Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey’s ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan ‘trailer seems to have struck a chord with audiences. Directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Zee Studios and Mini Films, the trailer was dropped on July 1. While everyone is loving the vibe of the trailer, one thing that stood out for us was its close resemblance to Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushki’. Shanya’s debut is giving off major Ae Dil Hai Mushkil vibes, but the question is: why does this connection feel so strong?
Let’s start with the most obvious parallel: Shanaya Kapoor’s character name, Saba. This isn’t just a coincidence. Saba was also the name of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s character in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.
The same name, which carries with it an emotional weight and a sense of vulnerability, becomes a touchstone for anyone who remembers Aishwarya’s unforgettable portrayal of a heartbroken woman in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. The name itself feels loaded with a tragic romance, and this connection is hard to ignore. Could this be a deliberate nod to the earlier film, or is it simply a shared name by chance?
But it’s not just the name that draws the connection between these films. The stylistic choices also add to the ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ nostalgia. Shanaya’s look in the trailer has clear undertones of both Aishwarya’s Saba and Anushka Sharma’s Alizeh.
Be it Aishwarya’s attire in the song Bulleya or Anushka Sharma in the Breakup Song, it looks like the stylist took some major inspo from the film!
Anushka’s Alizeh, who was a free-spirited, fun-loving character in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, and Aishwarya’s Saba, who carried a more somber, broken heart, seem to be combined in Shanaya’s Saba. It’s as if the character is a delicate blend of the two, with the grace of Alizeh and the heartache of Saba.
But the connection doesn’t end with just names and looks. The film’s setting and premise also evoke ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ vibes. Both films feature a love triangle, and what could be more synonymous with ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ than a complicated romantic relationship?
While the ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ love triangle revolved around Aishwarya’s Saba, Ranbir Kapoor’s Ayan, and Anushka’s Alizeh, it’s not hard to see a similar dynamic beginning to emerge in ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’. Shanaya’s Saba appears to be entangled in her own emotional turmoil, possibly navigating between two men, much like the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer.
In ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’, we see similar scenic shots of Europe.
Finally, we can’t forget the male lead, Vikrant Massey. His role as a musician, someone who’s passionate yet vulnerable, adds another layer to the ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ comparisons. In ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, Ranbir Kapoor’s Ayan was also a musician, trying to navigate the world of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Now, while the comparison may seem strong, is it truly valid? Could these similarities be dismissed as mere coincidences or stylistic choices? Or do they form the core of the film’s identity? Perhaps it’s a mix of both.
Written and conceptualised by Mansi Bagla, the music for the film has been composed by Vishal Mishra. The music serves as the film's soul, enhancing its emotional depth and reflecting the characters' inner turmoil. Slated for release on July 11, 2025, the film promises to transport audiences into a world of love and longing, with the monsoon season adding an evocative layer to its lyrical beauty.
