If you’re a fan of heartfelt Bollywood romances that blend poetry, passion, and a touch of mystery, then Gustaakh Ishq is shaping up to be your next obsession. This film, set against the nostalgic backdrop of Old Delhi’s bustling lanes and the fading havelis of Punjab, promises to revive the magic of old-school love stories. Originally titled Ul Jalool Ishq, it has evolved into a tale of unspoken desires, shayari, and unexpected twists. With its trailer already creating buzz for its soulful music and stellar performances, let’s dive into the key people bringing this project to life, including the talented cast, visionary director, and powerhouse production house behind its November 28, 2025, theatrical release.
The Star-Studded Cast: Who’s Playing Who in This Love Saga?
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Gustaakh Ishq boasts an ensemble that’s equal parts powerhouse performers and rising talents, perfectly suited for a story that mixes tender romance with subtle suspense. At the center of it all is Vijay Varma, who steps into the role of Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman, a passionate young poet navigating the highs and lows of forbidden love. Known for his intense turns in films like Gully Boy and Darlings, Vijay brings a vulnerable yet fiery energy to this character, making his shayari sessions with his mentor feel like pure poetry in motion.
Opposite him is Fatima Sana Shaikh, portraying a strong-willed schoolteacher and the daughter of a legendary shayar. Fatima, fresh off her acclaimed role in Sam Bahadur, infuses the part with quiet grace and emotional depth, turning simple glances into moments of electric chemistry. Their on-screen pairing has already sparked fan theories about whether this could be Bollywood’s next iconic duo.
Adding gravitas as the mentor-father figure is the legendary Naseeruddin Shah, playing a soulful shayar ustaad whose words linger like echoes in the film’s haunting corridors. Naseeruddin, a veteran with over 300 films under his belt including classics like Masoom and A Wednesday, elevates every scene he’s in, especially those quiet chai-side conversations that ground the story in raw emotion.
Rounding out the main cast is Sharib Hashmi, whose enigmatic role hints at layers of intrigue—perhaps a friend, rival, or key to the film’s late-game murder mystery twist. Sharib, beloved for his comic timing in The Family Man and heartfelt moments in Scam 1992, adds that perfect blend of reliability and surprise.
While the core lineup is tight and focused, whispers from the sets suggest possible cameos from other industry insiders, but nothing confirmed yet. This compact cast ensures the spotlight stays on the relationships, letting the actors’ nuances shine without overcrowding the narrative.
Behind the Camera: The Director and Creative Team Crafting the Magic
Helming this poetic romance is Vibhu Puri, the writer-director making his feature debut with Gustaakh Ishq. Vibhu, who has a background in crafting intimate stories for digital platforms, brings a fresh lens to traditional Bollywood tropes. His script weaves shayari into the fabric of everyday life, drawing from real-life inspirations of Old Delhi’s cultural heartbeat. What sets Vibhu apart is his emphasis on silence and longing—think long, lingering shots of rain-slicked streets rather than over-the-top drama—making the film feel like a modern heir to the likes of Rockstar or Tamasha.
The music, a cornerstone of any love story, is composed by the maestro Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics penned by the evergreen Gulzar. Vishal’s evocative score, blending folk influences with orchestral swells, pairs seamlessly with Gulzar’s verses that explore the “ul jalool” (madness) of love. Tracks like the titular “Ul Jalool Ishq” have already teased fans with their haunting melody, sung by voices like Arijit Singh. Expect songs that aren’t just fillers but emotional anchors, much like Vishal’s work on Haider or Omkara.
Cinematographer Manush Nandan captures the film’s visual poetry, turning the architecture of Purani Dilli into a character itself—shadowy havelis whispering secrets, bustling bazaars alive with color. It’s this attention to detail that makes Gustaakh Ishq feel less like a movie and more like a memory you didn’t know you had.
Production House Spotlight: Stage5 Production’s Bold Entry into Filmmaking
Gustaakh Ishq marks a milestone for Stage5 Production, the banner launched by fashion icon Manish Malhotra and his brother Dinesh Malhotra in September 2023. This is their third venture, but the first to hit theaters under Manish’s directorial eye as a producer—his debut in full-fledged film production. Known for dressing Bollywood’s biggest stars in ethereal ensembles (think Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat or Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi), Manish infuses the film with his signature aesthetic: soft palettes, intricate textures, and a romanticism that’s both timeless and contemporary.
Dinesh Malhotra, handling the production reins, brings logistical savvy from previous projects, ensuring the film’s intimate scale doesn’t compromise on grandeur. Stage5’s ethos is all about “embracing the unexpected”—stories that surprise, genres that evolve, and films that linger long after the credits. With a modest yet ambitious budget, they’ve prioritized authenticity over spectacle, shooting on location to capture Punjab’s vanishing kothis and Delhi’s vibrant chaos.
As for the release, Gustaakh Ishq is all set to grace cinemas worldwide on November 28, 2025, distributed through major chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis. This date pits it in a intriguing box-office clash with Dhanush and Kriti Sanon‘s Tere Ishq Mein, setting up a battle of poetic vs. toxic love narratives. Early buzz from the trailer launch event—attended by the full cast and crew—suggests strong word-of-mouth potential, especially among audiences craving substance over flash.
Why Gustaakh Ishq Feels Like a Breath of Fresh Air
In an era of high-octane action and glossy rom-coms, Gustaakh Ishq stands out for its restraint and resonance. The cast’s chemistry, led by Vijay and Fatima, feels organic, while Naseeruddin’s presence promises depth. Vibhu Puri’s direction, Vishal and Gulzar’s musical alchemy, and Stage5’s passionate backing make it a labor of love. Whether you’re here for the shayari, the suspense, or simply a story that reminds you of love’s quieter storms, this film has something to pull you in.
Mark your calendars for November 28—tickets are already generating hype. What are you most excited about: the music, the mystery, or the leads’ pairing? Drop your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more updates as we count down to release day. If old-school ishq is your vibe, Gustaakh Ishq might just steal your heart.