"Romance on the Carousel: First Look of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Stirs Internet Buzz"

  

The debut poster of the much-anticipated romantic film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is finally out, and it has already set the tone for a dreamy cinematic experience. Featuring Vikrant Massey and newcomer Shanaya Kapoor, the film's first look presents a gentle, romantic moment between the leads, captured on a carousel ride against a glowing backdrop.

Slated for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025, the movie has generated significant online chatter, not just for its aesthetic but also for the casting choices.

In the poster, Vikrant is seen in a relaxed brown jacket-and-trouser ensemble, gently holding Shanaya’s hands. With their eyes closed, they lean into each other, lost in what seems like a moment of quiet intimacy. Shanaya, donning a dazzling red sequined dress with a thigh-high slit, holds a pair of sunglasses while her hair flows naturally—adding to the romantic and slightly whimsical mood of the visual.

The setting, complete with golden lights and a classic amusement park carousel, gives off a vintage fairytale vibe, elevating the emotional undertone of the first look. It's clear the filmmakers aimed to establish a strong romantic palette with this visual reveal.

The film marks Shanaya Kapoor's debut in the Hindi film industry. Her parents, Maheep and Sanjay Kapoor, quickly took to social media to show support. Maheep posted heart emojis in response to the poster, while Sanjay wrote, “God is kind.”

Actor Abhay Verma also chimed in, commenting, “This poster represents a lot of dreams! Can’t fathom how magical the film’s going to be.” His sentiment echoes the anticipation felt by fans of Vikrant Massey, who is widely appreciated for his emotive performances.

However, the poster has also sparked some online criticism. Social media users were quick to point out the 13-year age difference between Vikrant (38) and Shanaya (25), commenting that the gap was visibly evident. Remarks like “The age difference is showing” and “Such an outdated campaign” have appeared in comment threads. While age gaps in casting aren’t new in Bollywood, the conversation around it remains ongoing.

Some fans even questioned Vikrant Massey’s career choices, with comments such as “I thought he retired” and “He took retirement,” referring perhaps to the actor’s known preference for grounded, serious roles. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan seems like a pivot back into romantic mainstream cinema for him.

Details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, but a prior teaser in April had teased: “This monsoon, don’t just fall, but feel the love.” The film is directed by Santosh Singh, with music composed by Vishal Mishra, promising a strong musical and emotional narrative.

Earlier in March, Shanaya Kapoor had shared a sneak peek from the film’s shoot in Azerbaijan, adding a touch of exoticism to the film’s visual palette. Whether it’s a straightforward love story or one with a twist, remains to be seen.

With its July 11 release date fast approaching, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan will undoubtedly be under the spotlight—not just for being Shanaya Kapoor’s launchpad, but also for how it balances nostalgia, romance, and contemporary expectations.