Shanaya Kapoor Surprises Fans in ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ Trailer, Vikrant Massey Called “Greasy

The trailer for Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan has taken the internet by storm, not for the usual reasons of star-studded appeal, but because of a surprising shift in audience sentiment. Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, has defied all expectations in her debut performance. In a shocking twist to the usual narrative around nepotism in Bollywood, audiences are praising her performance, calling it “better than most current nepo kids.” This reaction has stirred conversations across social media, as many were not expecting her to outshine in her very first appearance.

The trailer, which spans 2 minutes and 39 seconds, introduces us to a poignant tale of romance between Shanaya’s character Saba Shergill—a young theatre artist—and Vikrant Massey’s character Jahaan, a visually impaired musician. Their first meeting is dramatic and intense, with Saba slapping Jahaan on a train. The initial confrontation, laden with emotional depth, sets the tone for what promises to be a deeply layered love story. Interestingly, the film draws inspiration from Ruskin Bond’s famous short story The Eyes Have It, a literary touch that adds another layer of intrigue for more discerning viewers.

Social media reactions have been polarising. While Shanaya’s delivery, emotive eyes, and graceful body language have earned praise, Vikrant Massey’s appearance has received criticism. Some users went as far as calling him “greasy,” particularly pointing out his hair and overall look. A few netizens expressed disappointment, suggesting that he didn’t quite match the fresh energy Shanaya brought to the screen. One fan bluntly commented, “Vikrant looks greasy and unkempt. Why cast him like that in a romantic role?” Others defended Massey, pointing to his proven acting chops and track record of emotional depth. However, the larger discussion remained focused on how Shanaya unexpectedly took the spotlight.

The surprise is particularly significant given the recent backlash against nepotism in the film industry. Many debutants from influential film families have struggled to gain public acceptance, often criticized for lacking talent or sincerity. Shanaya’s positive reception, therefore, feels like a deviation from the trend. Comments like “Best acting among nepo kids in years” and “Finally a debut that doesn’t feel forced” filled the YouTube comment section, suggesting that the audience is ready to accept star kids—as long as they deliver.

Directed by Santosh Singh and produced under the Zee Studios banner by Mansi and Varun Bagla, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is set for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025. The film will later stream on OTT, bringing it to a wider audience. While the final verdict will only emerge after the full movie is released, the trailer has undoubtedly sparked curiosity and anticipation.

In a cinematic world that often deals in predictable narratives, both onscreen and off, Shanaya Kapoor’s unexpectedly promising debut might just be the twist Bollywood needs right now. Whether the film itself lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but for now, the conversation belongs to Shanaya—and a little to Vikrant’s hairstylist.