Gustaakh Ishq X: A Heartfelt Tribute to Old-School Romance Starring Vijay Varma

The much-anticipated film Gustaakh Ishq, produced by Manish Malhotra, has hit theaters, charming audiences with its nostalgic romance.

Set in 1998, the plot revolves around Nawabuddin, portrayed by Vijay Varma, a struggling printer on a quest to meet the elusive poet Aziz Beg (Naseeruddin Shah) to get his work published. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he falls for Aziz's daughter, Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh).

What begins as admiration blossoms into a poignant tale of longing and sacrifice. As Nawabuddin fights to save his father's printing press, the love story becomes a complex weave of miscommunication and heartfelt decisions. The film's slow cinematography and poetic dialogue, complemented by Vishal Bhardwaj’s enchanting music, resonate with viewers tired of fast-paced, superficial storytelling.

Audience Reactions to Gustaakh Ishq

While critics have offered mixed reviews, social media buzz has been overwhelmingly positive.

One viewer commented, “Watched Gustaakh Ishq and #VijayVarma was criminally charming… full rizz, full stare-game, full lover-boy energy.” Another fan expressed their awe, stating, “Just walked out of Gustaakh Ishq and WOW… #VijayVarma’s intensity plus that soft Urdu touch??” A third praised the film's nostalgic warmth: “Loved #GustaakhIshq. A beautiful love story that feels like a home-cooked meal compared to today's fast food.”

Another post highlighted the emotional depth, noting, “The scale of emotion in #GustaakhIshq carries #ManishMalhotra’s unmistakable stamp, creating a space for longing and heartbreak.”

The Making of Gustaakh Ishq

Gustaakh Ishq marks Manish Malhotra's third project under his Stage 5 Productions banner, which he launched in 2023. Originally titled Ul-Jalool Ishq, the film was rebranded before its teaser release, but its essence remains a heartfelt homage to classic romance.