Director: Vibhu Puri
Rating: ***
“Gustaakh Ishq” is a rare cinematic gem—an ode to old-world romance wrapped in poetry, soulful aesthetics, and heartfelt storytelling. Produced by fashion maestro Manish Malhotra, the film steps away from the noise of modern love stories and gracefully enters a world where emotions are slow, meaningful, and deeply felt. With a stunning blend of nostalgia and artistry, this movie reminds us that love hasn’t changed—only its expression has.
A Visual & Emotional Treat Crafted by Manish Malhotra
When a film carries Manish Malhotra’s signature, you expect breathtaking aesthetics—and “Gustaakh Ishq” delivers beyond expectations.
The costumes, the color palette, and the delicate charm of the sets create an old-world visual symphony. Nothing flashy, nothing loud—just pure elegance woven into every frame.
The film celebrates the classic language of love through stolen glances, heartfelt shayari, and beautifully written dialogues that easily transport you back to a simpler time. It makes you realize that love still feels the same today; only the world around it has changed.
A Slow-Burn Romance That Invites You to Pause
“Gustaakh Ishq” intentionally unfolds at a slow pace, encouraging viewers to breathe, pause, and reconnect with the beauty of life’s small moments.
Set in the 1990s—before smartphones, digital chatter, or social media—the film reminds us of an era defined by handwritten letters, printed books, rotary phones, and real conversations.
Watching it at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) feels like stepping into a warm memory. The film captures the charm of old Delhi and Malerkotla, preserving the emotions, artistry, and culture of that time.
A Story Rooted in Love, Poetry & Self-Discovery
At its heart, “Gustaakh Ishq” follows Nawabbuddin, played brilliantly by Vijay Varma—a young publisher struggling to save his father’s printing press from financial ruin. Passionate about Urdu poetry, he travels from Delhi to Punjab to learn from the veteran poet Aziz, portrayed masterfully by Naseeruddin Shah.
In this small Punjabi town, Nawabbuddin’s life takes a turn when he meets Minni, Aziz’s daughter, played with grace and depth by Fatima Sana Shaikh. The chemistry between the lead pair is subtle, organic, and deeply felt—more sensed than performed.
The film doesn’t rush to establish love; instead, it lets it grow quietly, just like classic romances of the past.
Nostalgia That Hits Home for Every ’90s Kid
For those who grew up in the 90s, “Gustaakh Ishq” is pure nostalgia. It takes you back to the world of:
Dial phones instead of cordless ones
Love letters instead of texts
Photo albums instead of digital galleries
Poetry instead of Instagram captions
This is a time when romance wasn’t hurried. It was slow, hopeful, and handwritten.
A Deeply Human Character Arc
Vijay Varma’s Nawabbuddin is portrayed as someone considered a failure by those around him—an emotional fool who often gets dismissed. But the film beautifully shows that emotional fools sometimes have the strongest intuition and the purest hearts.
His journey of self-worth, passion, and discovery is as central to the film as its romance.
A Perfect Blend of Music, Poetry & Performance
With Vishal Bhardwaj’s mesmerizing music and Gulzar’s soul-stirring lyrics, “Gustaakh Ishq” becomes an auditory masterpiece. The soundtrack and shayari enrich the film’s emotional layers, making its romantic ambiance even more enchanting.
The performances by Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah elevate the narrative, offering sincerity and emotional authenticity at every step.
A Beautiful Debut for Manish Malhotra as a Producer
“Gustaakh Ishq” effortlessly bridges nostalgia with modern sensibilities, making it a strong and promising first production for Manish Malhotra. His eye for detail, aesthetics, and culture is evident in every frame.
This film is not just watched—it is felt.
Final Verdict
“Gustaakh Ishq” is a soulful, poetic, and beautifully crafted love story. It celebrates classic romance in an era dominated by reels, scrolling, and quick edits. With its lyrical narrative, enchanting music, and heartfelt performances, this film rekindles faith in timeless love and artistic storytelling.
A must-watch for lovers of poetry, nostalgia, and heartfelt cinema.
It’s more than a movie—it’s a gentle reminder of why we fell in love with love in the first place.
