Movie Review: Prashant Shukla
Plot:
Inspired by the great writer Ruskin Bond’s short story “The Eyes Have It,” Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan follows the story of Jahaan, a visually impaired musician who meets an aspiring actress named Saba on a train to Mussoorie. Saba has blindfolded herself in preparation for an important audition. As they exchange a few words, a strange bond begins to form between them. However, Jahaan chooses not to reveal that he is blind. Why he hides this truth – and where this unusual connection leads forms the basic premise of the film.
The Performances:
I once heard a great actor say, “After a point in mastering the art, I’d only like to put strokes on the canvas and not waste my art on things that aren’t truly special.” Vikrant Massey seems to be doing exactly that here and that’s all I have to say about him. On the other hand, debutant Shanaya Kapoor is decent. She does the job, and that’s something… considering the bar is set quite low these days.
The Good:
Let’s get the few good things out of the way, as there aren’t many! The cinematography by Tanveer Mir is breathtaking in every way possible. The way he captures the beauty and aesthetics of a city like Mussoorie – or even something as simple as two people sitting together, or a mere reflection on the piano becoming part of the visual language is refreshing to see. Then there’s the music by Vishal Mishra, which soothes your heart for a while wit songs like Alvida. Truly commendable!
The Confused Screenplay:
Ok… so the film starts off well: two unusual people, a strange bond, and a beautiful journey through the mountains. You’re on board to see where this train will take you – but oh boy, does it derail fast. Right after the opening, the story starts jumping around like popcorn under a flame, trying to be everything at once – Romeo and Juliet, La La Land, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. From an upbeat rom-com to a psychedelic fever dream to a tragic love story, it attempts it all and ends up being none of them. The constant narrative shifts and unnecessary conflicts make it hard to stay connected to the characters or the story.
The Writing:
Nawazuddin Siddiqui once said in an interview that “Hamaare yaha filmon mein verbose bohot hota hai…ki bolte raho, and silences in a scene are chopped on the editing table.” This film perfectly illustrates that quote. Even the simplest information is spelled out by the characters, to the point where Shanaya, after getting angry, actually screams, “Mujhe gussa aa raha hai.” (Thank you, Sherlock.) The dialogues are unintentionally funny and unnecessarily filmy. Every line is a grand statement in Urdu. They talk like Instagram shayari pages, which becomes unbearable after a while
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ is a film that mistakes orating Shayaris for depth. Pretty to look at, but empty to hold.
