-to-OTT film, directed by Meri Pyari Bindu-fame Akshay Roy is a heart-warming saga of a 69-year-old man’s quest to fulfil his dreams, unaffected by consistent setbacks and societal norms.
The film, positioned as a dramedy, has a rather amusing start. When Vijay doesn’t return home for a day, he is believed to be dead. A baffled Vijay returns to clear the air about his whereabouts. However, the event reminds him of a promise he’d made to his wife—to live life to the fullest when she’s not around. The world around him isn’t too pleased as he tries his hand at a triathlon.
The story’s primary concern is age-shaming—Vijay doesn’t want to subscribe to stereotypes and confine himself to his house after retirement. We witness flashes of his failed swimming dreams in the past and how he is forced to settle down as a small-time coach instead. However, Vijay is not someone who’d lament over his past and wants to make the most of the time ahead.
Except for select friends, a hot-tempered Vijay doesn’t receive much support after he voices his interest in participating in a triathlon. He is also asked to clear a fitness test to prove his readiness for the event. In the same neighbourhood, he finds an unexpected ally in an 18-year-old Aditya, who pushes himself hard to be the youngest Indian to have finished a triathlon.
While the film’s intent is to be a warm hug to everyone who doesn’t want to let age come in the way of their dreams, the screenplay is structured like a hare and a tortoise story (no prizes for guessing the parallels). The tortoise is slow, steady, and determined while the rabbit is energetic, raging and surprisingly willing to lend a helping hand too.
Vijay 69 has its heart at the right place but keeps changing its tone quickly – alternating from satire, humour to drama without making much impact. Despite the best of efforts, everything falls in place too easily for the protagonist to chase his dreams – some of his saviours are a young friend at a hospital, his marketing executive girlfriend, an influential caretaker neighbour and an old acquaintance.
The domestic situation within Vijay’s household, the frequent tussles with his daughter aren’t exactly arresting and the humour is too juvenile to warrant interest. There’s no proper closure to Aditya’s subplot and the father’s desperation for the son’s success. Even in the supposedly dramatic climax, where Asha Bhosle’s Aage Bhi plays out beautifully in the background, Vijay 69 plays safe and is painted with broad strokes, with convenient liberties.
The drama is certainly worth a watch for Anupam Kher, but better writing could’ve made it more memorable.
Music and Other Departments?
Gaurav Chatterji’s score is decent, bringing more joy and meaning to the proceedings. Cinematographer Sahil Bharadwaj does what’s expected of him though a handful of decisions by editor Manas Mittal remain debatable. Akshay Roy and Abbas Tyrewala’s dialogues are reasonable, if not brilliant and could’ve benefited from more substance.
Highlights?
Feel-good premise
Anupam Kher’s performance
Vibrant take on ageism
Drawbacks?
Too many cinematic liberties
Lack of a strong conflict in Vijay’s journey
Devoid of emotional impact
Did I Enjoy It?
In parts
Will You Recommend It?
Only if you’re a fan of Anupam Kher or you like family dramas
Vijay 69 Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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