What happens when a traditional ‘sanskaari’ man collides with an evolved, bold woman? Netflix's latest offering, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’, doesn't just ask this question, it dissects it with surgical precision, revealing uncomfortable truths about modern Indian relationships and the patriarchal mindset that continues to plague them.
Aap Jaisa Koi: When Old School Meets New Age
‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ presents us with a familiar yet powerful narrative about deeply rooted patriarchy. We see the same men demanding perfectly ground chutneys, the same women struggling to breathe outside kitchen boundaries, and the endless character assassination of girls who dare to live on their own terms. But what makes this film particularly compelling is its focus on how this outdated mindset ultimately destroys the very men who perpetuate it.
View this post on Instagram
R Madhavan returns to the romantic comedy genre after ‘Tanu Weds Manu,’ bringing his signature charm to Shrirenu Tripathi, a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher who has never been married, never dated, and remains a virgin. His character embodies the ‘gentle, soft-spoken’ ideal that society often celebrates, yet the film cleverly shows how this same gentleness can mask deep-seated prejudices.
Tradition vs Liberation
Enter Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu Bose, a Bengali beauty who represents everything Shrirenu's world fears: independence, openness, and unapologetic self-expression. The contrast is stark: while Madhu is outspoken and bold, Shrirenu has spent four decades waiting for his sister-in-law to arrange his marriage. He's a teacher by profession but remains emotionally stunted, unable to connect with women until a chance encounter on an adult chatting app begins to change his perspective.
The film's genius lies in showing how quickly things can spiral. When a confident woman shows genuine interest in Shrirenu, his first instinct isn't gratitude or joy, it's suspicion. He immediately launches into the classic ‘background check’ routine that has become the hallmark of arranged marriage culture, complete with investigations into her character, past relationships, and domestic skills.
View this post on Instagram
When Patriarchy Becomes Personal
Madhu represents the modern Indian woman who refuses to be ashamed of her past. She's honest about her previous relationships and doesn't apologise for living life on her own terms. This honesty, which should be refreshing, instead triggers Shrirenu's moral panic. When he discovers her ‘secret’ (which the film rightly suggests shouldn't matter), his inner moral science teacher awakens with a vengeance.
The film's most powerful moments come when Shrirenu doesn't just ghost Madhu, he gaslights himself into believing he's the victim. We hear the familiar refrains: "Main tumhein allow karunga" (I will allow you), "Maine tumhein maaf kiya" (I have forgiven you), and "Bas limit mein karna" (Just do it within limits). These aren't just dialogue lines; they're weapons of emotional manipulation disguised as romantic gestures.
View this post on Instagram
What elevates ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ beyond typical rom-com territory is its willingness to show consequences. Shrirenu's sister-in-law decides to break free from her suffocating marriage, and suddenly, his brother's world crumbles. For the first time, the men in his family face the reality that their ‘jokes’ and casual sexism have real consequences. This becomes Shrirenu's moment of reckoning; he realises that the war against patriarchy affects him as much as it affects Madhu.
Performance and Direction: Strengths and Weaknesses
While the film's concept is commendable, the execution occasionally feels familiar. Echoes of ‘English Vinglish’ and ‘Queen’ can be felt throughout, suggesting that while the message is important, the delivery could have been more nuanced. However, the performances remain solid throughout. Madhavan brings believability to Shrirenu's character arc, making his transformation feel genuine rather than forced. Special mention goes to Ayesha Raza, whose effortless performance adds depth to the supporting cast.
View this post on Instagram
‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ succeeds in being more than just a romantic comedy; it's a mirror held up to society's face. The film serves as a crucial reminder that patriarchy doesn't just ruin women's lives; it systematically destroys men too by trapping them in cycles of insecurity, control, and emotional stunting.
For women watching, the film offers both validation and warning. If you're a woman with a past, a voice, or an opinion, be prepared for your local Shrirenu to lose his composure. The film doesn't shy away from showing how quickly ‘modern’ men can revert to traditional prejudices when confronted with female agency.
Despite its flaws in writing and occasional predictability, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ remains an important addition to Netflix's catalogue. It tackles uncomfortable truths about relationships, masculinity, and the price of progress in a society still grappling with change. The film may not be perfect, but its message is timely and necessary.
Don't Miss:Aap Jaisa Koi Ending Explained: Is It A New Beginning For Shrirenu And Madhu?
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation