Shanaya Kapoor’s long-awaited debut, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, is finally set to reach a wider audience. After a modest theatrical run, the romantic drama featuring Shanaya and Vikrant Massey will soon stream on OTT. Fans are now eager to know the release date, platform, and what makes this Ruskin Bond adaptation special.
The excitement is high because this is Shanaya’s official entry into the industry, and viewers are curious to see if she can carry a film on her shoulders. With her glamorous background and fresh on-screen presence, expectations are already mounting.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut Heads to OTT
The film will premiere on Zee5 starting September 5, 2025. Directed by Santosh Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan pairs Shanaya Kapoor with Vikrant Massey in a heartfelt romantic drama. Shanaya, who was initially supposed to debut with Bedhadak, finally found her launch in this adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It.
This move to OTT could work in Shanaya’s favor, as digital platforms give films a longer shelf life and broader reach. Fans believe the emotional depth of the story may connect better with an at-home streaming audience.
The movie had a slow start at the box office, collecting only ₹30 lakh on its opening day, despite heavy promotions. However, its OTT debut is expected to give the film a fresh lease of life and a wider audience.
Many films that underperform in theatres often find cult followings online, and Shanaya’s debut could also achieve the same. Viewers now have a second chance to appreciate the performances and storytelling.
Shanaya Wasn’t the First Choice
Interestingly, director Santosh Singh revealed that Shanaya Kapoor was not the initial choice for the lead. The team had first approached Tara Sutaria and Pratibha Ranta, but due to scheduling conflicts, the casting changed.
This revelation has only made fans more curious about how Shanaya grabbed the role and transformed it into her own. Sometimes, being a second choice can turn into the biggest opportunity of an actor’s career.
Shanaya, however, impressed the makers during her auditions and went through four months of intense workshops with an acting coach. By the time filming began, she had mastered her role, proving her commitment to the craft.
Her dedication shows how serious she is about acting, and this could silence critics who believed she was only entering films because of her family background. The training also adds depth and authenticity to her screen presence.
The Story and Performances
Based on Ruskin Bond’s The Eyes Have It, the film explores love, resilience, and human connections. Shanaya plays a theatre artist, while Vikrant Massey takes on the role of a blind musician. Their contrasting worlds collide in an emotional tale about compassion, independence, and self-belief.
Bond’s stories often leave a lingering charm, and this adaptation tries to balance nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. The chemistry between Shanaya and Vikrant is said to be the emotional core of the movie.
The film originally released in theatres on July 11, 2025, clashing with Rajkummar Rao’s gangster drama Maalik. Despite the clash, Shanaya’s performance was praised for its freshness and charm.
Critics highlighted that while the story had its flaws, Shanaya managed to hold her ground against a seasoned actor like Vikrant. This could be the stepping stone for more challenging roles in her career.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Upcoming Projects
Shanaya’s career is already buzzing with big projects. She will next be seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, opposite Adarsh Gourav, which is scheduled for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release.
The survival thriller genre is a major shift from romance, showing Shanaya’s willingness to explore diverse roles early in her career. Industry insiders believe this film could highlight her versatility.
Additionally, she is reportedly set to appear in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year 3 web series in a double role, directed by debutant Reema Maya. With six episodes planned, the show is already creating hype in Bollywood circles.
If this project clicks, Shanaya could become one of the first new-age stars to balance OTT and films seamlessly. Fans are already predicting that her double role could be the turning point of her career.
