Shanaya Kapoor’s debut film with Vikrant Massey starts with a unique idea but struggles to connect emotionally.
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan: A Promising Premise That Falls Flat
“Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,” directed by Santosh Singh, is a romantic drama about two strangers who meet on a train under unusual circumstances. Jahaan (played by Vikrant Massey) is a visually impaired singer. On his journey, he meets Saba (played by debutant Shanaya Kapoor), an aspiring actress who is blindfolded for an acting exercise. She doesn’t know that Jahaan is blind, and he doesn’t know why she’s blindfolded — and so begins their love story.
It’s an interesting setup, and the idea sounds fresh on paper. But unfortunately, the film doesn’t manage to turn that idea into a strong or memorable story.
Stretched Too Long Without Much To Say
The film is based on Ruskin Bond’s short story It’s All In The Eyes. But what worked as a short story doesn’t quite translate into a full-length film. The story quickly runs out of depth and emotion. After the train meeting, the plot moves slowly, and not much happens to hold your interest.
It’s hard to believe that a girl would keep a blindfold on for an entire train journey with a stranger. But even if you accept that for the sake of the plot, you’ll soon find that the film has little else to offer beyond scenic views and soft background music.
A Love Story Without Emotion
In most romantic films, we expect some emotional highs — maybe a touching moment, a conflict, or a heartwarming scene that makes us feel something. Sadly, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan doesn’t deliver any of that. The first half leaves you hoping things will get better. The second half doesn’t give you much either. It all feels a bit empty, like a love story that forgets to include the love.
There’s no strong chemistry, no real tension, and no emotional moment that stays with you after the credits roll.
Performances That Deserved Better Writing
Shanaya Kapoor makes her acting debut with this film, and she does show potential. But her character isn’t written in a way that lets her truly shine. Vikrant Massey, known for his solid performances, is okay here but far from his best. His role had the chance to explore deeper emotions, but it remains underdeveloped. Zain Khan Durrani, who plays Saba’s other love interest, is just about fine.
Music Is The Saving Grace
The music, composed by Vishal Mishra, is perhaps the only part of the film that stands out. The songs are calming and pleasant to listen to — but they alone can’t save the film.
Jay-Ho! Movie Rating: 3 Stars for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan receives a 🌟🌟🌟 rating from Jay-Ho! for its sincere attempt at a heartfelt romance. The film introduces a fresh concept and marks a confident debut by Shanaya Kapoor, alongside Vikrant Massey. While the scenic visuals and soothing music add aesthetic appeal, the narrative falls short in emotional depth and character development. Despite its potential, the story lacks the dramatic tension and spark needed to leave a lasting impact. A fair watch for fans of soft, slow-paced love stories — but it doesn’t rise above its flaws.
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan tries to be a heartfelt love story, but it lacks the emotional depth and spark it needs. It had the potential to be touching and meaningful, but ends up being forgettable. Like a letter that never reaches its destination, the film falls short of its promise.
