Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)
The Verdict:
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan may not be a perfect film, but it certainly marks a promising debut for Shanaya Kapoor. Earnest performances from the cast and a nostalgic, melodious soundtrack by Vishal Mishra make this romantic drama watchable, even as it struggles under the weight of clumsy execution and a plot that relies too heavily on “how convenient!” moments.
🌟 What Works
- Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut
Let’s get the debut nerves out of the way — Shanaya Kapoor surprises. Her portrayal of Saba is sincere, emotive, and surprisingly nuanced for a newcomer. She displays control in emotional scenes and a refreshing presence that elevates the film more than once. - Vikrant Massey in Lover-Boy Mode
Vikrant Massey finally gets the soft, romantic hero arc he deserves. With his effortless charm, subtle vulnerability, and boy-next-door appeal, he makes Zahan both believable and deeply likable. And yes, seeing him dance and lip-sync is a welcome bonus. - Zain Khan Durrani as Abhinav – the Dream Guy
Zain brings to life a rare breed of cinematic boyfriend — supportive, respectful, and emotionally evolved. His performance is understated yet impactful, grounding the love triangle with quiet dignity. He’s the green flag personified. - Vishal Mishra’s Music
A true highlight. The soundtrack carries a gentle emotional pull and fits the mood of the film. The title track and a couple of montage songs linger in your mind.
❌ Where It Falters
- Too Convenient, Too Often
From Saba and Zahan accidentally kissing after sipping spiked drinks, to bumping into each other in Europe and conveniently ending up in the same dance/music group, the film stretches believability a tad too much — and not in a charming Bollywood way. - Uneven Dialogues
At times, the writing slips into unintentionally funny territory. What should have been poignant moments are occasionally undercut by awkward or melodramatic lines that drew chuckles for the wrong reasons in the theatre. - Bloated Runtime
At 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film drags — especially in the second half. A tighter edit could have turned Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan from a passable romance into a truly affecting one. - Half-Baked Execution
There’s an air of promise that the film constantly brushes up against but never fully realizes. The direction lacks a sense of rhythm, and emotional beats often feel rushed or overstated.
💬 Final Word:
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is the kind of film you want to like. It has heart, a solid cast, and musical soul — but it’s let down by lazy plotting and directorial missteps. Still, Shanaya Kapoor makes a confident debut, Vikrant Massey is endearing, and Zain Khan Durrani gives the audience a new swoon-worthy character. If you’re in the mood for an old-school romantic triangle with modern packaging, give it a shot — just don’t expect fireworks.
Verdict: Almost charming, but “almost” isn’t always enough.
