Director:Vivek Soni
Rating:**
Cinema, at its finest, sparks change. It challenges norms, questions outdated beliefs, and provides a mirror to society. Films that address patriarchy, gender equality, or the idea that marriage isn't for everyone are necessary in today’s evolving cultural landscape. Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, attempts to explore these powerful themes—but falters in execution.
What could have been a compelling, mature romantic drama turns out to be a diluted imitation of films like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, which tackled similar topics with more flair, depth, and emotional weight.
Plot Summary: When Opposites Attract
Set against the cultural backdrop of Jamshedpur and Kolkata, Aap Jaisa Koi follows Shrirenu Tripathi, a 40-something Sanskrit professor who has lived a life devoid of romance or intimacy. Enter Madhu Bose, a confident, sexually empowered 32-year-old woman from Kolkata. When their paths cross, the attraction is immediate—but the collision of their contrasting worlds sets the stage for chaos.
Shrirenu is shy, reserved, and inexperienced. Madhu is bold, modern, and unapologetic about her choices. While their pairing initially intrigues, the story quickly spirals into melodrama as familial and societal tensions take over. The film's narrative is built around culture clash, emotional baggage, and the burden of patriarchy—but it never dives deep enough to leave a lasting impact.
A Familiar Recipe, Less Flavor
The parallels between Aap Jaisa Koi and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani are unmistakable: patriarchal households, ideological differences, and star-crossed lovers from polar opposite backgrounds. However, where the latter dazzled with emotional range and storytelling finesse, Aap Jaisa Koi feels like a shadow of its predecessor.
Director Vivek Soni aims to craft a narrative that speaks to the heart and conscience, but the storytelling lacks fluidity. Moments that should feel heartfelt come across as theatrical, and conflicts that should simmer end up feeling abrupt or undercooked.
Forced Feminism and Unconvincing Conflict
While it's commendable that the film tries to address patriarchy and outdated gender roles, the execution feels forced. Key plot turns seem sudden and exaggerated rather than naturally unfolding. The central conflict between the lead pair lacks emotional weight, and their romantic tension doesn’t translate well on screen.
The idea of women transforming regressive men—a trope that's been overused in Bollywood—is once again brought into play. This tired narrative weakens the film’s progressive stance. A man’s transformation shouldn't come at the cost of a woman’s emotional trauma, yet Aap Jaisa Koi continues to glorify that very dynamic.
Chemistry That Never Clicks
Individually, R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver committed performances. Madhavan plays the awkward, introverted professor with sincerity, while Fatima embodies confidence and independence. But together, they lack the spark that makes an unconventional love story believable.
Their on-screen chemistry feels awkward, as if the characters—and the actors—are painfully aware of the emotional depth they’re meant to project but can't quite reach. The age gap, while narratively justified, becomes glaringly apparent due to the lack of intimacy or believable connection between the leads.
Subplots That Distract More Than Add
Aap Jaisa Koi tries to tackle too many themes at once—infidelity, male entitlement, generational trauma, and personal liberation. Rather than enriching the storyline, these threads end up crowding the narrative, leaving none of them fully developed.
There's also an unnecessary attempt to justify an extra-marital affair, which further muddies the film’s moral messaging. Patriarchy is rightly vilified, but other problematic elements are either glossed over or romanticized, leading to a confused and inconsistent tone.
Supporting Cast Saves the Day
What Aap Jaisa Koi lacks in tight storytelling, it somewhat makes up for with its supporting cast. Namit Das brings charm and comic timing to his role, offering brief moments of levity. Manish Chaudhari is convincingly rigid as the controlling patriarch, and Ayesha Raza delivers a grounded, empathetic performance that stands out.
These characters lend credibility to the film and help maintain viewer engagement, even when the main narrative loses its grip.
Final Verdict: Watchable, But Don’t Expect Fireworks
Aap Jaisa Koi is a film that had all the right ingredients—an age-appropriate romance, themes of empowerment, and an intention to spark social conversation. But somewhere between its ambition and execution, it loses its voice.
If Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani was a bold, flavorful cinematic cocktail, Aap Jaisa Koi feels like a watered-down version of the same recipe—palatable, but forgettable.
The film is currently streaming on Netflix, and while it may interest viewers looking for socially-conscious entertainment, it’s best watched with tempered expectations.
