Manish Malhotra's foray into film production with "Gustaakh Ishq" has been generating buzz, particularly for Fatima Sana Shaikh's portrayal of a character that embodies old-world charm. The film, a romantic drama set against the backdrop of Old Delhi, was released on November 28, 2025, after a slight delay.
Malhotra, a celebrated designer, has described his move into film production as a "giving back" to cinema, a medium he has admired since childhood. "Gustaakh Ishq" is produced under his banner, Stage5 Production, alongside his brother Dinesh Malhotra. Malhotra's passion for cinema is evident, as he aims to embrace unexpected stories and genres that surprise and inspire.
"Gustaakh Ishq," directed by Vibhu Puri, stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma in lead roles, with Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi playing pivotal characters. The film's teaser, released in August, hinted at a period romance, showcasing the budding love story between Shaikh and Varma's characters. The movie is a passionate love story between the lead pair. The film blends poetry, nostalgia, and old-school romance. It follows Nawabuddin (Vijay Varma), who is trying to save his late father's printing press, and in that process, he falls in love with Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh).
Fatima Sana Shaikh's performance is central to the film's evocation of a bygone era. Her portrayal captures the essence of a character steeped in tradition and romance, reminiscent of classic Bollywood heroines. Critics and audiences have responded positively to Shaikh's ability to bring depth and nuance to her role, enhancing the film's overall appeal.
The film boasts a talented crew, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar, adding to its artistic merit. Resul Pookutty handled the sound design, and Manush Nandan was responsible for the cinematography.
"Gustaakh Ishq" reportedly had a budget of approximately 25 crore. While the film has garnered positive responses, it faces competition from other releases such as "Tere Ishk Mein". Box office collections on the second day saw a slight drop, with earnings of ₹45 lakhs, a 10% decrease from the opening day's ₹50 lakhs.
Despite the box office challenges, "Gustaakh Ishq" premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India and has been praised by viewers for its poetic narrative and strong performances. Some viewers have described the film as a beautifully written "shayari" inspired by Gulzar, appealing to cinema lovers.
