Gustaakh Ishq Review: Bollywood in 2025 romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq, helmed by Vibhu Puri and produced by Manish Malhotra, is an attempt to set back for the good old aura of poetic love stories. With Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and the accomplished Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles, the film promises a clash of lyrical love, scenic beauty, and emotional stillness. Largely shot in Kashmir, the film seems like an effort to offer one with a visual and emotional getaway into antiquated tenderness. But does this finicky tale capture the attention of a present-day audience?
Essentially, Gustaakh Ishq is the story of a blossoming relationship between two people played by Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh who nevertheless seem weighed down by constraints. Their relationship develops through soft understandings expressed in poetry and silence, with a receptive sort of deep yearning. The unsaid and silence supposedly, heroically lifts this film above the one-dimensionality of love.
Naseeruddin Shah portrays characterizations that seem more central to the essence of wisdom in the movie. His character serves almost as a philosophical anchor by advising and guiding the central characters through anguish. Instead of asking for dramatic conflict, the film offers an audiovisual tapestry painted with soft and slow romantic moments interspersed with Urdu poetry, complemented with cultural nostalgia.
Vibhu Puri’s storytelling has successfully created preference for ambiance over intensity. The slow pacing allows such an atmosphere to drape softly over the audience, almost as if shrouding them in the serenity of Kashmir, further enriched by the elegant visual sensibilities of Manish Malhotra. Vijay Varma takes on the mature introspective role, and Fatima Sana Shaikh registers the frailty with understated grace. Shah’s seasoned input elevates every scene he graces.
But then the slow veering away may frustrate the audience’s interest. There is an apparent understatement in the emotional currency that sometimes works against its narrative punch. Those who prefer to indulge in typical Bollywood highs and quick plot twists and mass-appeal romance may not stand this contemplative ride.
Excellent performances by the lead cast
Beautiful cinematography and poetic dialogues
Nostalgic ambiance and soulful background music
Also Read: Top 8 Reasons to Watch Gustaakh Ishq in Theatres This Weekend
Excessively slow pacing
Almost no drama and limited prospects of commercial success
Gustaakh Ishq is a lyrical art-house romance that will suit viewers who appreciate slow-burn storytelling. While not likely to work as a big-screen entertainer, its quiet beauty and great performances will lend themselves to the OTT experience, where the poetic rhythm will be best savored without haste.
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