Aap Jaisa Koi (2025) Movie: Madhavan’s Romance Feels Too Familiar

The romantic drama genre has seen numerous iterations over the years, and Aap Jaisa Koi (2025) arrives as Netflix’s latest offering directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment. This Hindi-language romantic drama brings together two accomplished actors in lead roles – R. Madhavan as Shrirenu Tripathi, a reserved middle-aged Sanskrit professor, and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu Bose.

Set against the backdrop of tradition meeting modernity, the film explores the tender romance between Shrirenu who lives by tradition and Madhu who lives unapologetically. The narrative unfolds as an unlikely match between conservative and liberal ideologies, promising viewers a journey filled with unexpected twists and heartfelt moments.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows the lives of two unique individuals – Shrirenu Tripathi, a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher in Jamshedpur, and Madhu Bose, embarking on a journey full of unexpected twists, heartfelt moments and plenty of fun. Shrirenu lives with his brother Bhanu Tripathi and sister-in-law Kusum, representing the traditional family structure that defines his worldview.

The central conflict arises from the clash between traditional values and modern thinking. The romance unfolds as awkward and sweet but shadowed by patriarchy, highlighting the contemporary social issues that many Indian families face today.

However, the plot suffers from predictability. The film has been described as what happens when multiple successful Bollywood romances are combined, suggesting a derivative approach to storytelling that lacks originality.

Cast Performance

R. Madhavan brings his characteristic charm and maturity to the role of Shrirenu Tripathi. His portrayal of a middle-aged Sanskrit professor struggling with modern relationship dynamics feels authentic and relatable. Madhavan’s experience in romantic roles serves him well, as he manages to make even the most clichéd moments feel genuine.

Fatima Sana Shaikh complements Madhavan well as Madhu Bose. Her performance captures the spirit of a modern, independent woman who refuses to compromise her values. The chemistry between the lead pair works effectively, creating believable romantic tension despite the formulaic script.

The supporting cast, including Ayesha Raza and Manish Chaudhari, provides solid performances that ground the family dynamics. Their portrayals of traditional family members add depth to the cultural backdrop against which the romance unfolds.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Vivek Soni, who previously helmed Meenakshi Sundareshwar, presents the film in a meticulously designed plate where style goes a long way. The visual treatment is undoubtedly the film’s strongest aspect, with beautiful cinematography that captures both the industrial landscape of Jamshedpur and the cultural richness of Kolkata.

The film delivers a generic story elevated by stylish storytelling, flair, and a polished visual presentation. Soni’s direction shows technical competence, with well-composed shots and smooth narrative flow.

However, the emphasis on style sometimes overshadows substance. The beautiful visuals cannot completely mask the script’s weaknesses, and the film occasionally feels more like a collection of pretty pictures than a cohesive narrative.

What I Liked

The film’s greatest strength lies in its visual presentation and the committed performances of its lead actors. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between traditional and modern India, using locations effectively to enhance the storytelling. I found the production values to be consistently high, reflecting Netflix’s investment in quality content.

The chemistry between Madhavan and Shaikh feels natural and unforced. Both actors bring their A-game to roles that could have easily become caricatures in less capable hands. Their performances provide the emotional anchor that keeps viewers engaged despite the predictable plot.

I also appreciated how the film addresses contemporary social issues like patriarchy and the clash between traditional and modern values. These themes resonate with current social discourse, making the film relevant to contemporary audiences.

What Could Be Better

The film’s biggest weakness is its derivative nature. The plot feels overly familiar, borrowing heavily from successful romantic comedies without adding sufficient original elements to justify its existence.

I noticed that the film displays zero interest in the characters and spends all its energy on creating pretty pictures. This highlights a fundamental issue – the prioritization of visual appeal over character development and emotional depth.

The pacing occasionally suffers from the film’s focus on style over substance. Certain sequences feel stretched to accommodate visual flourishes rather than serving the narrative efficiently.

Critical Reception and Public Response

Critics have given the film a rating of 3.5/5, describing it as a simple love story told stylishly. On IMDb, the film has received a rating of 6.1/10, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception from audiences.

The Hollywood Reporter India described it as A Romcom That’s Watched Too Many Romcoms, highlighting the film’s derivative nature while acknowledging its technical merits. Professional critics have generally praised the performances and visual presentation while criticizing the lack of originality.

Public response has been similarly mixed, with audiences appreciating the lead performances and production values while expressing disappointment at the predictable plot. Social media reactions suggest that viewers enjoyed the film as light entertainment but didn’t find it particularly memorable.

Music and Technical Aspects

The film’s technical aspects, including cinematography and production design, are consistently praised across reviews. The music serves the narrative adequately without standing out as particularly memorable.

The editing maintains a steady pace throughout the film, though some sequences could have benefited from tighter cuts. The sound design and background score complement the visual storytelling effectively, creating an immersive viewing experience.

Final Verdict

Aap Jaisa Koi (2025) is a film that succeeds in its technical execution and visual presentation while failing to deliver a compelling or original narrative. The strong performances by R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, combined with high production values, make it an aesthetically pleasing watch.

However, the derivative plot and lack of character depth prevent it from being a truly memorable romantic drama. The film works best as a light, visually appealing entertainment that doesn’t demand too much emotional investment from viewers.

For viewers seeking a well-made romantic drama with strong performances and beautiful visuals, Aap Jaisa Koi offers a decent viewing experience. Those looking for originality, emotional depth, or groundbreaking storytelling might find themselves disappointed.

Rating: 3/5