Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, Aap Jaisa Koi is a soulful, layered story about courage, connection, and rewriting the rules of family and love
Mumbai, 25th June 2025: What happens when a quiet 42-year-old man unlocks a part of himself he never knew existed — and begins to rewrite the rules of his own life? Netflix has dropped the trailer for Aap Jaisa Koi (loosely translated as “Someone Like You”), starring R. Madhavan as Shrirenu Tripathi and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Madhu Bose, bringing audiences a heartwarming family drama that celebrates connection, companionship, and the beauty of discovering ‘Barabari Wala Pyaar’ in the most unexpected circumstances.
Set across the distinct worlds of Jamshedpur and Kolkata, the film follows Shrirenu, a man shaped by habit and tradition, as he begins to re-examine long-held beliefs about masculinity, companionship, and emotional expression. In Madhu, a spirited woman who refuses to shrink herself to fit societal moulds, he finds not just a romantic partner, but a mirror to his own conditioning. As the two navigate family expectations, emotional baggage, and the weight of societal conditioning, Aap Jaisa Koi becomes a story not just about romance, but about reclaiming a woman’s agency.
Marking Madhavan’s much-awaited return to the romance genre, Aap Jaisa Koi pairs him with Fatima Sana Shaikh in a story that defines what inner liberation and “barabari wala pyaar” (equal love) truly mean. Directed by Vivek Soni (Meenakshi Sundareshwar) and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, the film is brought to life by a powerhouse ensemble cast including Ayesha Raza, Manish Chaudhari and Namit Das, each adding nuance to this honest, heartfelt exploration of family, identity, patriarchy, and the emotional truths we often hide — even from ourselves.
Speaking about the role, R. Madhavan shares, _“Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before — it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played — someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic — it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. Aap Jaisa Koi is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart.”_
Fatima Sana Shaikh adds, _“I feel truly blessed to be a part of Aap Jaisa Koi. I’ve been a huge fan of Madhavan, and getting the chance to share the screen with him was such a joy. Playing Madhu was incredibly special. We often associate strength and confidence with masculinity, but Madhu embodies these qualities with such softness and femininity… Through this film, I got to dive into different shades of love, and oddly enough, it felt quite therapeutic. I also really enjoyed working with Vivek.. he has a very unique voice as a filmmaker, and it was a pleasure to be a part of his beautiful world. I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to collaborate with Netflix and Dharmatic Entertainment, along with Vivek, and Maddy on a story that’s so honest and special.”_
Get ready for a romance that speaks to the heart and defies convention. Watch the trailer for Aap Jaisa Koi and discover a romance that’s tender, grown-up, and refreshingly real — streaming on July 11, only on Netflix.
CREDITS
Cast: R. Madhavan, Fatima Sana Shaikh
Production: Dharmatic Entertainment
Producers: Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Somen Mishra
Director: Vivek Soni