Aap Jaisa Koi ending explained: Is this really happily ever after for R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh?

Though it concludes on an optimistic note, the latest Netflix film, Aap Jaisa Koi, directed by Vivek Soni, holds a mirror up to the subtle and overt patriarchal ideas that shape relationships in Indian society. Shrirenu (R Madhavan), a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher who struggles with self-confidence, stars in this film that exploits the premise of an eccentric dating app to make a serious point about masculinity, double standards, and personal development.

Twist that unravels repressed misogyny

Shrirenu and Madhu's (Fatima Sana Shaikh) engagement should have been a joyous occasion, but instead the film's climax starts to play out on that same day. After developing feelings for a woman on the dating app Aap Jaisa Koi, Shrirenu unexpectedly discovers that she is actually Madhu. His reaction is one of scepticism and condemnation, rather than awe or joy. Even though he has flirted with women on the app, he still can't believe that the lady he plans to marry has done the same. His long-repressed misogyny starts to show itself.

Madhu's heart is broken by Shrirenu's decision to cancel the wedding, as she believed he was unique. A key irony is brought to light by their rift: Shrirenu, who thinks he's better than his brother Bhanu (Manish Chaudhari), makes the same mistakes—judging and claiming moral superiority over a woman's choices—and ends up doing it again. In his final attempt at remorse, he presents Madhu's deeds as "transgressions" that he is prepared to "forgive"—a concept that perpetuates the gender power gap.

ALSO READ: Aap Jaisa Koi review: R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh’s half-baked romcom leaves behind bitter aftertaste of patriarchy 

Madhu pushes back

The apology has a profound impact on Madhu. That he is empowered to "allow" or "forgive" her choices is something she disputes, and she also opposes his authority. The film's emotional climax occurs during this confrontation. At the same time, a parallel plot involving Kusum (Ayesha Raza), who is Shrirenu's sister-in-law, reveals a similar dynamic in her marriage to Bhanu. Kusum, who has been ignored for a long time, suddenly speaks up about how she wants to be appreciated for more than just her domestic duties. Despite its unconventionality, her connection with Joy (Saheb Chatterjee) comes to represent her quest for self-worth.

In the last act, after a family argument in Kolkata, Shrirenu had an authentic epiphany about his views, which reflect the patriarchal attitudes he professed to resist. He candidly admits to Madhu that he was unaware of his own biases. Most importantly, he doesn't promise quick fixes or provide a tidy solution. He instead resolves to be better—for himself and for her—by unlearning what he has internalised.

Reunion without romanticising redemption

They get back together after Madhu admits he's weak and ready to change. However, this resolution is not purposefully romanticised in the film. The lesson here isn't that love is ultimately victorious, but rather that love that is based on mutual regard, responsibility, and equality stands a better chance of surviving.

While Aap Jaisa Koi does offer its protagonists a second opportunity, it still holds them accountable at the end. The moral of the narrative is that being "not like other men" is insufficient and that self-reflection and personal growth are continuous processes. A person's biases learnt during their life need to be willingly challenged, confronted, and transformed.