The film “Aap Jaisa Koi” sets up a fascinating premise about a middle-aged Sanskrit teacher’s unexpected romance, but ultimately loses its intriguing edge by veering into predictable family drama.
A Lonely Life Meets Unexpected Romance
The story introduces Shrirenu Tripathi, portrayed by R Madhavan, a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher who has lived a solitary life, yearning for female companionship. Madhavan convincingly portrays the quiet conviction of a man desperately in need of connection, making his character’s longing feel real and relatable.
His world changes when Madhu Bose, a sophisticated French instructor played by Fatima Sana Shaikh, enters his life. Their connection appears swift, leading to an engagement. However, the initial promise of a unique love story soon faces unexpected challenges as external pressures and societal norms interfere.
When Family Intervenes and Tropes Take Over
The film takes a significant turn when Shrirenu’s family, the Tripathis of Jamshedpur, become central to the plot. His elder brother, played by Manish Chaudhary, imposes rigid moral policing, challenging the couple’s relationship and even dictating the lives of his wife and daughter.
This shift introduces familiar Bollywood tropes. What starts as a charming “cute-girl, nerdy-boy” dynamic gives way to staged confrontations and resolutions. The film attempts to touch on progressive themes, like women seeking more from their relationships, but often retreats into a “safe family space” where traditional rules dominate.
Unrealized Potential and Underused Talent
Despite strong performances from R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the movie struggles to maintain its initial spark. Fatima’s playful portrayal adds a lightness, but the script often sidelines her character’s professional life, unlike Madhavan’s, which feels like a missed opportunity for balanced storytelling.
Talented actors like Namit Das, who could deliver a standalone performance, are unfortunately relegated to playing the clichéd “Hero’s Best Friend.” This underutilization of supporting cast members further contributes to the film’s tendency to fall back on generic plot devices rather than exploring deeper character arcs.
Key Takeaways
- The film begins with a compelling and unique premise.
- R Madhavan delivers a nuanced performance as the lonely protagonist.
- The story struggles when it shifts focus to predictable family drama.
- Supporting characters and thematic opportunities are largely underutilized.
While “Aap Jaisa Koi” offers glimpses of a fresh narrative, its reluctance to fully embrace its initial bold ideas prevents it from reaching its full potential, ultimately settling for a more conventional and less impactful outcome.
