Aap Jaisa Koi Review: R. Madhavan & Fatima Sana Shaikh Shine in a Love Story That Dares to Be Different

Love, feminism, dating apps, and cultural contradictions — Aap Jaisa Koi brings all this and more in a heartfelt drama that tries to blend old-school values with modern love dynamics. Directed by Vivek Soni and produced under Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, the film stars R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh in one of their most nuanced roles to date.

But does the film hit all the right notes or stumble in its ambitious messaging? Here's our full review.

 Story Overview

Shrirenu (R. Madhavan) is a 42-year-old Sanskrit professor from Jamshedpur who believes in simplicity and traditionalism. His life changes when he crosses paths with Madhu (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a modern, independent French teacher from Kolkata. Their connection blooms on a dating app, leading to an unconventional romance that questions societal expectations, age-gap prejudices, and emotional vulnerability.

As the two navigate family drama, generational clashes, and gender role debates, Aap Jaisa Koi evolves into more than just a love story — it becomes a social commentary on patriarchy, emotional maturity, and the courage to love differently.

 Cast & Performances

 R. Madhavan as Shrirenu

Madhavan is brilliant as the gentle, reserved professor who is caught between tradition and emotional curiosity. He delivers a performance that is restrained, warm, and relatable. His character is not macho or loud — he’s vulnerable, awkward, and real.

 Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu

Fatima plays Madhu with grace and intensity. She’s independent yet unsure, strong yet emotionally raw. Her chemistry with Madhavan is refreshingly natural, and her ability to shift between emotional layers is a highlight of the film.

 Supporting Cast

• Namit Das adds humor and heart as Shrirenu’s close friend.

• Ayesha Raza and Manish Chaudhary bring depth as Madhu’s traditional family members.

• Jhumma Mitra as Kusum stands out in a subplot that challenges marital norms.

 What Works

 Strong Chemistry

The lead pair’s unexpected yet believable chemistry keeps the audience invested. Their conversations feel natural, filled with hesitations, longing, and thoughtful pauses.

 Progressive Themes

The film takes a bold stance on gender equality, emotional consent, and the emotional labor women often perform in relationships. It addresses:

• Patriarchal control in subtle ways.

• The unfair societal burden placed on women for choosing partners or motherhood.

• The need for emotional compatibility in mature relationships.

 Authentic Setting

Set in Kolkata and Jamshedpur, the visuals are warm and grounded. There’s a nostalgic Indian aesthetic, but it never feels dated. The production design, language, and costumes support the tone perfectly.

 What Doesn’t Work

 Preachy Second Half

While the first hour is crisp and compelling, the second half slows down with extended monologues about feminism and societal judgment. Some scenes feel more like social lectures than storytelling.

 Inconsistent Emotional Flow

Certain emotional transitions feel rushed. For example, Madhu’s sudden withdrawal from the relationship lacks proper buildup, making it harder for viewers to empathize with her.

 Underdeveloped Subplots

Kusum’s marital issues and the dating app misunderstandings are introduced with intrigue but not explored deeply enough. This leaves some story arcs feeling incomplete.

Direction, Music & Screenplay

• Direction (Vivek Soni): Thoughtful but occasionally overindulgent. He balances modern ideas with traditional visuals effectively.

• Music: Soft, instrumental-led score by Rachita Arora enhances the emotional layers.

• Screenplay: Written with sensitivity, though some dialogues lean into “spoken essays” rather than fluid exchanges.

 Ending Explained (Mild Spoilers)

After a turbulent emotional fallout, Shrirenu and Madhu reflect on their journey. In the end, it’s not about who’s right or wrong, but about mutual healing and second chances. The film closes on an open note, suggesting that real love may not always be dramatic — sometimes it’s in choosing each other again, quietly.

 Final Verdict

Aap Jaisa Koi is not your typical Bollywood rom-com. It’s quiet, layered, and reflective. While not without flaws — including a preachy tone and some uneven pacing — the film deserves applause for breaking clichés, especially around age, romance, and gender roles.

 Should You Watch It?

Viewer Type	Recommendation
Fans of R. Madhavan or Fatima	✅ Must Watch
Feminist & progressive cinema lovers	✅ Watch
Fans of breezy rom-coms	⚠️ Watch with expectations in check
Action or masala lovers	❌ Skip