Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a soulful romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Mansi Bagla. The film is based on Ruskin Bond’s popular short story “The Eyes Have It” and stars Vikrant Massey as Jahaan, a visually impaired musician, and Shanaya Kapoor, making her debut as Saba, a mysterious young woman with a love for theatre. Their paths cross on a scenic train journey, setting the stage for a quiet but deeply emotional story about perception, identity, and connection.

Plot Summary

The story follows Jahaan, a soft-spoken blind musician who boards a train bound for Mussoorie. Seated across from him is Saba, a theatre artist who is pretending to be blind as part of her method acting. Jahaan assumes she can see, while she believes he can. Their journey is filled with intimate conversations, shared silence, and a gentle curiosity. Their connection grows over the course of a few hours, and just when it seems like something more could blossom, the journey ends. Years later, fate brings them together in a foreign country, where new truths are uncovered and their bond is tested in unexpected ways.

What Makes It Worth Watching

Performances
Vikrant Massey delivers another sensitive and grounded performance, portraying Jahaan with quiet dignity. His subtle expressions and emotional restraint add authenticity to his character. Shanaya Kapoor surprises with a mature and poised debut. She avoids overacting and brings a natural innocence to Saba that feels fresh and believable.

Chemistry
One of the most praised aspects of the film is the chemistry between the leads. Their interactions feel real and spontaneous, particularly in the train scenes, where emotions are expressed more through silence than through speech. Viewers feel their connection build naturally over time.

Cinematography and Music
Set against the stunning backdrop of Mussoorie and later foreign locations, the film has a calm, almost poetic visual tone. The use of natural light, earthy colors, and soft close-ups complements the intimate nature of the story. The soundtrack by Vishal Mishra is soothing and emotional, especially the song “Nazara,” which beautifully captures the longing and unspoken feelings of the protagonists.

Where the Film Falls Short

Pacing
At over two hours long, the movie can feel slow, especially in the second half. The middle section drags slightly and could have used tighter editing to maintain momentum.

Predictable Writing
The screenplay stays too close to the original source material without adding enough depth or new layers. Some scenes feel clichéd or overly sentimental. The dialogues, while simple and heartfelt, lack the sharpness or wit that could have elevated the drama.

Box Office Performance
Despite the buzz around Shanaya Kapoor’s debut and the presence of Vikrant Massey, the film struggled to make a strong opening. With other major releases dominating the box office, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan saw a slow start, especially in metro cities. However, it may find its audience gradually through word of mouth and digital release.

Final Verdict

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a tender, heartfelt film that explores the idea of love beyond appearances. It is not a grand, dramatic romance, but a soft-spoken, emotional story that relies on mood, music, and meaningful glances. For those who appreciate character-driven cinema and enjoy slow, thoughtful storytelling, this film has a lot to offer. While the screenplay lacks surprises, the sincerity of the performances and the beautiful setting make it worth watching.

Who Should Watch It

  • Fans of slow-burn romantic dramas

  • Readers of Ruskin Bond’s literature

  • Viewers who enjoy subtle acting and emotional depth

  • Those looking for a break from action-packed or heavily commercial films

Rating

3 out of 5 stars
It is an honest, well-performed film that shines in moments but doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. Shanaya Kapoor’s debut is promising, and Vikrant Massey remains as dependable as ever.