Set in the Delhi of 1998, "Gustaakh Ishq: Kuch Pehle Jaisa," a romantic drama directed by Vibhu Puri, stars Vijay Varma as Nawabuddin, a struggling printer, and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Minni, the daughter of a poet, alongside Naseeruddin Shah as Aziz Beg, a reclusive poet. The film, which marks the debut of fashion designer Manish Malhotra as a film producer, revolves around Nawabuddin's efforts to revive his father's printing press by publishing Aziz Beg's unpublished poetry. In the process, he meets Aziz's daughter Minni and falls in love, creating a dilemma between love and loyalty.

Released on November 28, 2025, "Gustaakh Ishq" attempts to transport audiences to the 90s with its meticulous production design. The film blends poetry, nostalgia, and old-school romance, with Vijay Varma's character discovering the literary works of Aziz and believing they could turn his fortunes around.

While the performances of the cast, including Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi, have been generally praised, some critics noted a lack of spark between Varma and Shaikh. Naseeruddin Shah, in particular, has been commended for his gravitas.

The film's music, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar, complements the story. However, some reviews suggest that "Gustaakh Ishq" occasionally tests the audience's patience and meanders.

"Gustaakh Ishq" had a slow start at the box office, collecting approximately ₹1.35 crore nett in its opening weekend. Despite featuring recognizable stars, the film has been labeled a commercial failure.

Reportedly, Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh each took home between Rs 3 to 4 crore for their roles, while Naseeruddin Shah earned Rs 2-2.5 crore, and Sharib Hashmi charged around Rs 70-80 lakhs.

Despite the initial excitement, the film has received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it lacking in coherent rhythm and emotional depth.