Netflix is ready to launch its new Hindi original Aap Jaisa Koi on July 11, produced by Dharmatic Entertainment under the watchful eye of Karan Johar. It promises sparks between opposites, tension between families, and a warm romance set against a clash of cultures. But something about it feels a little too familiar. Almost like the echo of a louder, more dazzling love story we’ve already seen.
It is hard not to think of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Johar’s directorial that released just last year. That film brought together Ranveer Singh’s vibrant Punjabi energy and Alia Bhatt’s sharp Bengali elegance, placing them in a household swap that was as chaotic as it was charming. It was a visual feast with rich cultural symbols, grand festive scenes, and a cast full of scene stealers.
In contrast, Aap Jaisa Koi looks quieter. It replaces the theatrical set pieces with subdued realism. Instead of a dance filled Durga Puja, we get what seems like a softer exploration of love between Madhavan’s traditional character and Shaikh’s modern persona. It is still about friction and romance, but the volume seems turned down. That could work in its favor if handled with emotional precision, but it also risks being labeled as a lighter remix of what we just watched.
The question is whether audiences will embrace this new romance or scroll past it, sensing a déjà vu they cannot unsee. It is not unusual for Bollywood to recycle its most dependable tropes. Love stories rooted in cultural collisions have always been crowd pleasers. But what worries viewers is the feeling that something fresh is being promised in packaging that looks too close to last year’s blockbuster.
For Dharmatic and Netflix, this becomes a creative test. Can they deliver something emotionally resonant without relying on glitter and nostalgia? Or will this feel like Rocky Aur Rani in lowercase, missing the very texture that made that film stand out?
With seasoned charm from Madhavan and the screen presence of Sanya Malhotra, the performances might still win over audiences. But the story needs to step out of familiar footprints. A bold new take on love deserves more than recycled themes with dimmer lights.
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