Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, directed by Santosh Singh and released on July 11, 2025, marks a delicate adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s short story “The Eyes Have It.” The film stars seasoned actor Vikrant Massey as Jahaan, a visually impaired musician, and introduces Shanaya Kapoor in her debut role as Saba, a method-acting theatre artist. Set against the picturesque backdrop of train routes winding through Mussoorie and glimpses of Mumbai, the film spins a quiet, evocative romance grounded in perception, vulnerability, and shared silence.
From the very first scene, the movie captures your attention not with grand gestures, but with tender subtleties: glances, soft piano notes, and hushed conversations. With a runtime of roughly 138 minutes, it may feel stretched for a short-story adaptation, but it’s precisely that slowness that invites viewers to linger in the characters’ inner worlds. The film feels less like a spectacle and more like spending time with old friends in a train cabin: intimate, sincere, and thoughtfully paced.
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Plot and Thematic Journey
Jahaan, portrayed with deep restraint by Vikrant Massey, is a blind musician traveling to Mussoorie in search of musical inspiration. Saba, played by Shanaya Kapoor, boards the train blindfolded as part of her character study. Neither knows the truth about the other’s visual reality, and thus begins their unusual bond built on voice, touch, and unspoken longing.
The film explores themes of seeing and being seen. Viewers are invited to ask: does vision truly define connection, or is it something deeper? In a cinematic landscape saturated with visual spectacle, this story refreshingly centers on what’s felt, not seen. The screenplay delves into layers of perception, literal and emotional, unfolding revelations about trust, loneliness, and the courage to open one’s heart.
Performances: The Emotional Core
Vikrant Massey as Jahaan
Massey brings a simplicity that anchors the film. His portrayal is deliberately understated, with no dramatic flourishes, just a calm presence that allows the audience to feel Jahaan’s world through his other senses. He holds back, letting emotions leak out through small gestures: a foot tapping to melody, a hesitant smile, an attentive listen. His rhythm with the camera feels intuitive and unhurried.
Shanaya Kapoor as Saba
For a debut, Shanaya Kapoor delivers a remarkable performance. Critics have called her impressive, noting her understated expressions and confident presence. She underwent rigorous workshops, even blindfolding herself for weeks to internalize the character’s perspective. The spark she brings to each scene, especially in quieter, more conversational moments, demonstrates a natural screen ease that bodes well for a long-term career.
Chemistry and Supporting Cast
The chemistry between the two leads feels genuine. Even in scenes of silence, there’s a palpable connection that is graceful and tender, particularly in moments underscored by Vishal Mishra’s evocative music. Supporting actor Zain Khan Durrani provides a gentle counterpoint in secondary plot threads, smoothly fleshing out the premise.
Direction and Technical Craft
Santosh Singh’s direction favors minimalism and restraint. He avoids melodrama, trusting in tone and mood to draw viewers in. The film’s visual palette, with lingering frames of misty hills, soft cabin light, and tender close-ups, feels deliberately composed to lean into the sensory world of its characters.
Cinematographer Tanveer Mir captures both the grandeur of landscapes and the intimacy of confined train compartments. Editor Unnikrishnan P.P. works to maintain a lyrical pace, though some critics note occasional stretches in the narrative where scenes linger too long.
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Music and Sound Design: The Invisible Voice
The film’s soundtrack, led by the single “Nazara” and the title track performed by Jubin Nautiyal, beautifully underscores the emotional journey. There’s an intentional silence in some scenes that crescendos into sound, such as footsteps, train rumbles, and music, that anchors the audience in Jahaan’s sensory world. Critics described Vishal Mishra’s score as surprisingly subtle, aligning the auditory feel with the film’s core theme of rediscovering the unseen through sound.
Reception: Between Praise and Criticism
Critical response has been mixed but leaned positively on performances. Times of India praised Shanaya as impressive and Massey as heartfelt and real, giving it a warm, if modest, rating of 3 out of 5 for its predictable but emotionally resonant journey. Indian Express was harsher, calling it a writing morass and lamenting lost potential amid decent leads. Hindustan Times criticized the film’s pacing and depth issues, noting a lack of passion beneath the surface.
From viewers and social media, there’s a chorus of appreciation for the song “Nazara,” with fans applauding the couple’s chemistry and emotional connection. Conservative critics highlight its narrative flattening, arguing that once haste is lost, the story struggles to fully reauthorize its emotional momentum.
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Exploration of Connection
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan may not redefine Bollywood romance, but it succeeds in quietly carving its own space. It invites the audience into a sensory experiment: a love story told without sight but rich in feeling. It’s a testament to subtlety, an emotional undercurrent sustained by strong performances and a steady directorial voice.
If you’re in the mood for a movie that refuses loud declarations in favor of whispered intimacies, this is worth your matinee ticket. Shanaya Kapoor’s confident debut and Vikrant Massey’s restrained yet soulful portrayal are reasons enough to step aboard their train. It’s not epic cinema; it’s a heartfelt journey.
Who Should Watch It
- Fans of slow-burning, character-driven romances
- Viewers who appreciate nuanced performances over dramatic arcs
- Those curious about adaptations of Ruskin Bond’s literary charm
What to Temper Expectations With
- A mid-section that lingers and may feel padded
- Predictable plot beats if you’re expecting surprising twists
- Strong visuals and music that may not fully compensate for narrative lulls
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan offers a poignant cinematic walk along the unseen, where emotions, not visuals, illuminate the journey. Shanaya’s debut is encouraging, Massey remains steady as ever, and the world we’ve built, framed in silence and melody, is heartfelt. If subtlety is your cinema language, give this train ride a chance.
Pros:
- Sincere performances from leads
- Evocative sensory storytelling
- Thoughtful audio-visual design
- Charming adaptation of Ruskin Bond
Cons:
- Pacing dips in middle
- Familiar narrative arc
- Underdeveloped secondary threads
Final Note
Post-theatrical, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is headed to ZEE5 in the coming weeks, making it perfect for a reflective Sunday evening watch with headphones and heart open.
Let me know if you’d like a follow-up on individual scenes, soundtrack deep-dive, or comparisons with other Bollywood romances.