A Love Story That Fails to See Its Own Potential: A Review of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

⭐⭐ 2/5

Inspired by the classic Ruskin Bond short story “The Eyes Have It,” the Zee5 film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan attempts to translate a delicate, poetic premise into a full-length feature. The result is a visually pleasing but narratively hollow film that, for all its grand aspirations, stumbles blindly in its search for a spark that never quite ignites.

The Promising Premise

The film’s premise is its most intriguing element. A blind musician, Jahaan (Vikrant Massey), meets an aspiring actress, Saba (Shanaya Kapoor), on a train. Saba, a method actor, is blindfolded for a role, creating a unique dynamic where both characters are concealing a truth. This initial setup, a game of innocent deception, holds the promise of a nuanced romance built on connection beyond sight. The cinematography, capturing the misty beauty of Mussoorie and the Himalayas, and the soulful musical score by Vishal Mishra, initially lend a poetic, almost ethereal quality to their burgeoning relationship.

The Flawed Execution

However, as the film stretches this slender premise into a two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the cracks begin to show. The charming, lighthearted banter of the train journey gives way to a predictable and melodramatic second half. The film leans heavily on clichéd Bollywood tropes—a dramatic separation, a three-year leap, and a third-act confrontation that feels more like a frantic mess than a heartfelt emotional exchange. A particularly jarring sequence involving spiked drinks and a psychedelic visual trip feels out of place and dilutes what could have been a powerful, pivotal moment.

A Tale of Two Performances

The performances are a mixed bag, largely due to the uneven script. Vikrant Massey, as Jahaan, delivers a commendable and nuanced performance. He brings a quiet strength and vulnerability to his character, expertly conveying a world of emotion through subtle gestures and his voice alone. He is undoubtedly the film’s strongest asset. Shanaya Kapoor, in her debut, is a pleasant surprise. Despite a character arc that often feels flat and poorly written, she exhibits a natural screen presence and sincerity, particularly in the quieter, more reactive moments. The chemistry between the two leads is passable but never truly takes flight.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a missed opportunity. It had all the ingredients for a beautiful, unconventional romance: a revered source material, a talented leading man, and a promising debutante. Yet, it gets lost in its own over-the-top melodrama and a reliance on tired narrative devices. While the stunning visuals and soulful music offer some reprieve, they cannot compensate for a story that, in its ambition to be a grand love story, loses its footing and its heart. It’s a film that asks its audience to look with their hearts, but sadly, it gives them very little to feel.