Shanaya Kapoor’s big Bollywood launch in ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ was expected to make quite a splash. But three days into its release, the film’s numbers show it has a long way to go. Despite the fresh pairing of Shanaya and Vikrant Massey and a unique love story, the romantic drama is finding it tough to pull crowds to cinemas.Box office collection after three daysAs per early estimates on Sunday, 13th July, by sacnilk, ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ managed to earn only Rs 41 lakh on its third day. This pushed its total collection to just about Rs 1.2 crore.The film had opened with Rs 30 lakh on its first day (Friday) and saw a slight growth on Saturday, collecting Rs 49 lakh. Though the weekend usually gives films a good boost, Shanaya’s debut hasn’t enjoyed that big jump yet.Occupancy on day 3On Sunday, 13th July, the film’s overall Hindi occupancy was recorded at 16.90%. Morning shows were quite empty at 7.40%, afternoons were a bit better at 20.09%, evenings touched 23.84%, but the night shows again dipped to 16.25%. This means not many people are stepping into theatres to watch this new love story.Facing tough competitionAnother reason why ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ is struggling is the strong competition at the box office.Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Malik’, which released on the same day, has already earned over Rs 14 crore in just three days. Meanwhile, the Hollywood biggie ‘Superman’ is doing even better, collecting more than Rs 25 crore in the same time. Older releases like ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ and ‘Metro… In Dino’ are also still pulling audiences, leaving little room for Shanaya Kapoor’s first film to grow.About ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’Directed by Santosh Singh, ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ offers an unusual plot. The film is set in the peaceful hills of Mussoorie and follows Saba, a theatre artist on a solo trip. In a surprising choice, Saba decides to stay blindfolded for more than two weeks, putting all her trust in a stranger she has never even seen. She meets Jahaan, who hides his impairment from her. For him, Saba’s company brings a lovely sense of normal life, without pity or sympathy. This bond becomes the heart of their gentle romance.‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ review‘The Times of India’ gave the film three stars, praising some parts while pointing out its flaws. The review reads, “A theatre artiste on a solo trip to Mussoorie, blindfolded for over two weeks and relying entirely on a stranger she hasn’t even seen, does stretch believability. Jahaan hides his impairment from Saba, finding in her company a rare sense of normalcy, free from pity or preconceived sympathy.”The review went on to say, “The premise is offbeat, and if one looks past the implausibility, director Santosh Singh and writer Mansi Bagla’s film unfolds as a feel-good romance set against the serene beauty of Mussoorie in the first half. There are several light-hearted moments and poetic lines, but not all the comedy lands, and the narrative occasionally becomes repetitive.”
