Aap Jaisa Koi Review: R. Madhavan And Fatima Sana Shaikh Sends A Love Letter Wrapped In Social Punch

Aap Jaisa Koi review: R. Madhavan And Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer isn’t just a love story, it’s a social commentary wrapped in tenderness and charm.

Aap Jaisa Koi review: What gives a man the right to decide a woman’s freedom? Should a wife require her husband’s permission to work? Does a girlfriend need her boyfriend’s nod to meet her own friends? These are the uncomfortable but necessary questions the Netflix film 'Aap Jaisa Koi' dares to ask, and it doesn’t stop there. It delivers a sharp blow to the male ego that still treats women like property, and it succeeds resoundingly in its intent.

Backed by Karan Johar, 'Aap Jaisa Koi' ventures beyond the typical romantic terrain to address ingrained social norms. It’s a romance, yes—but one that shakes you, makes you think, and lingers long after it ends.

Aap Jaisa Koi plot

The story revolves around Shreerenu Tripathi (R. Madhavan), a 41-year-old Sanskrit teacher who has never been in a relationship and is still a virgin. Raised in a household where men call the shots and women are expected to comply, Shreerenu has internalised these norms. At his friend’s insistence, he tries his luck on a dating app. What begins as a cautious attempt at companionship soon takes a turn when a marriage proposal comes from a stunning and spirited French teacher, Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a Bengali woman living in Kolkata.

Their bond begins to bloom, but just as they’re heading toward marriage, a conflict disrupts their journey. The reason behind their fallout is best left to be discovered through 'Aap Jaisa Koi'—but it's one that stirs debate, and that’s the point. This is a film that doesn't just entertain—it provokes conversation, and rightfully so.

Performances

R. Madhavan delivers a tour de force performance, transforming completely into Shreerenu Tripathi. With a slight paunch, a quiet innocence, and an undeniable charm, he becomes a man shaped by tradition yet capable of change. This is Madhavan at his most nuanced, morphing effortlessly like a chameleon into every role he takes on.

Fatima Sana Shaikh is radiant. Her portrayal of Madhu brings to mind Sushmita Sen from Main Hoon Na—elegant, poised, and powerful. She plays a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to speak up, and her performance will resonate with many young women. Characters like Madhu are what cinema needs more of—complex, courageous, and real.

Supporting cast members shine too. Ayesha Raza is brilliant in her role, delivering a performance many women will relate to deeply. Manish Chaudhary is pitch-perfect in a pivotal role, while Namit Das, as Madhavan’s friend, adds warmth and humour that lingers. Each actor, no matter how small the role, brings depth to the narrative.

Direction & writing

Directed by Vivek Soni and written by Radhika Anand and Zehan Handa, 'Aap Jaisa Koi' boasts tight, effective storytelling. The narrative is crisp, under two hours, yet manages to be layered and impactful. It never feels stretched or sluggish. The dialogues are sharp, and the emotional beats hit just right without veering into melodrama.

Soni’s direction ensures the story flows seamlessly, balancing the emotional weight with moments of levity and romance. The film remains grounded and relevant throughout. Special credit to Karan Johar for producing a story that doesn't just charm but challenges societal norms—a much-needed direction for mainstream cinema.

Verdict

'Aap Jaisa Koi' isn’t just a love story, it’s a social commentary wrapped in tenderness and charm. It questions the deeply patriarchal mindset still prevalent in many homes and invites viewers to confront it. At the same time, it gives us a mature, meaningful romance between two grown-ups—something we rarely see in Indian cinema.

In a sea of formulaic rom-coms, Aap Jaisa Koi dares to be different. Films like this don’t just entertain—they spark much-needed conversations. Don’t miss it.