Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan (2025) Review: An Emotional Journey Through Silence and Song
Introduction
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan (2025) is not your average romantic musical—it is a deeply emotional journey about connection, vulnerability, and resilience.
Directed by Mansi Bagla, this film explores how love transcends limitations, particularly through the lens of a visually impaired protagonist.
With Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor in lead roles, it paints a poetic picture of human connection using music, silences, and nuanced storytelling.
Emotional Core and Resonance
At the heart of the film lies a tender emotional thread.
Jahaan Bakshi (Vikrant Massey) is a blind composer who finds purpose through his art.
When he meets Saba Shergill (Shanaya Kapoor), their connection is built not on appearance or convenience, but on shared silences, subtle exchanges, and emotional honesty.
The film beautifully portrays emotional vulnerability—Jahaan’s guarded soul, Saba’s inner conflict, and the slow unveiling of their mutual trust form the emotional axis of the story.
These aren’t over-the-top emotions; they’re raw, grounded, and quietly profound.
Emotional Arcs of the Characters
Each main character undergoes a transformative emotional arc:
- Jahaan Bakshi: Begins as a recluse, relying solely on music. His arc moves from isolation to emotional openness as he learns to trust again.
- Saba Shergill: Starts as a spirited but directionless young woman, ultimately finding a deeper sense of self through love and empathy.
Their dynamic evolves without melodrama.
They communicate through music, touch, and presence—emphasizing emotion over dialogue.
Use of Music as Emotional Catalyst
Vishal Mishra’s soundtrack does more than accompany the film—it guides the emotion.
Songs like “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” and “Raat Ki Chup” are steeped in longing, while “Saawan Ki Boondein” captures fleeting joy.
Instrumentals underscore character emotions, especially in scenes of internal conflict.
Rather than explaining feelings, the music allows the audience to feel them.
Emotional Directing Style
Mansi Bagla directs with a sensitive hand.
Long takes, gentle close-ups, and lingering silences allow emotions to breathe.
The director avoids emotional manipulation.
Even heartbreak is handled with maturity—portrayed through pauses, subtle expressions, and stillness rather than dramatic breakdowns.
Performances and Emotional Impact
- Vikrant Massey is outstanding as Jahaan. His expressions, despite the character’s blindness, convey depth and layered pain.
- Shanaya Kapoor is surprisingly effective. While her dialogue delivery can feel slightly stiff, her presence carries sincerity.
- Akshaan Sehrawat, in a smaller role, provides an emotional counterbalance with understated strength.
Their performances are grounded and emotionally resonant, avoiding the cliché romantic tropes.
Symbolism and Emotional Imagery
The visual language reinforces emotional states.
Rain scenes reflect catharsis, mirrors show self-doubt, and musical instruments become metaphors for control and surrender.
One memorable scene—where Jahaan plays a melody Saba silently cries to—is a masterclass in visual storytelling and emotional layering.
Emotional Payoff and Closure
The emotional payoff arrives not through grand gestures but through acceptance.
The climax—introspective and soft—gives the characters closure and the audience a sense of emotional fulfillment.
There are no sudden twists or forced reunions—just a quiet resolution that stays with you.
Emotional Depth vs. Mainstream Bollywood
Unlike most mainstream Bollywood romantic musicals, which rely on melodrama, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan offers a mature, emotionally authentic experience.
Its emotional depth is more akin to films like October or The Lunchbox, rather than Ae Dil Hai Mushkil or Kalank.
It invites empathy, not pity; introspection, not escapism.
Table: Emotional Layers in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
| Element | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|
| Jahaan’s blindness | Isolation, resilience, vulnerability |
| Saba’s dilemma | Uncertainty, self-discovery |
| Music | Healing, expression, intimacy |
| Silence | Emotional tension, unspoken connection |
| Rain sequences | Emotional release, turning points |
Star Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Emotional Depth | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Arcs | ★★★★☆ |
| Soundtrack Emotion | ★★★★★ |
| Performances | ★★★☆☆ |
| Emotional Closure | ★★★★☆ |
Conclusion
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan succeeds as an emotionally intelligent romantic drama.
It doesn’t shout—it listens. It doesn’t rush—it unfolds.
And in doing so, it offers an emotionally satisfying journey that lingers after the credits roll.
For those seeking a heartfelt story told with restraint and sincerity, this film delivers.
FAQs
Question 1:
What makes Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan emotionally impactful?
Answer 1:
Its use of silences, music, and subtle performances creates a rich emotional landscape without relying on melodrama.
Question 2:
Is the film emotionally heavy?
Answer 2:
It’s not overly heavy but definitely deep. The emotions are mature and realistic, not exaggerated.
Question 3:
How does music contribute to the emotion?
Answer 3:
Music reflects the characters’ internal worlds, guiding the audience through their emotional journeys.
Question 4:
Does the film offer emotional closure?
Answer 4:
Yes, the ending is soft and fulfilling, with emotional growth and acceptance for both leads.
Question 5:
How is it different from other romantic films?
Answer 5:
It emphasizes emotional realism over spectacle, making it more grounded and intimate than typical Bollywood romances.