Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan (2025) Movie: Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut Actually Works Despite the Odds
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan emerges as a distinctive romantic drama that dares to explore love beyond conventional boundaries. Directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla, and Vipin Agnihotri under Zee Studios and Mini Films, this film marks a significant milestone in contemporary Indian cinema.
The film features an intriguing cast with Vikrant Massey portraying Jahaan Bakshi, a visually impaired musician, while Shanaya Kapoor takes on the role of Saba Shergill, an aspiring actress making her mark in the theater world. Supporting performances come from Zain Khan Durrani, adding depth to this romantic drama that released on July 11, 2025.
Plot Storyline
The narrative revolves around the chance encounter between Jahaan Bakshi and Saba Shergill on a train journey. What begins as a simple meeting between two travelers evolves into a profound exploration of human connection that transcends physical limitations. The story beautifully captures how circumstances force these two individuals to spend time together, leading to an unexpected romance.
The film’s central premise lies in its exploration of how people connect when stripped of visual judgment and preconceived notions. Jahaan, being visually impaired, experiences the world through sound, touch, and emotion, while Saba initially remains unaware of his condition. This creates a unique dynamic where their relationship builds on pure emotional compatibility rather than physical attraction.
As the story progresses, the revelation of Jahaan’s visual impairment becomes a pivotal moment that tests the strength of their bond. The film doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexities that arise when reality clashes with perception, making it a mature exploration of how love adapts and evolves when faced with unexpected challenges.
Cast Performance
Vikrant Massey delivers another powerhouse performance as Jahaan Bakshi, bringing depth and authenticity to his portrayal of a visually impaired musician. His preparation for the role, including research with visually impaired individuals, shows in his nuanced performance. I found Massey’s portrayal refreshingly honest, avoiding stereotypical representations of disability while capturing the character’s confidence and vulnerability.
Shanaya Kapoor makes an impressive Bollywood debut as Saba Shergill, surprising critics and audiences who had lower expectations for her acting abilities. Her performance demonstrates genuine emotion and growth as an actress, particularly in scenes where she discovers Jahaan’s condition. I was pleasantly surprised by Kapoor’s natural screen presence and her ability to hold her own against Massey’s seasoned performance.
The supporting cast, including Zain Khan Durrani, provides solid performances that complement the central romance without overshadowing the main narrative. The chemistry between the leads feels authentic and develops believably throughout the film.
Technical Excellence
Director Santosh Singh demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in handling this adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s beloved story. His direction maintains the delicate balance between romance and social commentary without being preachy or overly dramatic. The film’s pacing allows for character development while maintaining audience engagement, though some sequences could benefit from tighter editing.
Cinematographer Tanveer Mir employs innovative close-focus techniques to translate sensory experiences visually, creating an immersive viewing experience. The camera work effectively captures both the intimate moments between characters and the broader emotional landscape of their journey.
Vishal Mishra’s music composition deserves special mention, with the soundtrack featuring memorable tracks like Nazara and the title song Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The music enhances the emotional quotient of the film without overwhelming the narrative, particularly in scenes that rely heavily on auditory elements.
Critical Reception
Reviews from popular entertainment websites present a mixed but generally positive reception. Early reviews praised the film’s unique approach to romance and Vikrant Massey’s committed performance, with critics noting the movie’s sincere attempt to address disability representation in mainstream cinema.
Filmibeat described the film as having a soulful story while praising both lead performances, particularly highlighting Shanaya Kapoor’s surprisingly strong debut. IWMBuzz characterized it as a slow-paced warm love story that successfully engages viewers emotionally despite its deliberate pacing.
Public reception has been largely positive, with audiences responding well to the film’s emotional sincerity and fresh approach to romantic storytelling. Social media reactions particularly praised Shanaya Kapoor’s performance, with many viewers expressing surprise at her acting abilities and screen presence.
What Works Well
The film succeeds in several key areas that make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. The authentic portrayal of visual impairment stands out as a major strength, avoiding patronizing stereotypes while presenting a realistic depiction of how differently-abled individuals navigate relationships. The chemistry between the lead actors feels genuine and develops naturally throughout the narrative.
I particularly appreciated the movie’s emotional core, with scenes that genuinely move audiences without resorting to manipulation or excessive sentimentality. The adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s story maintains the original’s charm while expanding the narrative for cinematic treatment.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan faces certain challenges that prevent it from achieving its full potential. The film’s pacing occasionally feels sluggish, particularly in the middle sections where the narrative could benefit from tighter editing. Some dramatic moments border on melodrama, potentially alienating viewers seeking more subtle emotional expression.
The supporting character development could be stronger, with some roles feeling underutilized despite competent performances. Certain plot conveniences and predictable story beats prevent the film from achieving the surprise factor that could elevate it from good to great.
Final Verdict
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan represents a sincere attempt to bring meaningful stories to mainstream cinema while addressing important themes of love, disability, and human connection. Despite its flaws, the film succeeds in creating an emotionally engaging experience that resonates with audiences seeking authentic romantic storytelling.
Vikrant Massey’s excellent performance, combined with Shanaya Kapoor’s promising debut, creates a compelling central relationship that carries the film through its weaker moments. The movie’s commitment to authentic representation and its fresh approach to romantic drama make it a noteworthy addition to contemporary Indian cinema.
Rating: 3.5/5
