Club 60

Club 60 is a tranquil gem that brims with sheer warmth, humanity, and humor. Released in 2013, the movie stars acting powerhouse, the late Farooq Shaikh and versatile actress Sarika Thakur, along with an ensemble cast including Raghubir Yadav, Satish Shah, and Tinu Anand.

The title Club 60 comes from the name of a group in the film formed by its characters, which forms the central motif around which the narrative unfolds. The group, Club 60, is essentially a group of fun-loving, zestful misfits in their sixties who believe in living each day to the fullest, even at an age considered generally for retirement and tranquility.

Farooq Shaikh portrays Dr. Tariq Sheikh, a successful neurosurgeon living in Pune, whose life takes a turn for the worse after an unfortunate incident. He and his wife, played by Sarika, both slip into a depressed state, grappling with their loss. The agony of their loss reflects in their personalities and their lives come to standstill. Their characters are a stark contrast to Club 60 members who have also faced hardships but have chosen to live life on their own terms, despite age or circumstances, exemplifying that age is only a number and life can be lived happily if chosen to.

They move to Mumbai, for a change of surroundings where they are introduced to a new neighbor Mr. Mannu (Raghuvir Yadav), who coercively drags our introverted couple into Club 60's lively activities. The movie subtly portrays the contrast between their morose loneliness and the Club 60’s vivacious cheerfulness.

As the narrative progresses, we see a friendship blooming between the members of the club and Dr. Tariq and his wife. Club 60 pushes the melancholic couple out of their comfort zone, making them face the reality that life indeed moves on. The movie beautifully showcases their journey, through the turbulence of their grief-stricken life towards acceptance and healing with the help of their newfound friends.

What elevates the film's narrative further is the strong performances from the ensemble cast consisting of Satish Shah, Tinu Anand, and Sharad Saxena, who add multiple hues to the narrative through their respective character arcs. Satish Shah is wonderful as a comic relief. Tinu Anand and Sharad Saxena brilliantly manage to deliver equal doses of humor and introspection, thereby adding a unique charm to the narrative.

Director Sanjay Tripathi, known for his award-winning short films and documentaries, makes an impressive feature film debut with Club 60. He weaves an emotional story, interspersed with doses of light-hearted moments that leave the audience with lessons to ponder upon even beyond the movie.

Club 60's real victory lies in its ability to touch upon a sensitive theme without losing its warmth and spirit of life. It wonderfully strikes a balance, from being emotionally stirring while maintaining an appealing lightheartedness. There is drama, but it's expertly tempered with laughter, which makes it an enjoyable watch.

The film's music, composed by Pramit Gedhami, perfectly complements the narrative, adding a perfect blend of light and serious elements to the narrative. The songs are soulful and manage to enhance the thematic tone of the film.

Yet, the movie never becomes preachy or tries to impose its ideas. Instead, it invites the audience to cherish the roller coaster called life. It subtly proffers a comforting message of hope, acceptance, friendship and warmth, subtly wrapped in humor.

Definitely watch Club 60 if you're in the mood for a meaningful, touching and insightful film - it manages to be an emotional as well as a feel-good film without falling into the trap of being overly melodramatic. It's a tender tale of finding happiness in unexpected places and situations, and learning to live with a never-too-late philosophy.