Director:Santosh Singh
Rating:**½
Directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Zee Studios, Mini Films, and Open Window Films, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a 2025 Hindi romantic drama adapted from Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It. Starring Vikrant Massey as a blind musician and Shanaya Kapoor as a visually impaired theatre artist, the story unfolds against the evocative backdrop of sensory connection and human intimacy. Released on July 11, 2025, the film seeks to explore love beyond sight through its lyrical narrative and soul-stirring music.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Standout Debut Performance
Shanaya Kapoor makes a commendable entry into mainstream Bollywood. Her portrayal of theater artist Saaba is lauded for its maturity and authenticity; she brings emotional nuance to the role and captures her character’s inner strength. Analysts note that Kapoor underwent extensive workshops—including performing blindfolded scenes—to train for this role. Her confidence in front of the camera and ability to reflect her character’s vulnerabilities have drawn positive attention.
Vikrant Massey’s Emotional Core
Vikrant Massey, well-known for his strong, socially driven roles, steps into a new light as Jahaan, a blind musician. He invests deep empathy into his portrayal, working closely with visually impaired individuals and experiencing significantly reduced vision during his workshop preparation. His performance is heartfelt and is often cited as the film’s emotional backbone—his chemistry with Shanaya remains grounded and sincere.
Storytelling and Screenplay: A Mixed Bag
While the film is entertaining, some critics observe that it lacks the emotional depth essential to make a lasting impact. The title track and songs such as "Nazara" and the single release “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” conveyed emotional resonance, yet the screenplay fails to fully exploit its premise. The chemistry is sweet, but the narrative occasionally feels implausible. One early review notes: "Shanaya impresses, Vikrant does well, but the film misses an emotional hook."
Music and Cinematography
Composer Vishal Mishra delivers a delicate score, including Jubin Nautiyal's vocals, which enhance the film’s mood without overpowering it. Cinematographer Tanveer Mir uses close-up visuals and soft hues to evoke intimacy, reflecting the characters’ tactile and auditory experiences. These creative choices successfully transport audiences into the world of heightened senses.
Themes and Symbolism
The film stays true to Bond’s original themes—focusing on sensory perception, emotional connectivity, and love that transcends physical limitations. The underlying message—seeing with the heart rather than the eyes—is consistently reinforced through dialogue and character arcs. The poster imagery of the leads with closed eyes and visually symbolic use of glasses subtly echoes this focus on emotional perception.
Weaknesses in Pacing and Emotional Depth
Despite strong performances and meaningful themes, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan falters in pacing. The narrative lacks the nuanced emotional build-up needed to fully engage viewers. Some subplots feel underexplored, which can make pivotal moments underwhelming. For a slow-burn romance, greater payoff in emotional depth would have strengthened the story’s emotional weight.
Is Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Worth Watching?
In favor of watching:
Shanaya Kapoor’s confident debut brings grace and finesse.
Vikrant Massey offers a tender, soulful performance.
Gentle and effective use of music and cinematography.
Evocative central message: love beyond sight.
Potential reservations:
Story structure doesn’t fully deliver emotionally.
Subplots feel loosely handled, diminishing narrative cohesion.
May resonate more with viewers looking for a mellow, reflective experience rather than a dramatic one.
Final Verdict
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan emerges as a thoughtfully crafted, sensorial romance with genuinely heartfelt performances from Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. Visually poetic and emotionally poetic, the film is a refreshing monsoon release, ideal for a calm cinematic experience. However, viewers seeking a well-rounded emotional journey might feel underwhelmed by its narrative restraint.
