A middle-aged love story, a bold critique of patriarchy, and a dash of Karan Johar’s romance formula—Aap Jaisa Koi (Netflix, July 11) mixes sweetness with social commentary. Starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, and directed by Vivek Soni, the film promises soul, style, and substance… but does it deliver?
Synopsis & Premise
- Shrirenu Tripathi (Madhavan), a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher in Jamshedpur, still single, meets Madhu Bose (Fatima), a free-spirited Bengali French instructor from Kolkata.
- Their arranged-courting blossoms—until Madhu’s past shatters the illusion.
- What starts as a romantic rom-com turns into a drama exploring gender norms, fidelity, and emotional reckoning.
Positives
Strong Lead Chemistry & Performances
- Netizens call their pairing “unbelievably good,” praising Madhavan’s heartfelt portrayal and Fatima’s spirited presence.
- Many label the film a “must-watch” for its slow-burn charm and refreshing take on modern relationships .
Progressive Themes
- The screenplay tackles patriarchy directly—calling out male privilege and societal expectations in a time of shifting norms .
Stylish & Pacy With Strong Technicals
- Stylish cinematography captures both Kolkata’s charm and Jamshedpur’s simplicity; a crisp 115-minute runtime keeps things moving.
- Sound design (“Jab Tu Sajan”, “Mila Tujhe”) blends visual poetry with musical grounding.
What’s Less Convincing
Preachy Second Half
- The film shifts abruptly from rom-com to lecture—many felt the feminist messaging felt forced and didn’t fit naturally.
- Some critics call the tonal shift jarring in contrast to the breezy first half .
Thin Character Arcs
- Madhu’s past is revealed late, without proper emotional unpacking—audiences felt let down by sudden plot conveniences.
- Supporting characters, including family members, aren’t always given enough room to evolve meaningfully .
Familiar Plot Tropes
- Critics say the film feels “Rocky Aur Rani… Lite”—pretty, heartfelt, but not surprising.
- The repetitive storyline of a “woman changing man” ranked as a lazy trope in some reviews .
Voices from the Audience
- Must-watch approval:
“Aap Jaisa Koi is a sweet surprise… R. Madhavan & Fatima shine… must‑watch for romance lovers!” - Criticisms of preachiness:
“A forced & ineffective lecture on feminism ruins a sweet rom-com.” - Balancing act:
“Tackles men’s belief it’s their birthright to ‘allow’—sharp commentary! But conflict feels forced; chemistry awkward.”
Jay-Ho! Streaming Wisdom
For Fans of Nostalgic Rom-Coms:
- The film delivers heartwarming scenes, charming pairings, and emotional payoffs reminiscent of early-2000s Bollywood.
For Viewers Seeking Depth:
- It makes strong feminist statements—but the execution may feel too on-the-nose, especially toward the end.
For Madhavan & Fatima Followers:
- Both shine individually. Madhavan brings warm vulnerability, Fatima radiates modern strength—but their chemistry fluctuates.
Final Verdict
Aap Jaisa Koi is good, not great.
- Strengths: Stylish direction, solid technical work, and courageous themes.
- Weaknesses: A preachy shift in tone, abrupt plot turns, and dramatic predictability.
Ultimately:
- 3.5/5 stars for its charm, performances, and intention.
- If you’re open to a socially conscious rom-com with visual flair and heartfelt moments, it’s worth a look.
- But if you crave emotional consistency and narrative originality, set your expectations realistically.
Final Note
This film isn’t just a love story—it’s a conversation starter. And while it may not hit perfectly on every note, it leaves you thinking—and maybe, just maybe, more aware. If that appeals to you: hit play.
