Mumbai, July 2 — The trailer of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, starring debutante Shanaya Kapoor and acclaimed actor Vikrant Massey, has sparked widespread reactions online following its release. The film is set to hit theatres on July 11.
Produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, the two-minute-thirty-nine-second trailer introduces Vikrant as Jahaan, a visually impaired musician, and Shanaya as Saba Shergill, a theatre artist often seen blindfolded. The trailer opens with a dramatic exchange between the leads aboard a train, including a slap and some intense dialogue.
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, who once faced trolling for her Bollywood debut, appears to have silenced critics. Many social media users praised her dialogue delivery, diction, and screen presence, calling her “better than most current nepotism kids.”
“Who would have thought that Shanaya would be the best acting wise amongst all the nepo kids?” commented one user.
“Her modulation is good and she doesn’t look out of place,” shared another, adding that her performance was “refreshingly natural.”
In contrast, Vikrant Massey's appearance has not gone down well with viewers. His greasy hair and unkempt look were labelled “unromantic” and “unappealing” by several netizens.
“He looks like a tired, drunk uncle,” said one disappointed fan.
Another wrote, “This look makes him seem greasy and exhausted—what's with men’s styling in romantic films lately?”
While Shanaya’s acting debut has piqued curiosity, many remain unsure about the film’s box office potential, citing weak chemistry between the leads and underwhelming visual aesthetics.
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan will mark Shanaya Kapoor’s official entry into Bollywood, following in the footsteps of cousins Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor.
With release just a week away, fans are waiting to see if the film lives up to the growing buzz—or falls flat.
