Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Movie Review: A Poetic Train Ride That Derails into Predictable Romance

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Review: Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor shine in a poetic first half, but the film loses its charm in a formulaic, cliché-driven second half. Read the full review.

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Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Movie Review

Director: Santosh Singh
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Shanaya Kapoor
Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

A Promising Journey That Begins on the Right Track

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan starts off like a charming ode to the quiet elegance of old-school romance. Inspired by Ruskin Bond’s short story “The Eyes Have It”, the first half unfolds aboard a train, as two strangers meet in a confined space and discover a universe of connection through dialogue, music, and mystery. Vikrant Massey plays Jahaan, a visually-impaired musician and poet, while Shanaya Kapoor makes her acting debut as Saba, a blindfolded actress prepping for a role.

The screenplay in the initial segments is refreshingly restrained. The compartment scenes evoke the spirit of classics like Before Sunrise and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge — with an Indian twist. The gentle rhythm of dialogue, the subtlety of interaction, and a soothing Vishal Mishra melody elevate the first act into a nearly magical experience.

From Poetry to Predictability: The Second Half Falters

Unfortunately, the film doesn’t hold on to its promise. The moment the narrative steps off the train, it rushes into the chaotic territory of conventional Bollywood tropes. As Jahaan and Saba are forced to share a hotel room, their companionship blossoms into romance — but the tender storytelling soon gives way to melodrama.

Three years later, the story shifts to Europe. Saba now has a new, seemingly perfect boyfriend, but her past with Jahaan resurfaces, pulling her back into a predictable love triangle. What could’ve been a sensitive exploration of love and loss turns into a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai-style patchwork of clichés. The soul of the film — its dialogue-driven intimacy — is lost amidst unnecessary twists, timeline jumps, and dramatic set-ups.

Performances That Hold the Frame

Despite the film’s structural shortcomings, Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor give sincere performances. Vikrant is believable as a visually-impaired man, although his character becomes increasingly inconsistent in the second half. Shanaya Kapoor impresses in her debut, particularly in the train scenes, where she conveys emotion primarily through voice and expression, as her eyes remain blindfolded.

There’s a genuine innocence in their chemistry, but it becomes difficult to root for their characters as the story derails.

A Missed Opportunity for Inclusive Storytelling

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan also falters in its representation of disability. A scene where Jahaan insists on using the term Divyang over “specially-abled” reflects a superficial understanding of disability discourse. Instead of offering a nuanced portrayal, the film slips into patronizing tones, highlighting a lack of awareness on the subject.

Final Verdict:

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan could have been a soulful, modern classic rooted in poetic realism. But its second-half identity crisis makes it lose all the emotional depth and simplicity that the first half builds so beautifully. The makers had a rare chance to craft a heartfelt love story in a cinematic landscape dominated by action and spectacle — but they traded grace for grandeur.

Pros:

• Strong performances by Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor

• Beautifully executed first half

• Melodic soundtrack by Vishal Mishra

Cons:

• Second half devolves into formulaic Bollywood drama

• Inconsistent tone and weak screenplay

• Superficial take on disability representation

⭐ Final Rating: 2.5/5
Worth watching for the soulful beginning, but don’t expect it to stay on track.