Gustaakh Ishq REVIEW: Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah’s Retro Love Saga Fails To Impress Gen-Z

Film:
Gustaakh Ishq

Director: Vibhu Puri

Writers: Vibhu Puri, Prasshant Jha

Cast: Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi

Platform: Theatres

Runtime: 2 hours 8 mins

Gustaakh Ishq Review

Gustaakh Ishq attempts to be a heartfelt ode to old-school romance, dreamy poetry, and the charm of handwritten emotions, but somewhere between its nostalgia-driven storytelling and slow pacing, it loses the grip required to engage today’s audience. 

Set in a late 90s world of tea shops, diaries, and delicate shayari, the film follows Nawabuddin (Vijay Varma), a young man determined to learn Urdu poetry from the legendary but reserved poet Ajiz (Naseeruddin Shah). During his visits, he meets Ajiz’s daughter, Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh), and their quiet companionship slowly turns into love. They exchange poems, share conversations, and drift into each other’s worlds until a series of misunderstandings forces them apart.

What Works

The film’s biggest strength is its atmospheric world-building. The vintage aesthetics, muted colours, and detailed set design transport the viewer to the 90s. The Urdu poetry, though occasionally heavy-handed, adds emotional depth. Naseeruddin Shah brings gravitas with minimal effort, and his scenes are a delight for lovers of classic performances.

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What Doesn’t Work

The pacing is sluggish, and the screenplay struggles to sustain engagement. The emotional beats feel repetitive, and romance doesn’t offer enough freshness to connect with Gen-Z viewers. The conflict is predictable, making the second half feel stretched. The dialogues, though poetic, sometimes sound forced rather than organic.

Technical Analysis

The film production remains consistent and visually appealing. The cinematography is soothing, capturing warm tones and intimate frames. However, the editing lacks sharpness, resulting in uneven storytelling by Vibhu Puri. The music tries to evoke nostalgia but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

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Star Performances

Vijay Varma as Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman delivers sincerity and softness, perfectly fitting the role of a shy poetry lover. Yet, the screenplay doesn’t allow him to fully explore the character’s emotional range.

Fatima Sana Shaikh as Minni brings charm and sensitivity to Minni, but her arc feels underwritten. Her chemistry with Vijay is warm that might touch your heart towards the end scene. 

Naseeruddin Shah as Ajiz/Babba is exceptional, elevating every scene with effortless mastery. His portrayal of a stern yet affectionate poet is the film’s strongest pillar.

Sharib Hashmi as Attachie provides much-needed lightness and humour. His presence adds warmth, even though his role is small.

Conclusion

Gustaakh Ishq is visually pretty and emotionally earnest, but its slow narrative and familiar tropes prevent it from making a strong impact. While lovers of classic romance may appreciate its poetic mood, the film fails to resonate with younger audiences seeking pace, intensity, and novelty.

Watch the trailer of Gustaak Ishq here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.