Plot
Gustaakh Ishq follows the emotionally tender journey of Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman, a young poet determined to protect his late father’s printing press in the lanes of Old Delhi. What begins as an artist’s struggle soon turns into a tale of blooming romance, lingering nostalgia and personal responsibility. Nawabuddin’s relationship with his ustaad, his father’s legacy, and his quiet bond with the woman he loves form the emotional core of the film. As he navigates love, duty and passion, the story examines how affection can evolve — sometimes beautifully, sometimes overwhelmingly — in a world steeped in poetic charm and old-world warmth.
Overview
Directed by Vibhu Puri, Gustaakh Ishq is a tribute to classic romance: handwritten letters, shy glances, slow walks and the quiet intimacy of purana Delhi. The film thrives in ambiance and atmosphere, favouring mood over movement. While this nostalgic setting creates a cosy charm, the narrative often leans too heavily on sugary sentimentality. The emotional stakes remain mild, and the conflicts rarely rise above gentle ripples. Though the world feels lovingly crafted, it also becomes static, making the experience feel stretched and predictable.
Performances
Naseeruddin Shah as Aziz Baig is undoubtedly the soul of the film. His scenes elevate the narrative instantly, offering gravitas, humour, poetic melancholy and unmatched screen presence. Vijay Varma delivers one of his most tender performances, transforming convincingly into a lovestruck romantic hero. Fatima Sana Shaikh brings grace and emotional softness, making her chemistry with Varma feel grounded and believable. Sharib Hashmi, in a short but impactful role, delivers a powerful emotional moment near the climax, proving his versatility once again.
Technical Aspects
The film’s visual design is drenched in warm yellow tones intended to evoke nostalgia, but the overuse results in monotony. The production design captures Old Delhi beautifully — narrow lanes, bustling rooftops, tea-filled balconies — yet the timeline feels inconsistent with references that don’t match the ‘90s aesthetic portrayed. The pacing remains slow, matching the tone but also testing patience.
Music
Vishal Bhardwaj’s soundtrack paired with Gulzar’s lyrics sets the right mood, but only one track, Ul Jalool Ishq, leaves a true impression. While the music suits the film’s vintage soul, most songs lack the lasting emotional impact that classic romances demand.
Editing
The editing maintains the film’s languid rhythm but amplifies its predictability. Scenes linger longer than necessary, contributing to a sense of emotional flatness. A tighter edit would have strengthened the storytelling significantly.
Positives
- Stellar performance by Naseeruddin Shah
- Strong chemistry between Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh
- Beautiful Old Delhi atmosphere
- Poetic dialogues and charming world-building
- Sharib Hashmi’s memorable emotional moment
Negatives
- Excessive sweetness and nostalgia
- Weak emotional conflict
- Predictable storyline
- Overuse of yellow filters
- Slow pacing leading to viewer fatigue
- Inconsistent timeline compared to visual setting
Analysis
Gustaakh Ishq is heartfelt but uneven. It offers a lovingly crafted world filled with poetry, longing and old-fashioned romance, but struggles to maintain narrative momentum. For fans of classic love stories, the film provides warmth and charm, especially with Naseeruddin Shah’s brilliant presence anchoring every frame he appears in. For others, the film may feel like a beautiful memory trapped in its own sentimentality — gentle, nostalgic and sincere, yet too predictable and slow to fully engage.
Bottomline: Sweetly Overdone
Rating: 3/5
