Aap Jaisa Koi review: Madhavan-Fatima’s love story is a dull Rocky Aur Rani

Aap Jaisa Koi wants to be bold, progressive, and conversation-starting. But somewhere between intent and execution, this R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh film loses its spark.

It’s important for cinema to start conversations about things that matter – smashing the patriarchy, demanding gender equality, understanding that marriage is not for everyone, or simply exploring second chances in life. It’s beautiful when cinema does that. But it has to be done seamlessly. The more organic it feels, the more powerful it becomes and that’s where ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ falls short.

The R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh-starrer is an age-appropriate love story that tries to say something meaningful, but ends up feeling like a faded version of ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’ – both from Karan Johar’s creative universe. Both films deal with similar themes – a culture clash, a deeply patriarchal household, and a relationship between two people who come from drastically different worlds.

The story follows Shrirenu Tripathi, a Jamshedpur-based Sanskrit professor – a virgin man in his 40s who never had the chance to fall in love, let alone get close to a woman. Sparks fly when he meets a 32-year-old Madhu Bose from Kolkata – a pretty, confident, modern woman who embraces her sexual agency just as much as she appreciates a shy, introverted man.

It’s an unlikely match. Two families collide, and just when things are supposed to feel celebratory, everything begins to fall apart. Dreams no longer seem colourful, and the heart is not smiling anymore.

The good thing about ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ is that it attempts to say something relevant. Director Vivek Soni wants to make you think -and that effort is commendable. But the delivery is far from perfect.

Patriarchy is a stone-age concept. Cinema that attempts to challenge it deserves appreciation. However, it needs to be woven into the narrative organically, without feeling forced. In ‘Aap Jaisa Koi‘, when things are happy, they feel almost exaggeratedly so – but when the cracks appear, it feels like everything comes crashing down out of nowhere. Honestly, the central conflict doesn’t look big enough, and the tension between the couple doesn’t convince. What’s worse is the awkward chemistry between Madhava and Fatima.

Both actors are bold and expressive in their individual performances, but together, something feels off – as if they are acutely aware of their age gap, their surroundings, or the emotional depth their characters are supposed to share but haven’t yet unpacked.

The film also tries to say too much. There’s a long-winded justification or rather glorification of an extra-marital affair, a father who’s a textbook patriarch, and several men who refuse to grow into progressive citizens.

And really, how many more times will Bollywood show women transforming men? The trope is counterproductive to the entire progressive narrative ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ is trying to push. A man’s personal growth – from being a sexist to a supportive partner – shouldn’t come at the cost of a woman’s heartbreak.

That said, one of the film’s strengths lies in its fantastic supporting cast. Namit Das brings both humour and heart, Manish Chaudhari plays the patriarch with chilling ease, and Ayesha Raza is reliably effective in her role. They lend depth and credibility to an otherwise patchy narrative.

‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ is an entertainer that makes sense in parts. However, it’s not the most effective or refined take on smashing the patriarchy. If ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’ was a vibrant, full-bodied cocktail of love, rebellion, and drama, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ feels like a watered-down version of the same recipe. Watchable – just keep your expectations in check.

The film is currently streaming on Netflix.