Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan - Film Review

Plot

"Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan," directed by Santosh Singh, is a cinematic adaptation of Ruskin Bond's short story, "The Eyes Have It." Set against the stunning backdrop of Mussoorie, the plot revolves around two central characters—Jahaan, a blind musician played by Vikrant Massey, and Saba, a blindfolded theatre actress brought to life by Shanaya Kapoor. Their meeting on a train sets the stage for what could have been a poignant exploration of love and the human condition, but unfortunately, it becomes mired in cliché.

The film opens with Jahaan's quest for artistic inspiration as he travels from Delhi to Dehradun. Saba, also on the same journey, has blindfolded herself as part of her character study. This twist introduces an intriguing dynamic, but it quickly stumbles as the plot trades authenticity for melodrama. Both characters misunderstand each other's conditions, with Jahaan concealing his blindness. This premise presents a fertile ground for a nuanced exploration of human connections, empathy, and love but ends up following an all-too-familiar Bollywood pattern: boy meets girl, they fall in love, separation happens, and finally a reunion.

The initial promise of an unconventional love story gives way to a formulaic narrative. The audience’s anticipation for depth and complexity is met with predictable tropes, showcasing a disappointing lack of originality. Additionally, Saba and Jahaan's relationship feels forced and lacks the subtle layers that can make a romance compelling. The film’s exploration of themes surrounding blindness and perception falters as it fails to offer fresh insights. Instead, it leans into stereotype and sensationalism, creating a film that feels more like a product of the past than a modern reflection of love and loss.

As they navigate their playful yet intense connection, their journey is peppered with contrived situations where everything conveniently falls into place. The moments meant to evoke wonder or romantic tension often feel mechanical and devoid of genuine emotion. There is enough happening melodramatically, like coincidental encounters in Europe, that strays the film into the realm of absurdity rather than authenticity. Despite the beautiful visuals of the hill stations and the music by Vishal Mishra, the core narrative feels mismatched. Ultimately, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" tries to reach for the stars but finds itself ensnared in the mundane, leaving audiences with a story that could have soared but instead hovers on the ground.

Acting

Vikrant Massey delivers a commendable performance in the film, showcasing his versatility as an actor. As Jahaan, he imbues the character with a mix of charm and vulnerability, effectively communicating the struggles of a blind musician. His portrayal is nuanced, reflecting the depth of a person who navigates love while dealing with the everyday challenges faced by someone with his condition. Massey's ability to inject heart into his role promises a captivating experience, allowing audiences to empathize with Jahaan’s dilemmas.

In her debut role, Shanaya Kapoor holds her ground alongside Massey. Portraying Saba, the young theatre actress, she embodies the spirit of an ambitious artist beautifully. While her performance starts off with an earnest attempt to carry her character’s emotional weight, it occasionally falls into the realm of stereotypical portrayals. However, Sanaya demonstrates potential, and her chemistry with Massey suggests a bright future in acting; she manages to maintain a vibrant screen presence throughout the duration of the film.

The supporting cast also contributes adequately, particularly Zain Khan Durrani as Abhinav, Saba's romantic interest back in the future. His character emerges as a beacon of support for Saba, embodying the ideal partner who encourages her independence and personal growth. The ensemble effort, however, does not fully redeem the film, as the love triangle lacks genuine tension and emotional stakes.

While the lead performances make the film watchable, the limitations of the script hinder the actors from truly exploring the depths of their characters. Their commitment to the roles is commendable, yet it feels constricted within the film’s far-fetched narrative. Moments that should resonate emotionally often miss the mark due to a lack of cohesive writing and direction. It’s evident that while Massey and Kapoor have undeniable talent and charisma, they deserve stronger material to elevate their performances into something truly remarkable.

Cinematography

The cinematography in "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan," led by Santosh Singh, artfully captures the scenic beauty of Mussoorie, infusing the film with a visual aesthetic that draws viewers into its picturesque landscapes. The camera work takes the audience on a journey through the lush hills, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Cinematographer Vishal Sinha employs sweeping shots that beautifully frame the natural surroundings, juxtaposing the characters' internal struggles against the grandeur of the world around them.

