Old-School Love or Gen-Z Love, Manish Malhotra’s Gustaakh Ishq Keeps Shayris Alive in the Language of Romance
The much-anticipated trailer of Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa was unveiled in Delhi, where a special press conference and trailer launch was held at the Film Division Auditorium. Lead actors Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma graced the event, adding charm and warmth to the romantic essence of the film. The media interaction offered a heartfelt glimpse into the world of shayris, timeless romance, and poetic storytelling that the film promises to deliver.
As the trailer played, a particular shayri captivated the audience, sparking collective applause and admiration:
“Mera lehja cactus sa khurdura, teri baate raat-rani ki tarah… gham koi dena hai toh de de mujhe, dil mein rakh loonga nishani ki tarah.” Directed by Vibhu Puri, and marking Manish Malhotra’s debut cinematic production under Stage5 Production, Gustaakh Ishq unfolds like a moving love letter — drenched in shayris, soft pauses, and poetic calm that compels one to listen and feel.
At a time when audiences rarely revisit the charm of classic poetry, the film unites everyone under the warmth of old-school love — where shayris flow as conversations, music strikes the heart, and romance, whether ‘puraane zamaane ki mohabbat’ or ‘digital pyaar’, becomes the soul of storytelling.
In an era dominated by reels, digital slang, and hyper-fast editing, Gustaakh Ishq consciously slows down, choosing a lyrical, intimate route. Its dialogues, stolen glances, nostalgic essence, and poetic rhythm convey a simple truth: mohabbat ab bhi waisi hi gehri hai, bas andaaz badal gaya hai.
The chemistry between the leads is effortless — more felt than performed — while Vishal Bhardwaj’s enchanting music and Gulzar’s profound lyrics rejuvenate the beauty of expressive cinema. The film brings together a powerful ensemble — Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sharib Hashmi — under the creative vision of Manish Malhotra.
Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra under Stage5 Production, and directed by Vibhu Puri, Gustaakh Ishq is a poignant tale of love, longing, and unspoken desire set against the atmospheric bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab. Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa releases in theatres on 28th November.