Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Misses the Mark: A Love Story Lost in Translation

Vikrant Massey and debutante Shanaya Kapoor’s romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, released on July 11, has had a disappointing start at the domestic box office. Despite its emotional premise and literary roots, the film struggled to draw audiences on its opening day.

Key Highlights from Day 1 Performance
- The film earned a modest Rs 35 lakh on its first day, falling short of trade expectations which predicted an opening between Rs 50–80 lakh
- Hindi occupancy averaged just 9.92 percent across shows, with morning footfall dipping as low as 5.87 percent
- Competing releases like Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik (Rs 3.35 crore) and James Gunn’s Superman (Rs 7 crore) overshadowed its debut

About the Film
- Directed by Santosh Singh, the movie is adapted from Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It
- It explores the tender romance between two visually impaired characters, Jahaan (a musician) and Saba (a theatre artist), played by Vikrant and Shanaya respectively
- Produced by Zee Studios, Mini Films, and Open Window Films, the film runs for 138 minutes and is reportedly made on a budget of Rs 20 crore

Critical Reception and Future Outlook
- Reviews praised the soulful narrative and Shanaya’s confident debut, though Vikrant’s performance received mixed reactions
- With Zee5 acquiring post-theatrical streaming rights, the film may find a second wind digitally
- Weekend collections will be crucial in determining its theatrical fate

Sources: Filmibeat, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Indian Express, MSN, Sacnilk, OTTPlay