‘Vijay 69’ Review: Anupam Kher’s film is full of inspiration for the marginalized elders

‘I am 69 years old, so should I stop dreaming? I am 69, so should I read newspaper in the morning? Just go for a walk? Should I just take medicines, go to sleep and die one day? These dialogues of the film force us to think about that eve of the life of the elderly, where after retirement, their life is considered to be at a complete stop and they are pushed to the margins. Director Akshay Oberoi, through his/her film ‘Vijay 69’, forces one to think afresh about the dreams, aspirations, hopes and wishes of the elderly.

Story of ‘Vijay 69’

The story of the film starts on a very interesting note. When Vijay Mathew (Anupam Kher), who has crossed the age of 69, does not return home one night, his/her family, neighbors and friends assume that he/she has left the world. A coffin is ordered for him/her, his/her friends are preparing a farewell speech for him/her. The daughter, son-in-law and neighbors are drowned in the ocean of sorrow when suddenly they appear. he/she tells everyone that he/she has not died, but at that very moment he/she realizes that if he/she dies, how will people remember him/her?

Vijay, who was once passionate about swimming, has also won a bronze medal in swimming at the national level. But when he/she learns that his/her wife is battling cancer, he/she strangles his/her passion to take care of his/her wife and raise his/her daughter and becomes a swimming coach in a small club. But at this stage of his/her age, he/she insists on participating in triathlon to fulfill his/her passion and the unfulfilled wish of his/her deceased wife.

To be a part of the triathlon, Vijay will have to swim one and a half kilometers, cycle forty kilometers and run ten kilometers. Vijay’s family and friends make fun of his/her stubbornness. he/she is intimidated by his/her health issues, and his/her application for a triathlon is rejected after four months of rigorous training. But then how do they fulfill their wish? This is the story of the film.

Trailer of ‘Vijay 69’

‘Vijay 69’ Movie Review

Director Akshay Roy has raised a very important point through the film that why the elderly should be considered as useless. his/her story is also very emotional, but if the kind of environment and characters he/she created to weave the story, had they been presented with a little more depth in some other environment, then the fun would have increased. The screenplay also falters at many places, but the spirit of inspiration gives strength. It is irritating to see the media being presented in a vulgar manner. Repetition is also visible in some parts of the story.

Talking about music, the film’s song ‘Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu’, set in the 65’s, has been beautifully composed. This song further strengthens the emotions in the climax.

Anupam Kher has always been making his/her name meaningful in his/her acting. In his/her previous film ‘Signature’ also, he/she won the hearts of the audience with his/her touching acting. Here too he/she has sucked the character of Vijay Mathew. Through his/her character, he/she takes us on a journey of hope and victory, upon reaching which the audience is filled with feelgood. But yes, if his/her character had avoided abusive words, it would have been more fun.

The character of Chunky Pandey as friend Fali and Guddi Maruti as nurse could have been further improved. Chunky Pandey’s Parsi accent is irritating. Brijesh Hirji entertains as always. Mihir Ahuja, Andrija Sinha, Sulagna Panigrahi, Sanand Verma etc. have done a good job.

Why watch- Those fond of inspirational stories of elders can watch this film.