Bollywood’s latest romantic drama, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, premiered in cinemas on Friday, July 11, marking the much-anticipated debut of Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Maheep and Sanjay Kapoor. Directed by Santosh Singh, and based on the classic Ruskin Bond short story The Eyes Have It, the film pairs the fresh-faced Shanaya opposite the ever-reliable Vikrant Massey, known for his deep, nuanced performances.
Despite a strong literary foundation and an emotional premise, the movie opened to a rather lukewarm reception. Social media buzz or the lack of it raises the question: Is this film a hidden gem, or just another romantic misfire in an already crowded Bollywood lineup?
A Poetic Journey of Emotions and Senses
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan tells the story of Jahaan, a visually impaired musician portrayed by Vikrant Massey, and Saaba, a passionate theatre artist and aspiring actress, played by Shanaya Kapoor. The two strangers meet during a train journey through the majestic Himalayas, where a simple conversation blooms into a meaningful connection.
The film relies heavily on sensory emotion voice, touch, and subtle expressions capturing the delicate beauty of falling in love without seeing each other. This concept echoes the core sentiment of Ruskin Bond’s original story, making it a bold yet poetic adaptation for today’s audience.
Vikrant Massey Steals the Show, Shanaya Holds Promise
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Review, There’s no surprise that Vikrant Massey delivers yet another stellar performance. His portrayal of Jahaan is heartfelt, restrained, and layered with vulnerability. He becomes the soul of the film, effortlessly communicating emotion through voice modulation and expressive silence.
Shanaya Kapoor, making her Bollywood debut, shows promise. While not a flawless performance, she brings a natural charm to her character Saaba. A user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, According to her first film, she does well. A lot to learn, but I believe she will improve. It’s a fair assessment her potential is clear, but she still has a journey ahead before she can stand shoulder to shoulder with seasoned actors.
Visuals and Direction
If there’s one element of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan that absolutely stands out, it’s the cinematography. The Himalayan backdrops, warm lighting, and close-up shots elevate the film’s emotional depth. The visuals speak louder than the dialogues at times, making it an aesthetic treat for viewers.
Director Santosh Singh deserves credit for keeping the film emotionally grounded. However, the pacing feels slow in parts, especially in the second act, and could have used tighter editing. While the intention was to let the scenes breathe, the execution may test the patience of some viewers.
Mixed Reactions and Poor Promotion Hurt Potential
The initial audience reactions have been mixed. While some appreciated the film’s warm, emotional core, others criticized the lack of buzz and excitement leading up to its release. One disappointed viewer wrote, Despite decent music, there is simply NO excitement about #AankhonKiGustaakhiyan among the people. Even its target audience the youngsters are unaware of its release date.
This sentiment reflects a major marketing miss. In an era where social media campaigns can make or break a film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan failed to generate the needed pre-release hype. Even with star kids involved, the film seemed to fly under the radar.
Box Office Prediction
According to trade analyst Sumit Kadel, the movie is expected to open with collections ranging between ₹50–80 lakh nett a disappointing figure for a film that had the potential to connect with a romantic, young audience. He noted, Only exceptional word of mouth can help it do some kind of respectable business over the weekend.
Indeed, the film’s success now hinges on how viewers respond once they see it in theatres. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Review, If emotional storytelling and visual poetry strike the right chord, it could still see a slow-burn success similar to previous offbeat romantic dramas.
Music and Sound Design Pleasant but Not Memorable
While the music was described as decent by some early viewers, it lacks the chart-topping magic that could have given the film a much-needed boost. The songs are soulful and in tune with the story’s emotional vibe, but none have gone viral or made an impact on streaming charts another missed opportunity.
That said, the background score does a fine job of enhancing the mood, especially in the train journey scenes and emotional transitions between the leads.
Worth a Watch, But Don’t Expect Fireworks
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a film that deserves attention not for its box office numbers or star power, but for its sincere attempt at telling a heartfelt story. Vikrant Massey’s performance alone makes it worth a trip to the cinema. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Review, Shanaya Kapoor’s debut may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a decent start with a clear path for growth.
The film’s quiet, poetic nature may not appeal to those looking for action-packed entertainment or dramatic plot twists. But if you enjoy emotional romance with visual beauty, this film is a feel-good watch.
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