Aap Jaisa Koi, released on 11 July 2025 on Netflix, brings R. Madhavan back to the screen in a refreshing, mature love story. He plays Shrirenu, a 42-year-old Sanskrit professor from Jamshedpur, opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu Bose, a spirited French instructor from Kolkata. Directed by Vivek Soni, this film steps away from typical Bollywood romance and instead dives into issues of age, desire, and emotional independence.

A Story Rooted in Emotional Truth

At its core, Aap Jaisa Koi is a gentle romantic drama about finding love at a time when most people think it’s already passed them by. Shrirenu is a reserved man who has never been in love. When he meets Madhu, her energy and openness begin to unlock his own emotions. Their bond grows slowly but deeply, creating space for reflection on family, expectations, and the silent rules that society places on men and women.

The film doesn’t just talk about romance. It explores how patriarchy limits not just women, but also men who are expected to be strong, silent, and emotionally distant. Through Shrirenu and Madhu, the film gently asks what happens when a man is allowed to be soft, vulnerable, and unsure.

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Honest and Warm Performances

R. Madhavan delivers a grounded, sincere performance that feels both relatable and moving. His portrayal of a man uncomfortable in his own skin is subtle yet deeply affecting. Fatima Sana Shaikh brings a quiet strength to her role. As Madhu, she is thoughtful, assertive, and compassionate. Their chemistry feels natural and genuine, creating a believable emotional journey.

Supporting roles, especially from Ayesha Raza as a mature voice of reason, add richness and texture to the story. Every character feels like someone you could know, flawed, kind, complicated.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Vivek Soni handles the film with sensitivity. Scenes unfold slowly, allowing characters and emotions to breathe. The cinematography captures the quiet beauty of both Jamshedpur and Kolkata, letting the environment reflect the film’s introspective mood.

However, the screenplay, while heartfelt, occasionally shifts gears too quickly. What begins as a tender love story sometimes becomes a louder commentary on patriarchy. The message is important, but the delivery can feel forced in places, especially when it replaces emotional moments with direct lectures.

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Music and Mood

The background score and songs, composed by Justin Prabhakaran and Rochak Kohli, perfectly match the film’s emotional beats. The music doesn’t overpower, it complements. Quiet piano notes, soft vocals, and ambient tones keep the mood intimate and reflective.

What Stands Out

  • A mature love story that respects both its characters and audience

  • Brilliant performances by Madhavan and Fatima that feel lived-in and authentic

  • A fresh and rare look at patriarchy through the lens of a middle-aged man

  • Strong production design and visuals that build an emotional landscape

Where It Falls Short

  • Some moments feel heavy-handed with social messaging

  • Pacing slows in the second half

  • Certain subplots, like Madhu’s work life or Shrirenu’s friendships, are underdeveloped

  • The film could have gone deeper emotionally instead of switching to debate-style dialogue

Final Verdict

Aap Jaisa Koi is not a perfect film, but it’s an honest one. It doesn’t give in to cheap drama or overused romantic clichés. Instead, it offers a soft, thoughtful portrait of a man learning to love and more importantly, learning to let go of old beliefs.

This is a film for those who appreciate subtle storytelling, real emotions, and characters who look and sound like real people. It’s not for everyone, but if you give it time and patience, it quietly rewards you.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

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