R. Madhavan has always been known for bringing sincerity and charm to his roles. Now, with his latest film Aap Jaisa Koi, he returns to the screen with a complex love story that explores themes of middle-aged romance, patriarchy, and female desire. However, what’s caught the public’s attention even more than the film itself is Madhavan’s candid take on the trend of age-gap romances in Bollywood.
In recent interviews, Madhavan acknowledged a significant shift in how audiences perceive relationships on-screen. “That era is gone,” he said, referring to older male actors being paired with much younger female leads. According to him, this dynamic has been rightly criticized and doesn’t resonate with modern viewers anymore. “You can’t pretend to be 30 when you’re clearly over 50,” he remarked, adding that today’s audience is much more aware and discerning.
Despite his strong stance, Aap Jaisa Koi ironically portrays a relationship between a middle-aged man and a younger woman. When asked about this contradiction, Madhavan said the film approaches the subject with honesty and emotional maturity, rather than glamorizing the age difference. He also compared his character to roles from the 90s, where older actors like Rishi Kapoor starred opposite much younger heroines—a trend that continued for decades but is now being re-evaluated.
Aap Jaisa Koi: A Brave Attempt That Struggles to Land
Aap Jaisa Koi, directed by Vivek Soni, is now streaming on Netflix. The story revolves around two unlikely individuals—played by Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh—who navigate personal baggage, societal expectations, and their own emotional complexities as they fall in love. On paper, the film is refreshing. It openly addresses female sexuality, middle-aged romance, and the emotional needs of modern adults—subjects often glossed over in Bollywood.
Critics, however, have been divided. While most agree that the intention behind the film is commendable, the execution has drawn criticism. Many reviews point out that the narrative loses its grip halfway through. The dialogues become too preachy, and the screenplay leans more toward lecture than storytelling.
NDTV rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5, stating that it “drowns in too much talk.” India Today echoed similar thoughts, calling it a “watered-down version of Rocky Aur Rani with less emotional impact.” On the other hand, Koimoi gave it a slightly higher score of 3.5 stars, appreciating the performances and poetic undertones. Most critics agreed that while the movie has powerful moments and a good cast, the script doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
Fatima Sana Shaikh is praised for her nuanced performance as a woman trying to reclaim control over her desires and decisions. Ayesha Raza, in a supporting role, brings depth and quiet strength to the story. Madhavan, as always, brings warmth and gravity to his character, though some felt his character arc needed more emotional detailing.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Dhruv Visvanath and Prateek Kuhad, adds a soothing layer to the otherwise intense subject matter. However, even strong music and acting can’t completely save a film weighed down by inconsistent writing.
Real Conversations in a Changing Industry
Beyond the film, Aap Jaisa Koi has opened up broader conversations about what kinds of stories Bollywood should be telling. Madhavan’s openness about the changing dynamics of on-screen romance reflects an industry slowly adapting to new norms.
In a world where audiences are more vocal and socially aware, films like this spark debate—not just about what’s being shown, but how it’s shown. Though Aap Jaisa Koi might not be a perfect film, it tries to nudge Bollywood into talking about things that were once brushed under the carpet.
It’s a step forward, even if a slightly shaky one.
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Also see others plateform about this article like Hindustan Times. NDTV.