Vikrant Massey and debutante Shanaya Kapoor’s romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, which hit theatres on July 11, has been struggling to find its footing at the box office. Adapted from Ruskin Bond’s poignant short story “The Eyes Have It,” the film was expected to resonate with a niche, emotionally driven audience. However, its box office run has been underwhelming so far.
According to Sacnilk, the film opened with an estimated Rs 30 lakh on Friday. Despite a slight upward trend over the weekend earning Rs 50 lakh combined on Saturday and Sunday the film saw a sharp dip on Monday, collecting just Rs 15 lakh, followed by Rs 14 lakh on Tuesday. This brings its five-day total to approximately Rs 1.59 crore, which is significantly below industry expectations.
Box Office Competition Adds Pressure
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan faced stiff competition from both domestic and international releases. Rajkummar Rao’s action thriller Maalik and the Hollywood juggernaut Superman dominated multiplexes, drawing away potential audiences. While Superman pulled in large crowds, Maalik also managed better traction thanks to its mass appeal, leaving Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan at the bottom of the box office race.
The film also struggled against the residual draw of the previous week’s releases, which retained hold over urban audiences, further narrowing the window for success.
Critical Reception: Visuals and Performances Shine
Despite its lukewarm performance, the film did receive praise in some quarters. ETimes rated it 3 out of 5 stars, applauding Tanveer Mir’s cinematography, which beautifully captured the serene landscapes of Mussoorie and the romantic charm of Europe. The film’s music by Vishal Mishra also garnered appreciation for adding emotional depth.
While the storyline and narrative pace were considered weak, the performances of the lead pair stood out. Shanaya Kapoor, in her debut, impressed critics with her expressive presence and ease in emotional scenes. Vikrant Massey, known for his consistency, delivered a nuanced performance, bringing authenticity to his character. Zain Khan Durrani, though in a smaller role, also left an impact.
What Lies Ahead
With limited collections and fierce competition, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is unlikely to see major box office recovery. However, its visual appeal and performances may help it find a second life on OTT platforms, where niche romantic dramas often find more appreciative audiences.
