Aap Jaisa Koi Review: A Bold Take on Dating Post 40 But Tries a Little Too Hard to Prove The Point

Aap Jaisa Koi offers a modern love story wrapped in a progressive message and the quiet rebellion against societal norms. Set between the towns of Jamshedpur and Kolkata, the film begins with a quirky yet relatable setup, a 42-year-old Sanskrit professor trying his luck on a dating app. The premise feels both current and honest, especially in a country where conversations around dating and selfhood after 40 are still rare.

Appreciable Performances Despite The Abruptness Of The Plot

Madhavan portrays Shri with understated sincerity. You can't help but like him at first because he's so sweet, uncertain of himself, and his geekiness is genuine. But the trajectory of his character development feels too abrupt, nearly hasty. It feels as if the script abruptly changes its mind to make him "woke" without providing adequate internalisation. Fatima as Madhu lights up the screen. She’s sharp, assured, and carries her scenes with ease. But even she is short-changed by writing that skims the surface. Her emotions, especially when things take a dramatic turn, aren’t given the depth they deserve.

Manish Chaudhary as Bhanu, to everyone's surprise, gives the most nuanced performance. He does not speak much but his silences and body language convey a lot. Ayesha Raza too stands out as her character brings both comedy and emotion, particularly the way she brings to task the entrenched patriarchy that exists around her.

Good Intentions, But The Message Feels Preachy

The film wants to say something important about gender roles, ageism in dating, and the courage it takes to step out of societal expectations. But somewhere in the second half, it stops telling a story and starts preaching. Scenes that should’ve hit hard instead feel like they’re ticking a box.

Second Half Stumbles

The first hour flows well. It’s light, quirky, and charming. But the second half loses it’s grip. Big moments like betrayals or sudden emotional shifts come without much buildup. Conflicts are introduced and resolved too quickly, leaving little room for real emotional payoff.

Definitely Watchable But Could’ve Been More

That said, it’s a good-looking film with a refreshing cast and a story we don’t see often. Aap Jaisa Koi has its heart in the right place, but it tries to do too much too quickly. It’s worth a watch for the performances and the intent, but don’t expect it to change your world.