Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan: Here's diving into why this romantic drama could be your ideal monsoon watch

In an age where fast-paced thrillers, crime dramas, and dystopian spectacles dominate theatre screens, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan brings something rare, a pause. Releasing on July 11, right in the heart of monsoon, this upcoming romantic drama arrives as an antidote to cinematic fatigue. With Vikrant Massey stepping into a romantic lead and Shanaya Kapoor making her debut, the film promises to bring back the essence of old-school Bollywood love but through a lens that feels current. Here are compelling reasons why this film might just be worth heading to the theatres for.

A Fresh Pairing on Screen

There’s an unspoken charm in watching a new duo take the plunge into romantic territory. Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor may seem like an unlikely pairing, but that unpredictability is exactly what adds intrigue. With no preset expectations about their chemistry, the screen opens up to surprise. Their pairing gives the film a blank canvas energy, fresh, unfiltered, and open to interpretation.

Vikrant Massey’s First Romantic Hero Role

Known for his intense roles in socially charged dramas and thrillers, Massey stepping into a softer, more emotionally fluid role is a welcome departure. It’s not a shift many would have expected, but it might just work because of that. His previous performances have always brought depth, and in a romantic setting, it will be interesting to see how he channels vulnerability and longing in a way that feels grounded.

Shanaya Kapoor’s Big Screen Debut

With all eyes on star kids entering the industry, Shanaya Kapoor’s debut comes with its fair share of curiosity. But Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan seems to offer a platform that isn't trying too hard. There’s no larger-than-life action launch or glamour show instead, the film’s tone suggests emotional maturity. If she delivers, it could be the beginning of a solid career.

A Story with Layers, Not Tropes

What sets this film apart from your average romantic flick is its willingness to explore the messier parts of love, trust, betrayal, second chances. It’s not all sunshine and slow-motion glances. The story reportedly goes deeper into the dynamics of emotional miscommunication, letting its characters err, grow, and rediscover each other. This isn’t just about how people fall in love, but how they choose to stay in it.

Music That Complements, Not Overpowers

Composed by Vishal Mishra with vocals from Jubin Nautiyal, the soundtrack has already struck a chord with “Nazara,” the first release from the album. Instead of high-decibel romantic ballads, the music leans into softness, something that doesn’t overwhelm the narrative but gently guides it. Expect melodies that feel more like background heartbeats than commercial breaks.

Inspired by Ruskin Bond’s Short Story

The film draws its core idea from The Eyes Have It, a short story by Ruskin Bond about two strangers who share a train compartment and connect over conversation and silence. Adapting that into a feature-length film could be tricky — but if handled well, it allows the film to focus on the nuances of connection, the kind that doesn’t need big gestures to feel real.

A Timely Release for the Weather and the Mood

Romance and monsoons have always shared a cinematic synergy in Bollywood. With its July release, the film seems to be positioning itself right within that cultural moment. If done right, this can enhance the experience, not just watching a love story, but feeling it with the rhythm of the season.

Romance for a New Generation, But Not at the Cost of Nostalgia

While the story aims to resonate with younger viewers, Gen Z and millennials who may be navigating love in the age of overstimulation, it also leans on some of the emotional fundamentals of older Bollywood romances. It doesn’t look like it's trying to reinvent romance, just ground it again.

Something for Every Kind of Couple

Whether you’re in the honeymoon phase, figuring things out, or have been through your share of relationship turbulence, the film appears to touch on themes that are widely relatable. There’s something comforting about a film that isn’t about the perfect love story, but the one that survives real imperfections.

Presented by Zee Studios and Mini Films, and produced by Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla, and Open Window Films, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is directed by Santosh Singh and written by Mansi Bagla. It releases in cinemas on July 11.

Whether it turns into a modern classic or remains a quiet seasonal gem, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan seems ready to offer viewers a break from spectacle, and a chance to feel again, slowly, softly, like a monsoon drizzle.