Close-up shots are utilized effectively to convey emotional moments, allowing audiences to connect with Jahaan and Saba's evolving relationship. The intimate framing emphasizes the subtle glances and unspoken feelings that define their interactions. Nevertheless, the reliance on visual storytelling sometimes detracts from the narrative, as the film appears to lean heavily on its visual appeal rather than robust storytelling. The cinematography creates a dreamlike quality that feels enchanting at times, but when paired with an underwhelming script, it underlines the film’s shortcomings.

Additionally, the integration of VFX in the train scenes introduces a surreal element to the film, adding an interesting layer to the storytelling. However, it raises questions about the authenticity of the experience portrayed, leaving viewers detached from the realism that tends to elevate compelling narratives. While such techniques can enhance cinematic experience, here, they contribute to the film’s overall sense of disconnection from genuine emotion.

Overall, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" remains visually captivating with its picturesque landscapes and moments of beauty. However, despite its artistic ambition, its execution falters, leaving a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. A more robust narrative paired with the film’s striking visuals could have transformed it into a memorable cinematic experience instead of a pretty façade masking a lack of depth.

Direction

Santosh Singh's directional debut in "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" is a mixed bag—while he showcases a unique ability to frame romantic stories, his inexperience is evident in the film's slack execution. Singh’s previous work, particularly in the series "Broken But Beautiful", hints at a nuanced understanding of relationships, but here, he struggles to balance sentiment with reality. The directing choices sometimes lead to melodrama, drawing the viewer into cliché territory instead of letting the story unfold naturally.

One major challenge Singh faces is in orchestrating the chemistry between the leads. While there are glimpses of genuine connection, the overarching narrative feels forced, making it hard for viewers to invest fully in Saba and Jahaan's love story. Singh's attempts to create a spontaneous and whimsical romance often miss the emotional beats that anchor compelling storytelling.

The film also lacks pacing; at times, it feels bogged down with superfluous scenes and situations that overexploit the plot’s charm. The characters navigate a series of implausible situations that stretch credibility, making the film feel longer than its runtime. Singh's vision for the film could have found more resonance with a tighter script and clearer direction, guiding the characters and story towards an emotionally fulfilling conclusion.

On the brighter side, there are moments in the film where Singh’s direction shines. The tender interactions between Jahaan and Saba hint at a genuine romance waiting to bloom but are ultimately overshadowed by the superficial narrative. The musical sequences directed by Singh receive a warm reception due to the lovely soundtrack by Vishal Mishra, successfully enhancing the romantic ambiance.

In summary, Singh's direction in "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" demonstrates potential, but it is marred by the film's inability to escape clichés and execute its premise effectively. The balance between romance and reality remains elusive, leaving a desire for more emotional impact and depth. Moving forward, should he refine his storytelling techniques and focus on character development, he may well become a force to reckon with in contemporary Indian cinema.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" portrays a story of love, loneliness, and aspirations, but instead of blending these aspects into a rich and compelling narrative, it falls flat. While Vikrant Massey’s performance is commendably nuanced and Shanaya Kapoor shows potential in her debut, the overall experience is weighed down by a predictable plot riddled with clichéd tropes and inconsistencies. The cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the scenic beauty of the setting, but it is insufficient to mask the shortcomings of the script.

The film attempts to explore profound themes like perception and the essence of love but does so without delivering the emotional punch needed to engage the audience. Directed by Santosh Singh, the film’s ambitious premise ultimately devolves into a superficial love story that never finds its footing. Despite moments of charm, the execution feels lackluster, like a half-baked cake that turns out visually enticing but ultimately disappointing in taste.

As viewers, we want to root for a love story filled with depth and authenticity, but "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" doesn’t quite deliver that promise. It reminds us that sometimes, even the most beautiful visuals and passionate performances can't save a story from its lack of substance. Although the film may entertain some, those seeking a heartfelt experience may leave feeling that it fell short of its potential. In a landscape full of rich storytelling possibilities, "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan" symbolizes the importance of effective execution—not just concepts on paper, but ones that translate into a film worthy of the emotions it wishes to convey.