 "Netflix’s Vijay 69 Movie Review: Not just Anupam Kher, Chunky Panday too has smashed it with his comeback")
Language: Hindi
Director: Akshay Roy
Cast: Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey, Mihir Ahuja
How I am going to lead my retired life is completely my choice and nobody else can decide that for me. If I want to walk to the grave, I will… that’s exactly what 69 year-old Vijay played by Anupam Kher in the Netflix film thought.
This quirky slice-of-life sports drama on Netflix starts with Vijay’s (Anupam Kher) funeral being celebrated in a church. Chunky Pandey who plays the role of his friend reads out a list of things that Vijay is good at and there is nothing much in his list of achievements. He won a bronze medal at the national level during his younger days. But he had to give up active swimming for competitions and picked up the job of a coach in the neighbourhood club. He took this call when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and he had to look after his only daughter and wife.
Netflix’s Vijay 69 tells us that age is just a number. As his friends and family were celebrating his funeral, Vijay made a grand entry. He is actually not dead. He was busy drinking and went missing for a few days. Some said that he has probably committed suicide by jumping into the sea, but that isn’t the true story. He is a loving father, wife and a grandfather, but his friends have to say that he has got a ‘potty mouth’ as he is quick at picking up quarrels and can get acidic with his words.
Netflix’s Vijay 69, is an inspiring story not only for people who are retired or on the verge of retirement, but for youngsters too. The movie is immersive because dreams don’t have an expiry date. Vijay 69 will make you think why it is important to have friends like the way Vijay (Anupam Kher) has. Fali (Chunky Pandey) is a true god sent friend.
Chunky Pandey has truly smashed it with his comeback. When Vijay (Anupam Kher) decides to attempt a triathlon, his other friends think that with age he has probably gone bonkers, but it is only his dear friend Fali (Chunky Pandey) who has faith in his dream and supports him from getting the right coach, nutritionist and everything that is required for Vijay (Anupam Kher) to participate in the championship at his age. It’s an emotional yet a very humorous film. Though it is unrealistic, but it is an inspiring tale of passion.
Following the successes of The Railway Men, The Romantics and _Mahara_j, Vijay 69 is the fourth collaboration between Netflix and YRF Entertainment. No doubt, Vijay 69 is predictable to the core, but it does bring a smile to our face especially when we see our aging parents giving up on life.
Rating: 3 out of 5
WATCH the trailer of Netflix’s Vijay 69 here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the entertainment editor of Firtspost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes huge interest in world cinema. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until its a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.