So you just watched Aap Jaisa Koi on Netflix and now your heart is full… and also kind of craving more of that sweet, mature, real romance, right? We feel you. This R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer gave us a slow-burn love story wrapped in reality, middle-age dilemmas, cultural roadblocks, and compatibility clashes. No Bollywood clichés – just two adults trying to figure out love in a very complicated world. If you loved Aap Jaisa Koi, we’ve got 10 more underrated gems – movies and shows – that skip the usual clichés and dive straight into the messy, magical, imperfect, and real beauty of love.
1. Qarib Qarib Singlle (Netflix)
Online dating meets spiritual healing meets unexpected LOLs. Irrfan Khan and Parvathy go on a wild trip to meet their exes-and maybe find something real with each other along the way. It’s messy, hilarious, heartwarming, and a solid reminder that love doesn’t always knock… sometimes it road-trips in.
2. The Lunchbox (Netflix)
A dabba goes to the wrong desk. A lonely widower opens it. And boom-an accidental pen-pal romance begins. With heartfelt letters and everyday meals, this quiet gem starring Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur is all feels and zero fuss. If you’ve ever fallen for someone through words, this one’s for you.
3. Cheeni Kum (Zee5)
Age is just a number, and Cheeni Kum proves it with sass. This unexpected love story between a 64-year-old grumpy chef (Amitabh Bachchan) and a charming 34-year-old woman (Tabu) will make you smile, snort, and believe that romance can blossom at any stage of life. Also, shoutout to Paresh Rawal as the disapproving dad-he’s peak desi dad energy.
4. Once Again (Netflix)
Two middle-aged strangers. Daily phone calls. No selfies, no DMs-just honest conversations and old-school longing. Starring Shefali Shah and Neeraj Kabi, this one’s a masterclass in slow-burn, real-world romance. If you like your love stories brewed slowly like filter coffee, this is your pick.
5. Four Years Later (Lionsgate)
This one’s a total heart punch. An arranged marriage, long-distance pain, culture shock in Sydney, and voice notes that can make you cry. Four Years Later is for anyone who’s ever tried to make a long-distance or long-haul relationship work. It’s raw, real, and beautifully shot. Also, Shahana Goswami is simply stunning in it.
6. Do Aur Do Pyaar (JioHotstar)
Two people. One stale marriage. Two secret affairs. And one surprise: they might still love each other. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi bring all the chemistry, chaos, and charm in this rom-com with a twist. It’s about falling in love… with the same person… all over again.
7. Meri Pyaari Bindu (Amazon Prime)
Cue the nostalgia and heartbreak! Ayushmann Khurrana plays a writer obsessing over his free-spirited, commitment-phobic childhood crush (Parineeti Chopra). There’s mixtapes, emotional damage, and that one song you’ll play on loop. It’s cute, chaotic, and achingly relatable for every “what if” love story you’ve ever lived.
8. Kandhalikka Neramillai (Netflix)
A Tamil rom-com that doesn’t hold back. Single parenting, one-night stands, same-gender love-it’s all here, handled with humour, heart, and a whole lot of sass. Add Nithya Menen, Jayam Ravi, and AR Rahman’s tunes to the mix, and you’ve got a modern-day relationship rollercoaster worth riding.
9. Sir (Prime Video)
A love story so subtle, it almost whispers. A domestic worker (Tillotama Shome) and her wealthy boss (Vivek Gomber) slowly fall into something tender and deep-but society’s rules are always lurking. No drama, no explosions-just two people quietly trying to connect. Heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.
10. Bhanumathi & Ramakrishna (Aha)
Mature, mellow, and madly endearing. This Telugu indie brings two 30-somethings together-one bold, one quiet-as they navigate heartbreak, career chaos, and awkward beginnings. It’s simple, soft, and super watchable. For anyone who’s tired of teeny-bopper love stories and wants something that gets it.
So, which one’s stealing your heart first? Hit play, grab snacks, and let the binge begin. Don’t forget to tell us your favorite!