Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan (2025) Movie: Vikrant Massey’s Latest Romance Hits Different
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan brings together Vikrant Massey and debutant Shanaya Kapoor in a story that explores love beyond conventional boundaries. Directed by Santosh Singh and written by Mansi Bagla, this Hindi romantic drama is produced under Zee Studios and Mini Films.
What sets this film apart is its unique foundation, an adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s beloved short story The Eyes Have It. The film follows Saba Shergill, an aspiring actress, and Jahaan Bakshi, a passionate musician, both navigating life with visual impairments. Their worlds collide in a profound way that redefines love, healing, and self-discovery.
Plot and Storyline
The narrative revolves around the beautiful intersection of two lives bound by similar challenges yet driven by different artistic passions. Saba Shergill, portrayed by Shanaya Kapoor, is a theater actress with dreams that extend beyond her physical limitations. Her journey of self-discovery forms one half of this compelling love story.
On the other side, we have Jahaan Bakshi, played by Vikrant Massey, a musician whose passion for music transcends his visual impairment. The film explores how these two characters embark on a journey to reconnect with their artistic selves, unaware that their paths are destined to intertwine.
What makes the storyline particularly engaging is its authentic portrayal of how love can flourish when two people truly see each other’s souls. The screenplay intelligently weaves moments of excitement, heartache, and triumph, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and universal.
Cast Performances
Vikrant Massey once again proves his versatility with his portrayal of Jahaan Bakshi. Known for his nuanced performances in films like Chhapaak and Haseen Dillruba, Massey brings remarkable depth to his character. His ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions makes his performance as a visually impaired musician both authentic and deeply moving.
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut performance as Saba Shergill has been particularly noteworthy. Despite being new to the industry, she demonstrates natural screen presence and emotional maturity that belies her inexperience. Her portrayal of an aspiring actress dealing with visual impairment is handled with remarkable sensitivity and grace.
I found the chemistry between Massey and Kapoor to be genuine and heartwarming, making their on-screen romance feel authentic. Zain Khan Durrani, though in a supporting role, delivers a commendable performance that complements the lead pair effectively.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Santosh Singh deserves considerable credit for handling such a sensitive subject with remarkable finesse. His direction ensures that the film never becomes preachy or overly sentimental, striking the right balance between emotional depth and cinematic entertainment.
The film’s technical aspects work in harmony to create a rich sensory experience. The cinematography beautifully captures the emotional landscape of the story, using lighting and framing to enhance the narrative’s emotional impact. The sound design deserves special mention, as it plays a crucial role in helping audiences understand how the characters navigate their world.
The production design creates authentic environments that feel lived-in and real, from the theater spaces where Saba practices to the intimate settings where Jahaan creates his music. The editing maintains a steady pace that allows for emotional moments to breathe while keeping the narrative engaging.
Music and Soundtrack
Given that music plays a central role in the story, the soundtrack becomes an integral part of the narrative experience. The film features compositions that not only serve the story but also stand alone as beautiful pieces of music. The songs are thoughtfully integrated into the narrative, enhancing emotional moments rather than interrupting the flow.
The background score complements the film’s emotional journey, using subtle musical cues to guide viewers through the characters’ internal landscapes. For a film where one of the protagonists is a musician, the attention to musical detail is particularly impressive and authentic.
Critical Reception and Public Response
The film has garnered significant attention from both critics and audiences since its release. Early reviews have been particularly positive, with critic Kuldeep Gadhvi awarding the film 4.5 stars and praising it as a complete value-for-money cinematic experience. The film currently holds a 78% approval rating on review aggregator JioCinema, based on 15 critic reviews.
Critics have consistently praised the film’s emotional authenticity and the lead performances. Many reviews highlight how the film successfully avoids stereotypical portrayals of disability while delivering a genuinely touching love story. Public reviews have been equally positive, with audiences appreciating the film’s fresh take on romance and the powerful performances by the lead cast.
What Works and What Could Be Better
The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of love and human connection. The way it handles the subject of visual impairment with dignity and respect, while focusing on the characters’ strengths rather than limitations, is commendable. I was particularly impressed by how the chemistry between Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor feels genuine and heartwarming.
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut performance is remarkably confident, showing great promise for her future in the industry. Vikrant Massey continues to prove his versatility with another nuanced performance that adds depth to his already impressive filmography. The direction by Santosh Singh maintains the right emotional tone throughout.
However, the film’s 2-hour 20-minute runtime, while allowing for proper character development, occasionally feels slightly extended in certain sequences. Some supporting character arcs could have been developed further to add more depth to the overall narrative. Additionally, there are moments where the pacing could have been tightened to maintain consistent engagement.
The film succeeds in creating a beautiful, emotionally resonant experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. It represents a mature approach to romantic storytelling that prioritizes emotional truth over conventional romantic tropes.
Final Verdict
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and exceptional performances. It successfully combines a meaningful narrative with strong character development and technical excellence. The film offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships while launching Shanaya Kapoor’s career on a high note and adding another memorable performance to Vikrant Massey’s repertoire.
This is a film that reminds us why cinema can be such a powerful medium for exploring human emotions and connections. It’s a story that celebrates love in its purest form, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, well-crafted cinema.
Rating: 4/5
