Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Movie Review: A Bold Romance That Pushes Boundaries

When it comes to contemporary Bollywood romance, few films dare to explore the raw intensity of human emotions quite like “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan.” Released in July 2025, this Santosh Singh directorial venture brings together Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor in a passionate tale that challenges conventional storytelling norms.

Movie Overview

Aspect	Details
Movie Title	Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
Release Date	July 11, 2025
Director	Santosh Singh
Lead Cast	Vikrant Massey, Shanaya Kapoor
Supporting Cast	Akshaan Sehrawat, Zain Khan Durrani
Genre	Drama, Romance
Duration	2 hours 20 minutes
Language	Hindi
Certificate	16+
Music Director	Vishal Mishra
Production Houses	Mini Films, Open Window Films, Zee Studios
Writers	Mansi Bagla, Niranjan Iyengar, Santosh Singh
Cinematographer	Tanveer Mir
IMDB Rating	6.1/10
User Rating	3.2/5

The Story That Captivates

“Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” translates to “The Mischief of Eyes,” and the film lives up to its intriguing title by weaving a narrative that explores the unspoken language of desire and connection. The story revolves around complex relationships where glances speak louder than words, and where the protagonists find themselves caught in a web of emotions that transcend societal expectations.

Set against a contemporary backdrop, the film follows the journey of two individuals whose paths cross in unexpected circumstances. The narrative structure allows viewers to witness the gradual evolution of their relationship, from initial attraction to deeper emotional conflicts that challenge their personal beliefs and social standings.

The screenplay, crafted by the collaborative efforts of Mansi Bagla, Niranjan Iyengar, and director Santosh Singh, presents a mature take on modern romance. Unlike typical Bollywood love stories, this film delves into the psychological aspects of attraction and the moral dilemmas that arise when passion conflicts with responsibility.

Character Analysis and Performances

Vikrant Massey’s Powerful Portrayal

Vikrant Massey continues to establish himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors with his compelling performance in “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan.” Known for his ability to bring depth to complex characters, Massey delivers a nuanced portrayal that captures the internal struggle of a man torn between desire and duty.

His character development throughout the film showcases remarkable range, transitioning from confident charm to vulnerable uncertainty with seamless authenticity. Massey’s expressive eyes, particularly relevant given the film’s title, convey emotions that dialogue alone cannot express, making his performance a standout element of the movie.

Shanaya Kapoor’s Promising Debut Elements

Shanaya Kapoor brings fresh energy to the female lead role, demonstrating promising acting skills that suggest a bright future in Indian cinema. Her chemistry with Vikrant Massey creates believable romantic tension that drives the narrative forward effectively.

Kapoor’s portrayal balances strength and vulnerability, presenting a modern woman who makes her own choices while dealing with the consequences. Her performance indicates careful preparation and understanding of her character’s motivations, suggesting dedicated commitment to the craft.

Supporting Cast Contributions

Akshaan Sehrawat and Zain Khan Durrani provide solid support to the main narrative, each bringing distinct personalities that enrich the overall story. Their presence adds layers to the plot without overshadowing the central romance, creating a well-rounded ensemble that enhances viewer engagement.

Technical Excellence and Craftsmanship

Direction and Vision

Santosh Singh’s directorial approach demonstrates maturity in handling sensitive themes while maintaining commercial appeal. His vision creates an atmosphere where emotions feel authentic rather than manufactured, allowing natural character interactions to drive the story progression.

The pacing reveals careful consideration of audience engagement, balancing intense dramatic moments with lighter sequences that provide emotional relief. Singh’s background in writing contributes to his understanding of character development, resulting in a cohesive narrative structure.

Cinematography That Tells Stories

Tanveer Mir’s cinematography deserves special recognition for its artistic contribution to the film’s emotional impact. The visual storytelling complements the narrative beautifully, using lighting and camera angles to reflect the characters’ internal states.

The intimate scenes are shot with tasteful sensitivity, focusing on emotional connection rather than explicit content. The cinematographer’s choices enhance the romantic elements while maintaining the film’s artistic integrity, creating visually stunning moments that linger in viewers’ memories.

Musical Score and Soundtrack

Vishal Mishra’s musical composition adds significant value to the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack features two notable tracks that have gained appreciation among music enthusiasts.

“Nazara,” performed by Vishal Mishra himself, serves as an emotional anchor for key scenes, while “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,” sung by Jubin Nautiyal, captures the essence of the film’s central theme. Both songs integrate seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing rather than interrupting the story flow.

Critical Analysis and Reception

Mixed Critical Response

The film has received varied reactions from critics, with some praising its bold approach to romantic storytelling while others question certain narrative choices. The 6.1/10 rating on IMDB reflects this divided opinion, suggesting that while the film has merit, it may not appeal to all audience segments.

Critics have particularly noted the film’s willingness to explore mature themes that many Bollywood productions avoid, giving it credit for pushing creative boundaries within the industry.

Audience Perspective

Audience ratings of 3.2/5 indicate moderate reception, with viewers appreciating the performances while expressing mixed feelings about the overall execution. Many have praised Vikrant Massey’s acting prowess and the film’s visual appeal, though some found the runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes somewhat excessive.

The 16+ certificate suggests content that requires mature viewing, which has influenced audience expectations and reception patterns.

Themes and Social Commentary

Modern Relationship Dynamics

“Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” explores contemporary relationship challenges that resonate with urban audiences. The film addresses themes of attraction, commitment, and the complexities of modern love without offering simple solutions.

The narrative examines how digital age relationships differ from traditional romantic paradigms, presenting situations that many viewers will recognize from their own experiences.

Visual Communication and Intimacy

The film’s title reflects its central theme of non-verbal communication in relationships. The story explores how meaningful connections often transcend spoken words, focusing on the subtle exchanges that define deep emotional bonds.

This theme allows the filmmakers to create intimate moments that feel authentic while avoiding clichéd romantic dialogue that might diminish the emotional impact.

Production Values and Technical Aspects

High-Quality Production Standards

The collaboration between Mini Films, Open Window Films, and Zee Studios ensures professional production values throughout the film. The attention to detail in costumes, set design, and overall presentation reflects the producers’ commitment to quality filmmaking.

Producers Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla have invested in creating a visually appealing product that meets contemporary cinema standards while supporting the artistic vision of the creative team.

Runtime and Structure

The 2 hours and 20 minutes runtime allows for comprehensive character development and plot exploration, though some viewers might find it lengthy for a romantic drama. The extended duration enables deeper emotional investment in the characters’ journeys.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

“Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” represents a sincere attempt to create meaningful romantic cinema that addresses contemporary relationship dynamics. While it may not achieve universal appeal, the film succeeds in presenting authentic emotions and strong performances.

Vikrant Massey’s compelling portrayal alone makes the film worth watching for fans of quality acting. The technical excellence, particularly in cinematography and music, adds value to the overall experience.

For viewers seeking mature romantic dramas that explore complex emotions without relying on formulaic storytelling, “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” offers a satisfying cinematic journey. The film’s bold approach to sensitive themes makes it a notable addition to contemporary Bollywood romance.

However, potential viewers should be prepared for a longer runtime and mature content that requires patience and emotional investment. Those who appreciate character-driven narratives over action-packed entertainment will find more value in this thoughtful exploration of modern love and desire.