Manish Malhotra and Vibhu Puri's Gustaakh Ishq revives the charm of old-school romance, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Set in the 1990s, before mobile phones became ubiquitous, the film transports audiences to the bustling streets of Old Delhi and the wintry landscapes of Malerkotla, Punjab.
The film revolves around Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman (Vijay Varma), who is struggling to save his father's Urdu printing press in Delhi. He travels to Malerkotla to meet Aziz (Naseeruddin Shah), a poet, and encounters his daughter, Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh). The movie unfolds through tender moments and unspoken emotions, reminiscent of an era where love was expressed through silence.
Gustaakh Ishq is noted for its poetic storytelling and vintage allure, celebrating love, longing, and the beauty of unsaid words. The film is packed with soulful shayari and meaningful dialogues. Gulzar's lyrics are a major asset, complemented by Vishal Bhardwaj's music. The film's music album features three songs that evoke different emotions of love. "Ool Jalool Ishq" captures the carefree nature of love, while "Aap Is Dhoop Mein" embodies the sentiments of an unwritten love letter, and "Sheher Tere" reflects the pain of heartbreak.
Vijay Varma delivers a strong performance, portraying a quiet intensity that fits the film's old-world setting. Fatima Sana Shaikh embodies grace in her role, doing justice to one of the most elegant characters of her career. Naseeruddin Shah is the heart of the film, embodying Aziz with honesty and making audiences fall in love with his old-fashioned ways. Sharib Hashmi's comic timing is also praised as subtle and well-placed.
Vibhu Puri's direction is described as pure poetry on screen. The film is visually stunning, with the culturally rich city captured as a character itself by cinematographer Manush Nandan. The film creates a sense of reclaiming the past without relying on excessive nostalgic elements.
Early reviews have been positive, with praise for the chemistry between Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. One reviewer described the film as a pleasant surprise, highlighting the raw chemistry between the lead pair and the heartfelt music. Another critic lauded the film as a powerful, intense, and emotionally gripping experience, driven by outstanding performances, brilliant writing, and world-class direction. The film's climax is said to have a significant emotional impact.
