
Fans of heartfelt cinema have plenty to look forward to as Gustaakh Ishq, starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, prepares to make its debut on JioHotstar.
Set in 1998, the film tells the story of Pappan, a man searching for meaning and purpose through art. His life takes a poignant turn when he crosses paths with a reclusive poet and the poet’s fiercely independent daughter, sparking a journey that explores mentorship, poetry, and the subtle, unspoken layers of love and self-discovery.
Directed by Vibhu Puri and produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra, the film features a stellar ensemble including Naseeruddin Shah, Natasha Rastogi, Jaya Bhattacharya, Sharib Hashmi, Zain Khan Durrani, and Faisal Rashid.
Against the vivid streets of Purani Delhi and Malerkotla, the narrative comes alive, offering audiences not just a story, but an immersive experience of time, place, and emotion.
The announcement on social media was accompanied by the message: “Ek dastaan jo dil ko chhuegi Purani Dilli ki galiyon se nikli yeh gustaakh ishq ki kahani! Dekhiye #GustaakhIshq January 27 se sirf JioHotstar pe” (“A story that will touch your heart, a daring tale of love from the streets of Old Delhi! Watch #GustakhIshq from January 27, only on JioHotstar”).
Speaking about the project, Vibhu Puri reflected, “The entire team has crafted a film that is visually rich, emotionally layered, and deeply soulful. Working with such an extraordinary cast was truly enriching, as each actor brought remarkable depth and sincerity to the world of the film. It’s a story that lingers long after the final frame, and I’m delighted that audiences can now discover or revisit this beautiful cinematic experience on JioHotstar.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh opened up about her character, saying, “Gustaakh Ishq stayed with me long after we wrapped. What moved me most was that my character is defined not by what she says, but by what she chooses to feel and hold back. She experiences love on her own terms, with vulnerability and strength, and portraying that inner world felt deeply personal.” She added, “Vibhu Puri’s sensitive gaze allowed the silences to speak, especially in moments where women are often expected to remain quiet. Working with Vijay was one of the highlights of this film. He is an outstanding actor and an incredibly generous scene partner, and I learnt so much from him. Sharing the screen with Naseer ji was a true honour and a masterclass in itself.”
For Vijay Varma, the film was a journey into subtlety and restraint. “This film challenged me to explore love beyond words. Gustaakh Ishq lives in glances, pauses, and emotions left unsaid, and that made the experience deeply rewarding as an actor. Pappan’s journey is shaped by an inner conflict between discipline and desire, tradition and impulse, a struggle that many people will recognise. What moved me most was how the film treats love with restraint and dignity, allowing the tension to build quietly rather than declaring itself loudly.”
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