The much-anticipated first glimpse of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, an upcoming romantic drama starring Vikrant Massey and debutante Shanaya Kapoor, has finally been revealed — and it’s already causing a stir on the internet. While fans are intrigued by the film’s aesthetic and the romantic pairing, the age gap between the lead actors has become a topic of heated discussion online.
In the unveiled stills and teaser clip, Vikrant Massey is seen sharing intimate moments with Shanaya Kapoor, hinting at a deeply emotional and poetic love story. Set against a dreamy backdrop, the visuals feature soft lighting, lingering glances, and an old-school romantic vibe. The film, which appears to draw inspiration from timeless literary romance, marks Shanaya’s debut in a full-fledged lead role and continues Vikrant’s journey as a performer with a wide emotional range.
However, what was intended to be a celebration of fresh on-screen chemistry has quickly turned into a talking point on social media for a different reason. Many users have taken to various platforms to express discomfort over the noticeable age difference between the two leads. Comments like “The age gap is a little too obvious” and “Why pair such young actresses with significantly older actors?” flooded the comment sections of the film’s first-look posts.
While Vikrant Massey, in his mid-thirties, has won critical acclaim for his roles in films like 12th Fail and Chhapaak, Shanaya Kapoor, in her early twenties, is still carving out her space in Bollywood. This age pairing, though not uncommon in the industry, has once again sparked conversations around casting practices and the recurring trend of significantly older male actors being paired with much younger female co-stars.
That said, not all reactions have been negative. Many fans have shown support for the film, expressing excitement over Shanaya’s long-awaited debut and Vikrant’s involvement in a romantic genre. “I love the visual tone. Vikrant never disappoints, and I’m curious to see Shanaya in this avatar,” one user commented. Others praised the elegance of the film’s look and the evident effort in crafting a classic, tender love story.
Directed by a newcomer but backed by a reputable production house, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan aims to tell a story that blends nostalgia with youthful passion. The makers have described it as “a modern ode to timeless love, where emotions speak louder than words.” The title itself is inspired by the famous romantic song from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, suggesting the film’s intent to pay homage to the golden era of Bollywood romance.
While the chatter around the lead pair’s age difference continues, industry insiders suggest that the film’s script and performances may ultimately determine whether audiences accept the duo’s chemistry. After all, Bollywood has a long history of unconventional pairings that initially raised eyebrows but eventually won hearts.
As Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan prepares for a theatrical release later this year, all eyes are on how the story unfolds—and whether the narrative will silence the current noise surrounding casting choices. For now, the buzz around the first look has certainly achieved what any film’s marketing campaign sets out to do: get people talking.
