Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan (2025) Movie: Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut Proves Love Really Is Blind
Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan brings together Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor in what promises to be one of 2025’s most emotionally engaging romantic dramas. Directed by Santosh Singh, this Hindi film is adapted from Ruskin Bond’s celebrated short story The Eyes Have It. The film marks a significant milestone for Shanaya Kapoor as her much-awaited Bollywood debut, while showcasing Vikrant Massey in yet another compelling role.
| Movie Title: | Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan |
| Release Date: | July 11, 2025 |
| Runtime: | 2h 18m |
| Director: | Santosh Singh |
| Genres: | Drama, Romance |
| Rating: | 7/10 star |
| Starring: | Shanaya Kapoor, Vikrant Massey, Zain Khan Durrani |
| Production Company: | Mini Films, Zee Studios |
| Lead Actor: | Vikrant Massey |
Produced by Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla, and Vipin Agnihotri under Zee Studios and Mini Films, the film brings together a talented crew including music composer Vishal Mishra. With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film takes audiences on an emotional journey that explores human connection beyond physical limitations.
Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Shanaya Kapoor | Saba Shergill |
| Vikrant Massey | Jahaan |
| Saanand Verma | |
| Zain Khan Durrani |
Plot and Storyline
Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan tells the story of Jahaan Bakshi (Vikrant Massey), a visually impaired musician, and Saba Shergill (Shanaya Kapoor), a theater artist. They meet during a train journey through the Himalayas. What makes their encounter special is that neither initially reveals their visual impairment to the other.
As they converse without revealing their disabilities, they form an emotional bond through voice and touch. The story explores their evolving relationship and personal transformations as they navigate societal perceptions. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of Ruskin Bond’s original work while expanding it into a full-length feature.
The screenplay successfully balances moments of humor with deeply emotional sequences, creating a well-rounded cinematic experience that goes beyond conventional Bollywood formulas.
Cast Performances
Vikrant Massey: Masterclass in Acting
Vikrant Massey delivers yet another powerhouse performance as Jahaan. Massey researched with visually impaired individuals to prepare for his role, and this preparation shows in every frame. His portrayal is nuanced and authentic, bringing depth to a character who could have easily become a stereotype.
Actor-turned-critic Kuldeep Gadhvi praised Massey’s natural, heartfelt performance that brought the story to life. I found Massey’s ability to convey complex emotions through voice modulation and body language particularly impressive, especially considering the unique challenges of playing a visually impaired character.
Shanaya Kapoor: Promising Debut
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut performance as Saba has been receiving widespread praise from both critics and audiences. Kapoor underwent four months of workshops and trained with an acting coach, including performing scenes blindfolded. This dedication to her craft is evident in her performance.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many users commented I expected an Ananya 2.0. But Shanaya surprised me. Brilliant and excellent performance for a debutant. Comparing Shanaya with other star kids, users noted Shanaya seems promising… I think she can be the nepokid who we can’t rule out like Alia.
Technical Excellence
Direction and Cinematography
Santosh Singh’s direction deserves special mention for handling such a sensitive subject with grace. The film was shot in Mussoorie and Mumbai, with cinematographer Tanveer Mir employing close-focus techniques to translate sensory experiences visually.
The cinematography beautifully captures the scenic locations, particularly the Himalayan landscapes. The filming in Mussoorie honors Bond’s original setting, adding authenticity to the adaptation.
Musical Score
The music was composed by Vishal Mishra with lyrics by Mishra and Kaushal Kishore. The soundtrack emphasizes tactile and auditory experiences to align with the film’s themes. Key tracks include Nazara, the title track Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan performed by Jubin Nautiyal, and Alvida.
Gadhvi referred to Vishal Mishra’s music as mindblasting and commended the film’s high technical standards. I believe the musical score perfectly complements the narrative, serving as an emotional anchor.
What Works
Authentic Representation
The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of visual impairment without resorting to pity or melodrama. The characters are fully realized individuals whose disability is just one aspect of their personalities.
Chemistry Between Leads
Vikrant Massey highlighted the trust factor built between him and Shanaya during filming. He stated We are both very alike as people and praised their collaborative approach. This genuine connection translates beautifully on screen.
Emotional Depth
The film blends humor with deeply moving emotional moments. It’s described as a heartwarming story that gently unfolds and grows on viewers.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
At 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film occasionally feels stretched in certain portions. Some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain consistent momentum.
Familiar Territory
Some critics noted that elements feel like generic Bollywood romance despite its unique premise. While the central concept is fresh, certain narrative beats follow predictable patterns.
Supporting Characters
The film could have benefited from stronger development of supporting characters, particularly Zain Khan Durrani’s role, which feels underutilized.
Critical and Public Reception
Professional Critics
Actor-turned-critic Kuldeep Gadhvi gave the film a rating of 4.5 stars, calling it a complete value-for-money cinematic experience. He stated This film touched not just my heart but my soul. The film currently holds a 78% approval rating on review aggregator JioCinema.
Early reviews praised the film’s soulful storytelling and Vikrant Massey’s performance, while noting Shanaya Kapoor’s assured debut. However, a controversial blindfolded dance sequence sparked debate regarding disability representation.
Audience Response
The teaser garnered over 5.2 million views in 48 hours, with BookMyShow reporting 42,000+ interested tags. Public reaction has been largely positive, particularly regarding Shanaya Kapoor’s debut and the film’s unique concept.
Netizens praised the film extensively, with comments like Shanaya surprising everyone with such good performance! and Vikrant is amazing as always.
Final Verdict
Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan succeeds in delivering an emotionally rich cinematic experience that honors Ruskin Bond’s original story. Despite some pacing issues and occasional reliance on familiar romantic tropes, the film’s authentic portrayal of visual impairment makes it worthwhile.
I found the film marks an impressive debut for Shanaya Kapoor and adds another feather to Vikrant Massey’s filmography. Santosh Singh’s sensitive direction, combined with Vishal Mishra’s soul-stirring music, creates a film that resonates on multiple emotional levels.
While it may not revolutionize the romantic drama genre, Aankhon ki Gustaakhiyan offers a refreshing perspective on love, connection, and human resilience that makes it stand out in contemporary Bollywood cinema.
Rating: 3.5/5
