Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Streaming on Netflix | Starring R. Madhavan & Fatima Sana Shaikh | Directed by Vivek Soni
If you’re in the mood for a mature, slice-of-life romance with a message, Aap Jaisa Koi might just be your next Netflix watch.
It brings together the quiet charm of R. Madhavan and the fiery energy of Fatima Sana Shaikh in a story that blends middle-aged love with modern values.
But while the heart is definitely in the right place, the film stumbles in execution, and that makes the ride a little bumpier than it needs to be.
Check out my full Aap Jaisa Koi review, where I break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether this Netflix love story is worth your weekend binge!
Aap Jaisa Koi Review:
Old-School Guy Meets Modern Girl
Meet Shrirenu Tripathi—a soft-spoken, 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher from Jamshedpur who’s more comfortable with ancient verses than dating apps. But thanks to his enthusiastic friend (played with flair by Namit Das), he decides to give love a shot.
Enter Madhu Bose, a bold and free-spirited French teacher from Kolkata, who’s a decade younger and bursting with confidence.
Played by Fatima Sana Shaikh, Madhu lights up the screen with her no-nonsense attitude and warm vulnerability.
Their worlds collide on a dating app, and soon they’re navigating everything from family drama to emotional baggage—plus a twist straight out of a vintage soap opera.
What Works: Strong Acting & Soothing Tunes
Let’s give credit where it’s due—R. Madhavan delivers another memorable performance.
As the slightly awkward but good-hearted Shrirenu, he brings depth and sincerity to the character.
His shy smiles, subtle gestures, and slow transformation make you root for him, even when his ideas are outdated.
Fatima Sana Shaikh holds her own, playing Madhu with fire and feeling.
Her lines about agency and independence are delivered with just the right amount of punch—never preachy, always personal.
Their scenes together feel grounded, even if the sparks don’t always fly.
And oh, the music? Absolute bliss.
From Jab Tu Sajan to Mila Tujhe, the songs are beautifully composed and carry that nostalgic Bollywood romance vibe.
Credit goes to Rochak Kohli and Justin Prabhakaran, with lyrics by Gurpreet Saini and Raj Shekhar.
The visuals, too, are a win—Kolkata and Jamshedpur are captured with soft colors and old-world charm, thanks to cinematographer Debojeet Ray.
Where It Falls Short: Message Overload
Here’s where things start to wobble: The second half tries too hard to be “woke.”
The film starts off strong with breezy, relatable moments.
But somewhere along the way, it begins pushing its feminist and social themes a little too forcefully.
Yes, we love a movie with a message—but here, the screenplay starts feeling more like a lecture than a love story. Characters break into monologues, and subtlety takes a backseat.
The twist near the climax (no spoilers!) feels out of place, like it was added just to raise the emotional stakes. It’s jarring and doesn’t blend well with the rest of the plot.
Chemistry Check: Sweet But Not Smoldering
While Madhavan and Shaikh both shine in solo moments, their romantic chemistry is a bit uneven.
Maybe it’s the age gap, or maybe the script doesn’t give them enough build-up—but their connection feels more friendly than fiery.
Still, there are a few tender scenes where their comfort with each other is evident—like when they walk by a river or share quiet glances during awkward silences.
You’ll want to root for them, even if you don’t fully feel their passion.
Good Intentions, Mixed Results
Aap Jaisa Koi clearly wants to be more than just a rom-com.
It aims to speak about gender roles, personal freedom, and growing love after 30.
And to some extent, it succeeds.
There’s a lovely moment where Shrirenu admits he never realized how much privilege he carried—it’s soft, moving, and real.
If only the film trusted more moments like that instead of spelling everything out.
Final Verdict: Watchable, With Caveats
Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Aap Jaisa Koi is a warm, well-acted love story with a lot on its mind. But it tries to do too much at once—part rom-com, part social commentary, part melodrama—and ends up feeling a bit messy.
Still, it’s worth a casual weekend watch—especially if you’re a fan of Madhavan, or just want to enjoy a few beautiful songs and emotional moments.
Stream it on Netflix, enjoy the small wins, and maybe keep your expectations in check.
Lead Image: Netflix
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