
Released on July 11, 2025, Aap Jaisa Koi premiered exclusively on Netflix, marking R. Madhavan’s return to the romance genre after nearly a decade
A Love Story That Doesn’t Rush, It Reflects
In a cinematic landscape dominated by grand gestures and whirlwind romances, Aap Jaisa Koi dares to slow down. The film introduces us to Shrirenu Tripathi (R. Madhavan), a middle-aged Sanskrit teacher from Jamshedpur, and Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a fiercely independent French instructor from Kolkata. Their arranged meeting is awkward, tender, and refreshingly real.
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“Pyaar ko sirf pyaar chahiye hota hai,” Madhu says, a line that encapsulates the film’s emotional core.
Rather than relying on clichés, the narrative explores:
- Compatibility vs. chemistry
- Emotional baggage and unlearning
- The quiet rebellion of choosing love on your own terms
The film’s title, borrowed from the iconic Nazia Hassan song, is a nod to nostalgia but the story is anything but retro. It’s a modern meditation on what it means to love when you’ve already lived.
Performances That Speak Louder Than Words
R. Madhavan delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. His portrayal of Shrirenu, a man conditioned by tradition yet yearning for connection—is subtle, layered, and deeply affecting. Fatima Sana Shaikh is electric as Madhu, balancing vulnerability with defiance.
Supporting cast includes:
- Ayesha Raza Mishra as Kusum, Shrirenu’s sister-in-law navigating her own emotional void
- Manish Chaudhari as Bhanu, the patriarchal brother whose rigidity fuels the film’s tension
- Namit Das and Karan Wahi in memorable roles that add texture to the narrative
Director Vivek Soni, known for Meenakshi Sundareshwar, brings a painter’s eye to the film. The cinematography captures the contrast between Jamshedpur’s muted tones and Kolkata’s vibrant chaos, mirroring the emotional journey of the characters.
The soundtrack by Rochak Kohli and Justin Prabhakaran is soulful and understated, with standout tracks like:
- “Jab Tu Sajan” by Mohit Chauhan
- “Mila Tujhe” by Vishal Mishra & Prateeksha Srivastava
More Than Romance, It’s a Mirror to Modern Relationships
Aap Jaisa Koi isn’t just a love story; it’s a quiet revolution. It challenges the idea that love must be loud, young, or perfect. Instead, it celebrates:
- Emotional equality in relationships
- The courage to unlearn societal conditioning
- The beauty of awkward, imperfect love
The film has sparked conversations around:
- Patriarchy and emotional repression
- Gender roles in Indian households
- The need for representation of mature romance in Bollywood
“Modern relationships require a fair bit of unlearning,” says co-writer Jehan Handa. And that’s exactly what the film delivers.
Critics have praised the film’s authenticity, with social media calling it:
- “A must-watch for every man to understand the weight of patriarchy”
- “A refreshing break from formulaic Bollywood romance”
- “A film that lingers long after the credits roll”
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