Banner: Zee Studios, Mini Films, Open Window Films
Genre: Romance / DramaCensor: UA
Story & Screenplay
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a love story inspired by Ruskin Bond’s The Eyes Have It. It follows Jahan Bakshi (Vikrant Massey) and Saba Shergill (Shanaya Kapoor), who meet on a train journey and fall in love under unusual circumstances. While Jahan knows everything about Saba, he withholds one aspect of his life, fearing it will affect their relationship. Years later, their paths cross again in a foreign land, but Saba is now involved with Abhinav (Zain Khan Durrani).
The story, adapted by Mansi Bagla, has a fresh premise but suffers from implausibility, making it hard for the audience to fully invest. The screenplay, co-written by Mansi Bagla, Santosh Singh, and Niranjan Iyengar, is decent initially, but stretches unnecessarily in the latter half. The foreign-country sequences lack emotional depth, and the love triangle fails to evoke heartfelt emotions. Scenes, such as Saba dancing with Abhinav while Jahan plays the piano, fall flat due to over-awareness among the characters, diluting dramatic tension.
While dialogues are philosophical and thoughtful, they sometimes weigh down the narrative. The pacing is slow, and the climax arrives too late, leaving the audience disengaged at times.
Performances
Vikrant Massey is the standout as Jahan Bakshi, bringing natural charm and endearing vulnerability to the role.
Shanaya Kapoor makes a confident debut as Saba Shergill, with good screen presence and poise.
Zain Khan Durrani is ordinary as Abhinav, failing to leave an impact.
Bharti Sharma provides decent support as Noor, though the character adds little to the plot.
Other supporting actors, including Rehmatt Rattan, Saanand Verma, Rajesh Jais, and Vikram Kochar, deliver passable to inconsequential performances.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Santosh Singh’s direction is average; he handles the craft well but the narrative lacks brevity and emotional punch, affecting engagement.
Vishal Mishra’s music is melodious and suits the film, but none of the numbers are truly haunting or memorable.
Lyrics by Vishal Mishra and Kaushal Kishore are weighty but don’t fully resonate.
Vishnu Deva’s choreography is adequate.
Joel Crasto’s background score supports the narrative but could have been more impactful.
Tanveer Mir’s cinematography is very good, with visually appealing frames.
Production design and art direction (Sheetal Duggal, Pranay Chaure) are standard.
Editing by Unnikrishnan P.P. could have been sharper to improve pacing.
Final Verdict
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan lacks the soul and emotional intensity expected from a romantic drama. Despite strong performances by Vikrant Massey and a confident debut by Shanaya Kapoor, the film’s slow pacing, implausible storyline, and underwhelming emotional impact make it unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Box Office Potential: Limited. The film may go largely unnoticed, appealing only to niche audiences who appreciate subtle romantic tales.
PUBLISHED BY SUYASH PACHAURI, FOUNDER & OWNER, GLOBAL BOLLYWOOD | THE HOLLYWOOD SCOPE