Gustaakh Ishq

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Gustaakh Ishq (also released with the subtitle Gustaakh Ishq: Kuch Pehle Jaisa) is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Vibhu Puri and written by Vibhu Puri and Prasshant Jha. Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra under the banner of Stage5 Productions, the film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sharib Hashmi in lead roles. Set against the cultural backdrop of Old Delhi during the late 1990s, the film combines romance, poetry, literature, and family drama while exploring themes of love, loyalty, artistic heritage, and personal identity. The film premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India before its theatrical release on 28 November 2025.

The narrative follows Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman Rizvi, known as Pappan, a young man determined to preserve his family's traditional Urdu printing press. His search for literary inspiration introduces him to the legacy of an acclaimed but reclusive poet, ultimately leading him into a relationship that challenges his personal beliefs and responsibilities. The film is noted for its emphasis on Urdu poetry, literary culture, and the changing social landscape of India.

History

Gustaakh Ishq marked the debut of fashion designer Manish Malhotra as a feature film producer through Stage5 Productions. Director Vibhu Puri, known for his interest in period storytelling, conceived the film as a tribute to India's literary traditions, particularly Urdu poetry and the fading culture of independent printing presses.

The screenplay was developed by Vibhu Puri in collaboration with Prasshant Jha, while cinematography was handled by Manush Nandan. Editing was undertaken by Nitin Baid and Divyashree Samantaray, with Hitesh Sonik composing the background score. The soundtrack featured music by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics written by Gulzar, contributing significantly to the film's poetic atmosphere.

The film premiered in the Gala Premiere section of the 56th International Film Festival of India before receiving a theatrical release across India on 28 November 2025. It later became available on digital streaming platforms, reaching a wider audience after its theatrical run.

Overview

The story is set in Old Delhi during the late 1990s and revolves around Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman Rizvi, affectionately called Pappan, who manages the struggling Mustaqbil Printing Press inherited from his family. As traditional printing declines, Pappan strives to preserve both the business and its cultural significance.

While searching for ways to revive the press, Pappan becomes fascinated by the legacy of the renowned Urdu poet Aziz Beg, whose disappearance years earlier has become part of literary folklore. His quest eventually leads him to Aziz's family, where he meets the poet's daughter, Minni. Shared interests in literature, poetry, and language gradually develop into a romantic relationship.

As hidden family histories and long-buried secrets emerge, Pappan finds himself torn between preserving his family's heritage, uncovering the truth about Aziz Beg, and protecting the people he has come to love. The narrative intertwines romance with reflections on memory, artistic legacy, and the emotional value of literature in an increasingly modern society.

Features / Functions / Principles

One of the defining features of Gustaakh Ishq is its integration of Urdu poetry into the narrative structure. Rather than serving merely as dialogue, poetry functions as a central storytelling device, shaping character relationships and emotional development.

The film incorporates several notable elements:

  • Depiction of Old Delhi's historical neighborhoods and cultural traditions.
  • Exploration of the declining role of traditional printing presses.
  • Integration of classical Urdu poetry and literary heritage.
  • Romantic storytelling rooted in emotional restraint rather than spectacle.
  • Themes of family history, identity, forgiveness, and artistic preservation.

Visually, the production recreates the atmosphere of late twentieth-century Delhi through period costumes, architecture, production design, and carefully reconstructed streetscapes. The cinematography emphasizes narrow lanes, traditional homes, bookshops, and printing workshops to reinforce the film's nostalgic tone.

The soundtrack combines contemporary composition with classical poetic expression. Songs composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar complement the film's literary setting while enhancing its emotional depth.

The performances of Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sharib Hashmi contribute significantly to the film's character-driven narrative, with supporting roles enriching its portrayal of family and community life.

Importance / Applications

Gustaakh Ishq contributes to contemporary Hindi cinema through its focus on literature, language, and cultural heritage rather than conventional commercial formulas. By placing Urdu poetry at the center of its narrative, the film highlights the continuing relevance of literary traditions within modern storytelling.

The film also documents aspects of India's printing culture that have diminished with the rise of digital publishing. Through its depiction of an independent printing press and its workers, it reflects broader changes in communication, publishing, and cultural preservation.

Its exploration of honesty, family relationships, and personal integrity offers a human-centered narrative that extends beyond romance. The film further demonstrates how historical settings can be used to examine universal themes of love, loyalty, and identity.

Following its theatrical release and later streaming availability, Gustaakh Ishq attracted appreciation from audiences for its performances, visual style, music, and poetic atmosphere, while also generating discussion regarding its narrative pacing and storytelling approach.

See Also

References

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