A Simple Romance: Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh Navigate Opposites in 'Aap Jaisa Koi'

Aap Jaisa Koi is a charming yet uneven romantic comedy that attempts to bring alive modern love in the form of a tale of opposites, their environments, and the struggle to find THE ONE. R Madhavan plays Shrirenu, a 42-year-old Sanskrit professor who grapples with singledom and trying to find a romantic partner. He falls in love with Fatima Sana Shaikh's character, Madhu Bose, a 32-year-old French teacher. The film explores their differences and societal expectations, but takes a sudden turn, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.

In the realm of Bollywood romantic comedies, "Aap Jaisa Koi" directed by Vivek Soni and starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, stands out for its attempt to portray modern love in an unconventional manner. The film, released on Netflix, follows Shrirenu Tripathi (Madhavan), a 42-year-old Sanskrit professor in Jamshedpur, as he navigates the complexities of singledom and societal expectations. His journey intersects with Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a 32-year-old French teacher from Kolkata, leading to an unlikely romance.

The narrative explores the dynamics between the couple, with Madhu's sweet and witty demeanor contrasting with Shrirenu's old-world charm and simplicity. Their relationship unfolds through coffee dates, movie screenings, and walks by the river, with the film capturing the essence of modern love and companionship. However, the story takes an unexpected turn, leaving some viewers unsatisfied with the sudden shift in Shrirenu's character and the resolution of the plot.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its subtle handling of societal expectations and patriarchy within families. The characters, particularly Shrirenu, grapple with these issues, making the film a commentary on societal norms. However, the uneven writing and hurried resolution of subplots detract from the overall impact of the film.

The film's uneven pacing and sudden turns in the plot have been criticized by some viewers, with one reviewer noting that the film "meanders between the endearing and the insipid" [1]. Despite these criticisms, the performances of Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh have been praised for their authenticity and chemistry.

In conclusion, "Aap Jaisa Koi" offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, attempting to capture the complexities of modern love. While the film's uneven writing and sudden plot twists may leave some viewers dissatisfied, its exploration of societal expectations and the dynamics of relationships remains a compelling watch.

References:
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33888131/
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/aap-jaisa-koi-movie-review-madhavan-and-fatima-sana-shaikh-in-a-charming-yet-uneven-rom-com/article69831070.ece