Manish Malhotra’s Gustaakh Ishq: When Fashion Meets Poetry and Cinema in a Timeless Love Story

In a move that feels both bold and poetic, celebrated designer Manish Malhotra has stepped into the world of film production with Gustaakh Ishq — a cinematic ode to love, poetry, and human emotion. The trailer for the film, which dropped recently, has already created ripples among cinephiles, promising a rare blend of romance, Urdu shayari, and moral conflict. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 28, 2025.

A Cinematic Canvas Painted in Poetry

Right from its opening frame, Gustaakh Ishq feels like a forgotten poem rediscovered. The trailer unfolds in an atmosphere soaked in old-world charm — candle-lit corridors, vintage microphones, and intimate mehfils where words flow like wine.

Vijay Varma plays an ambitious poet whose hunger for words leads him to the mentorship of a legendary ustad, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah. Their relationship — layered with affection, ego, and philosophical conflict — becomes the emotional axis of the story.

And then enters Fatima Sana Shaikh, the ustad’s daughter, who brings warmth and subtle intensity. The chemistry between her and Varma’s character is flirtatious yet fragile, defined more by what’s unsaid than what’s spoken. Their love story feels like a ghazal — full of rhythm, longing, and restraint.

When Romance Turns into Reflection

The trailer cleverly shifts gears midway. What begins as a tale of poetry and love soon deepens into an exploration of ambition, guilt, and human conscience.

Sharib Hashmi, as a grounded observer, hints at the price of artistic pursuit. Naseeruddin Shah’s haunting dialogue — “Yeh jo zameer hai na, yeh kaanpta zaroor hai” — echoes long after the trailer ends, suggesting that Gustaakh Ishq is not merely about love, but also about the internal battles between desire and duty.

The Dream Team Behind the Vision

Helmed by Vibhu Puri, the director known for his visually poetic storytelling (Hawaizaada), the film brings together a powerhouse of creative minds.

But the true magic lies in the musical pairing of Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj — a duo that has gifted Indian cinema its most enduring melodies. Their collaboration ensures that Gustaakh Ishq won’t just be watched; it will be felt, hummed, and remembered.

Manish Malhotra’s Reinvention

Manish Malhotra has always been a storyteller — only his medium was fabric, not film. With Gustaakh Ishq, he seems to be translating his signature aesthetic — grandeur with emotion — to the big screen. The film’s production design, from the poetic calligraphy to the costumes, reflects his deep understanding of texture, tone, and timeless elegance.

His entry into cinema as a producer feels natural, yet ambitious — like a couturier weaving emotion into celluloid.

Why Gustaakh Ishq Matters

In an age where love stories often rush past the surface, Gustaakh Ishq dares to pause. It invites you to feel, reflect, and maybe even ache a little. It’s a reminder that cinema, like poetry, doesn’t need to shout to move hearts. Sometimes, a whisper wrapped in verse is enough.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs)

1. What is Manish Malhotra’s debut film Gustaakh Ishq about and what makes its story unique?Gustaakh Ishq marks fashion icon Manish Malhotra’s debut as a film producer, and the film beautifully merges Urdu poetry, old-school romance, and emotional depth. Set against an artistic and vintage backdrop, it follows a young poet (played by Vijay Varma) who becomes a disciple to a seasoned master (Naseeruddin Shah). Their relationship — filled with mentorship, rivalry, and respect — becomes the emotional core of the story. The drama deepens when the poet falls in love with his mentor’s daughter (Fatima Sana Shaikh), leading to a poetic yet painful journey of love, ambition, and morality. This layered storytelling makes Gustaakh Ishq stand apart from conventional Bollywood romances.

2. Who are the lead actors in Gustaakh Ishq and what roles do they play in the film’s poetic love story? The film stars Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. Vijay Varma plays a passionate, young poet in search of purpose, while Naseeruddin Shah portrays his philosophical mentor and a moral compass. Fatima Sana Shaikh brings emotional grace as the mentor’s daughter and the poet’s muse, embodying love, innocence, and strength. Sharib Hashmi appears as the voice of realism, grounding the idealism of poetry with the practical struggles of life. Together, this cast delivers performances that blend art, heart, and humanity.

3. What inspired Manish Malhotra to produce Gustaakh Ishq, and how does it reflect his creative evolution? After decades of shaping Bollywood’s visual language through fashion, Manish Malhotra has taken a creative leap into film production. With Gustaakh Ishq, he extends his storytelling beyond couture into cinema — translating his signature aesthetic of elegance, texture, and emotion onto the screen. The film represents his deep love for Indian art, poetry, and classic romance, and reflects how storytelling can transcend mediums. This debut under Stage5 Production, co-founded with his brother Dinesh Malhotra, showcases his intent to back meaningful, art-driven cinema rather than formulaic blockbusters.

4. Who are the music and lyric legends behind Gustaakh Ishq and what can audiences expect from the soundtrack? The music of Gustaakh Ishq is crafted by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics penned by Gulzar Saab, reuniting one of the most iconic duos in Indian cinema. Fans can expect a soulful, poetry-infused soundtrack filled with ghazals, nazms, and timeless melodies that echo the emotional tone of the film. Their collaboration promises music that complements not just the story but also the poetic soul of each character. The film’s songs are expected to appeal to both lovers of classic music and a younger audience discovering the beauty of lyrical storytelling.

5. Who is directing Gustaakh Ishq and what is his filmmaking style known for? The film is directed by Vibhu Puri, acclaimed for his visually poetic and emotionally layered storytelling. Known for Hawaizaada, Puri brings a painter’s eye to cinema — every frame in Gustaakh Ishq feels like a canvas of mood, light, and language. His direction captures the intensity of emotion through visual detail — candle-lit rooms, shadowed alleys, handwritten poetry — blending art direction with human drama. Under his vision, Gustaakh Ishq becomes not just a story of love, but an immersive world of art, philosophy, and longing.

6. When is Gustaakh Ishq releasing in theatres and will it have an international release too?Gustaakh Ishq is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 28, 2025, across India and key international markets. Given Manish Malhotra’s global reputation and the film’s universal themes of love and conscience, it is expected to attract audiences not just in India but also among the South Asian diaspora in the UK, US, Canada, and the Middle East. With its rich poetry and cinematic visuals, the film could also find a strong festival audience across global art-house circuits.

7. Why is Gustaakh Ishq being called a modern ode to old-school romance and shayari in Bollywood? Unlike most modern love stories, Gustaakh Ishq revives the charm of the golden era of Bollywood romance — where emotions were expressed through poetry, music, and longing rather than spectacle. The film uses Urdu shayari, ghazal-style dialogues, and slow-burning chemistry to portray love as an emotional journey rather than a transactional one. This makes it a rare cinematic experience for audiences craving depth, lyricism, and beauty — qualities often missing from contemporary cinema.

8. How does Gustaakh Ishq fit into Manish Malhotra’s larger vision for Indian cinema? Manish Malhotra’s entry into film production represents his broader goal of merging fashion, art, and cinematic storytelling. Through Gustaakh Ishq, he’s setting the tone for a new era of aesthetic cinema — films that are not just visually rich but also emotionally resonant. His venture, Stage5 Production, aims to produce films that celebrate India’s creative heritage while connecting with global sensibilities, ensuring that style and substance walk hand in hand.