Vijay 69
Rating – **** (4/5)
Cast: Anupam Kher, Chunky Panday, Mihir Ahuja, Guddi Maruti, Sulagna Panigrahi & more
Directed by: Akshay Roy
Streaming on Netflix
Vijay 69, directed by Akshay Roy, brings a refreshing twist to the genre of underdog stories, anchored by Anupam Kher’s remarkable performance as Vijay Matthew, a 69-year-old attempting to shatter age-old beliefs about aging and achievement. Set against the backdrop of a triathlon per se, the film explores the unexpected journey of an older man challenging societal notions that define a “productive” life, blending humor, heart, and insight in ways that are both moving and subtly inspiring.
From the outset, Vijay 69 makes it clear that it’s not interested in the predictable tropes typical of feel-good dramas. Vijay is a man with a normal past, but as he faces his later years, he realizes he has little in terms of recent accomplishments—apart from memories of a medal he once won in his youth. In a cinematic landscape that often glorifies youthful ambition and conventional success, this story stands apart, celebrating persistence, relationships, and small victories instead of climactic wins.
Kher’s Vijay is a deeply layered character, full of charm, vulnerability, and conviction. He cussee and almost too often but it isn’t about that because the film finds humor in his unorthodox journey and touches of melancholy in his life’s quiet moments, such as his enduring love for his late wife, Anna. Their relationship, though one-sided due to her absence, casts a shadow that both comforts and haunts Vijay, giving the film a contemplative depth. As Vijay navigates daily life, viewers witness his devotion to Anna through subtle, beautifully executed moments, which reflect how love can linger and influence us long after someone is gone.
Vijay’s relationship with his daughter offers another emotional thread in the film. She is often exasperated by his stubbornness and tendency to take on grand challenges, yet it’s evident that her frustration stems from concern and love. Their dynamic is tender and believable, capturing the delicate push and pull of adult children trying to balance support and independence for their aging parents. Roy’s direction shines in these quiet moments, underscoring the complexity of family bonds without exaggerating the sentiment.
One of the film’s strengths is its portrayal of Vijay’s friendships, particularly with his peer group. Among them is Chunky Panday, who plays a Parsi character with a bit of comedic excess, creating a contrast to Vijay’s grounded earnestness. While Panday’s performance occasionally veers into caricature, it ultimately complements the warmth of the story, serving as a reminder of how friends bring levity and balance to our lives, even when they don’t always “get” us.
Mihir Ahuja’s portrayal of a young competitor in the triathlon introduces a poignant generational angle to the narrative. Their rivalry turns into a friendship which you find yourself rooting for and being about human connection and empathy more than anything else. The triathlon isn’t just a physical challenge but a metaphor for the endurance needed to navigate the various stages of life, especially when society’s expectations seem to dim as the years pass. Vijay’s perseverance in the face of physical and emotional barriers brings a quiet dignity to the character, illustrating that resilience doesn’t diminish with age; it transforms.
Roy’s direction imbues the triathlon scenes with a mix of tension and quiet elegance, refusing to turn obstacles into melodrama. Each of Vijay’s hurdles feels authentic—he’s not magically overcoming each challenge but doing so through grit and determination that mirrors the experience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. By resisting the impulse to indulge in over-the-top triumphalism, the film maintains a realistic tone that draws audiences into Vijay’s struggles and makes his achievements, however modest, resonate more deeply.
At the center of this film’s success is Anupam Kher. At 69, Kher shoulders the film with remarkable poise, his performance grounded in nuance rather than spectacle. He breathes life into Vijay’s struggles, delivering a performance that is both understated and powerful. Rather than attempting to defy his age through feats of athleticism alone, he imbues Vijay with a spirit that defies age through humor, and unyielding determination. Kher’s portrayal subtly reminds us that accomplishment isn’t measured solely by accolades but by the depth of one’s purpose and the resilience with which one pursues it.
While the film occasionally dips into lighthearted, predictable humor—particularly in some of Panday’s scenes—these moments serve to relieve tension rather than detract from the story’s weight. Every character, even those with limited screen time, feels essential, contributing to a narrative that values community and connection as much as individual ambition.
In the end, Vijay 69 resonates mostly due to how it taps into a universal desire to live a meaningful life, regardless of age. Roy’s directorial approach allows us to see Vijay not merely as an aging man chasing a challenge, but as a person reconnecting with life, friends, and family. His journey isn’t simply about proving something to others; it’s about rekindling a spark within himself and inspiring those around him, from his closest relationships to the audiences watching his story unfold.
Vijay 69 serves as a touching reminder of the importance of dreams at any age and the courage it takes to pursue them, even when they seem unattainable. The film’s triumph lies in its balanced storytelling, heartfelt performances, and a refusal to shy away from the complexities of aging. In portraying Vijay’s quest, the film reminds us that the most challenging races are often the ones we run not against others but within ourselves, making every step toward the finish line a triumph in its own right.
