Aap Jaisa Koi: Madhavan and Fatima create rhythms of a rapturous rom-com engulfed by trappings of patriarchy

Aap Jaisa Koi: Madhavan and Fatima create rhythms of a rapturous rom-com engulfed by trappings of patriarchy

‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ - A school teacher’s life can be pretty boring. It gets worse if he is single and craving for a companion at the age of 42. In Vivek Soni’s ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’, Jamshedpur-based Shrirenu Tripathi( played by the charming R.Madhavan) has grappled with the same scenario, after a girl from his school days curses him for remaining single and virgin!

Lured by his friend (Namit Das), he enrolls in the eponymous dating app to beat his loneliness, until he finds a suitable prospect in the sprightly Kolkata-based, Madhu Bose,32 (the elegant Fatima Sana Shaikh), thanks to the persistent coercing of his family, comprising big brother Bhanu (Manish Chaudhary) and Bhabhi, Kusum (Ayesha Raza Mishra)

While the matrimony observes a seemingly hunky-dory alliance of the rigid and archaic Tripathi’s with the culturally inclined and progressive Bose’s, a tender romance blossoms between the odd couple who is outlined by living in the gated traditions and living unconditionally, respectively. Sanskrit finds an ally in French. But, the shackles of patriarchy shadow the symphony and synergy of the sitar and piano.  

‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ has the trappings of a rapturous rom-com and Vivek Soni (Meenakshi Sundereshwar, 2021) lends a sublime energy to Radhika Anand’s observant world-building and nuanced writing. Anand’s characters are so real-to-life, further propounded by a confluence between the Steel city and the City of Joy. Indian Coffee House, Anand Lok Theater and Haather Khori find places in Anand’s paraphernalia while she creates a dreamy, old-world courtship between Shri and Madhu, doused with endless compliments for each other - à couper le souffle (meaning, breath-taking) and Indra-jaal(magical).

As Shri, Madhavan resurrects and relives his Tanu-Weds-Manu protagonist – decent, cultured and over-the-top introvert. He gets jittery even with the slightest thought of being a virgin and admitting it to Madhu. He blushes when you compliment his smile. Madhavan owns his territory and commands authority with a solid mix of reserve and romantic. But his buddy, played by Namit Das, is no Pappiji! A notch below the latter’s eccentricities and buffoonery, Namit is however likeable as the sidekick companion.

The film is underlined by its subversive leanings towards smashing patriarchy, and Fatima adorns her unapologetic Madhu Bose with a quiet defiance. She looks attractive in the quintessential Bong-get up with saree and sleeveless, strappy-blouses, elevating the film’s aesthetic inclinations. In the ensemble, Ayesha Raza Mishra stands out with a performance eschewing melodrama, but making an impact that resonates strongly with women’s desires and identity.

 

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