In an exclusive conversation with Indian TVproducer Mansi Bagla has opened up candidly about the underwhelming commercial performance of mischief of eyesthe romantic drama that marked Shanaya Kapoor’s Bollywood debut alongside acclaimed actor Vikrant Massey. Reflecting on the project for the first time publicly, Bagla shared her deep emotional investment in the film, the challenges faced during its production, and the vital lessons she has taken away for her future cinematic endeavors.
Box Office Numbers and the Disappointment Behind the Project
Released in 2025 with high anticipation surrounding Shanaya Kapoor’s much-awaited entry into Hindi cinema, mischief of eyes struggled to find traction with theatrical audiences. According to box-office trackers, the film finished its domestic theatrical run with a net collection of ₹1.77 crore in India, while its worldwide gross stood at ₹2.08 crore.
When asked whether she was satisfied with the outcome, Mansi Bagla admitted to her disappointment without hesitation. “Since you’ve asked me this directly, this is probably the first time I’m speaking publicly about my disappointment with the film’s box-office performance,” Bagla shared. “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is very close to my heart. I started it with a lot of belief, good intent and the conviction that we were making the right choices. So, naturally, seeing the way it performed was disappointing.”
Key Learnings: Accountability, Collaborative Pressure, and Story First
Bagla elaborated on the complexities of modern filmmaking, emphasizing that a producer should not have to carry the entire weight and responsibility of a project alone. She stressed that filmmaking is deeply collaborative, requiring shared accountability from everyone involved rather than serving as a platform for individual profiling or career showreels.
“I come from an auteur vision, and I believe deeply in giving a film the conviction and commitment it deserves. But I’ve also learnt that you cannot make a film under constant pressure and keep fulfilling the demands of other people… Every decision has to serve the story and the film as a whole—not an individual profile,” she noted.
Reflecting on her overarching philosophy, Bagla added: “Every film I make will always be my baby, but this experience has taught me to balance my heart with my mind before starting one. I will always lead with passion, but I’ll also protect that passion with experience.”
Shanaya Kapoor’s Career Moves: From Debut to Student Of The Year: After Dark
Following her debut in mischief of eyes and her subsequent appearance in You are my mainShanaya Kapoor has transitioned to the digital streaming space. She currently stars in the newly released JioHotstar six-episode series Student Of The Year: After Dark. Directed by Reema Maya, the dark psychological thriller takes the familiar franchise in an entirely new direction, featuring Shanaya in a challenging dual role as she investigates the mysterious death of her twin sister, Ayesha Malik, alongside an ensemble cast including Neeraj Kabi, Sheeba Chaddha, and Vivek Gomber.