Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan: A Love Story with Blindfolded Expectations

Plot Overview

Saba encounters Jahaan on a train journey to Mussoorie. Portrayed by Shanaya Kapoor, Saba is immersing herself in her role by pretending to be blind, showcasing her dedication to method acting. She remains blindfolded throughout, unaware that Jahaan, played by Vikrant Massey, is genuinely blind.

Jahaan plays along with Saba's charade, guiding her to perceive the world through sound. Saba embraces this challenge wholeheartedly, engaging in various activities from cooking to dancing with a cane.

As their relationship deepens, a romantic bond forms between the aspiring actress and the singer-songwriter. However, when Saba is finally ready to remove her blindfold, she discovers that Jahaan has vanished.

Film Analysis

Directed by Santosh Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan draws inspiration from Ruskin Bond's short stories. The film initially explores intriguing themes, such as the blindness of lovers to their own expectations and the deceptive nature of acting.

Unfortunately, the screenplay, crafted by Singh, Mansi Bagla, and Niranjan Iyengar, tends to be overly literal, leading to a predictable narrative. The film adheres to the 'love is blind' concept, transitioning from a classic 1960s drama with Vishal Mishra's emotive music to an unintentional comedy filled with mediocre dialogue and absurd situations.

The contrast between Jahaan's exaggerated poetic demeanor and Saba's anxious behavior is striking. Jahaan, who resists being labeled as 'specially abled', grapples with his self-image, while Saba's confusion over Jahaan's desire for distance is perplexing.

Character Dynamics

The film predominantly revolves around these two mismatched protagonists. Zain Khan Durrani makes a brief appearance as a director guiding Saba in a play, adding moments of unintended humor.

The overall experience of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan resembles that of a stage play or a radio drama, with significant portions best appreciated through listening rather than visual engagement. Perhaps viewers should consider following Saba's lead and blindfolding themselves to the uninspiring visuals while enjoying the couple's earnest dialogues.

Vikrant Massey appears weary in several scenes, reflecting the weight of Jahaan's struggles. Shanaya Kapoor delivers a decent performance in her acting debut, though Saba's lack of determination and intelligence can be off-putting.

Trailer