Fashion icon Manish Malhotra has officially stepped into the world of film production with the release of the highly anticipated teaser for Gustaakh Ishq, marking his debut as a producer under his newly launched banner, Stage5 Production. The teaser, unveiled on August 25, 2025, presents a breathtakingly beautiful vintage love story that promises to transport audiences to the bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab, featuring stellar performances from Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah.
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Gustaakh Ishq: A Visual Poem of Vintage Romance
Gustaakh Ishq emerges as more than just a romantic drama—it’s a visual poetry that captures the essence of classical love storytelling. The teaser reveals a sepia-toned world where passion meets restraint, and unspoken desires find expression through architectural beauty and musical longing. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Old Delhi’s narrow streets and Punjab’s crumbling vintage mansions, Gustaakh Ishq promises to be a cinematic experience that celebrates both memory and emotion.
The film’s narrative centers around a love story that draws from a world where “architecture holds memory and music carries longing,” as described by the makers. This approach to storytelling reflects Malhotra’s deep understanding of how visual aesthetics can enhance emotional narratives, a skill he has honed through decades of costume design in Bollywood.
| Production Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Producer | Manish Malhotra, Dinesh Malhotra |
| Production House | Stage5 Production |
| Director | Vibhu Puri |
| Release Date | November 2025 |
| Genre | Period Romance/Musical Drama |
| Setting | Purani Dilli & Punjab |
Vijay Varma’s Compelling Screen Presence in Gustaakh Ishq
Vijay Varma, known for his versatile performances in films like Gully Boy, Darlings, and the acclaimed series Arya, takes center stage in Gustaakh Ishq as one half of the central romantic duo. The teaser showcases Vijay Varma in a completely new avatar, embodying the essence of old-world romance with remarkable depth and sensitivity.
Vijay Varma’s chemistry with co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh appears electric in the brief glimpses provided by the teaser. Their on-screen dynamic suggests a relationship built on intense emotional connection, with Vijay Varma bringing his trademark intensity to the character while adapting to the film’s period setting. His ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions makes him an ideal choice for this vintage love story.
The teaser reveals Vijay Varma in period-appropriate costumes that highlight Manish Malhotra’s expertise in creating authentic yet visually striking outfits. The actor’s transformation for Gustaakh Ishq demonstrates his commitment to character development and his willingness to explore different genres and time periods.
A Stellar Creative Ensemble Behind Gustaakh Ishq
Gustaakh Ishq boasts an impressive lineup of creative professionals who bring decades of experience to this ambitious project. The film is directed by Vibhu Puri, whose vision aligns perfectly with Malhotra’s aesthetic sensibilities and storytelling ambitions.
The musical landscape of Gustaakh Ishq is crafted by the legendary duo of Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar, who have collaborated on over 20 projects throughout their illustrious careers. Their previous work together includes critically acclaimed films such as Maachis, Omkara, Haider, and Kaminey, establishing them as one of Indian cinema’s most successful composer-lyricist partnerships.
Technical Excellence in Every Frame
The technical aspects of Gustaakh Ishq promise to deliver a world-class cinematic experience. Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty handles the audio landscape, ensuring that every whisper, every musical note, and every ambient sound contributes to the film’s immersive quality.
Cinematographer Manush Nandan brings his expertise to capture the visual poetry of the story, while the overall production design reflects the attention to detail that defines Manish Malhotra’s approach to any creative endeavor.
| Creative Team | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Vishal Bhardwaj | Music Director | Maachis, Omkara, Haider |
| Gulzar | Lyricist | Countless classics, 20+ collaborations with Bhardwaj |
| Resul Pookutty | Sound Designer | Oscar winner for Slumdog Millionaire |
| Manush Nandan | Cinematographer | Various acclaimed projects |
Fatima Sana Shaikh: The Heart of Gustaakh Ishq
Fatima Sana Shaikh takes center stage as the female lead in Gustaakh Ishq, and according to early reports, she was Manish Malhotra’s first choice for the role. The teaser showcases her in a remarkably luminous avatar, carrying both longing and restraint in her eyes with remarkable skill.
Shaikh’s presence in the teaser suggests a performance that balances vulnerability with strength, perfectly suited to the film’s exploration of unspoken desires and passionate love. Her chemistry with Vijay Varma appears natural and intense, promising a love story that will resonate with audiences across generations.
The actress, known for her powerful performances in films like Dangal and Thugs of Hindostan, appears to have found the perfect project to showcase her range in a period romance setting. Her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions aligns perfectly with the film’s emphasis on visual storytelling.
Naseeruddin Shah: The Enigmatic Presence
Legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah brings his considerable gravitas to Gustaakh Ishq, appearing in what seems to be a mysterious and potentially complex role. The teaser hints at his character being central to the narrative’s emotional core, with his iconic voice delivering the powerful line: “Na hanste hain, khush hote hain toh rote hain, ye musafir mohabbat ke ye bade ajeeb hote hain.”
Shah’s presence in the film adds significant artistic weight and suggests that Gustaakh Ishq will explore themes beyond simple romance, potentially delving into the complexities of love, loss, and human emotion that have defined his most memorable performances.
Manish Malhotra’s Vision: From Fashion to Film
Manish Malhotra’s transition from fashion design to film production represents a natural evolution of his artistic journey. Speaking about his debut as a producer, Malhotra revealed: “My love for cinema began in childhood. The silver screen was my doorway to the world… watching colours, clothes, music, and lifestyles unfold in cinema halls shaped my imagination and inspired me to become a designer.”
His approach to Gustaakh Ishq reflects his deep understanding of how visual aesthetics contribute to storytelling. Having dressed Bollywood’s biggest stars for decades, Malhotra brings an intimate knowledge of how costume, color, and design elements can enhance character development and narrative flow.
The choice of Gustaakh Ishq as his debut production reveals Malhotra’s commitment to quality storytelling. Rather than opting for a commercially safe project, he has chosen a period romance that demands high production values and artistic integrity.
The Significance of Vintage Love in Contemporary Cinema
Gustaakh Ishq arrives at a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to authentic, emotionally rich narratives that contrast with the fast-paced digital age. The film’s emphasis on “vintage love” and classical storytelling techniques suggests a deliberate choice to create content that celebrates the timeless nature of human emotion.
The teaser’s visual treatment, with its sepia tones and carefully composed frames, evokes the golden age of Indian cinema while incorporating contemporary filmmaking techniques. This blend of classical and modern approaches positions Gustaakh Ishq as a bridge between traditional and contemporary Indian cinema.
Stage5 Production: A New Chapter in Indian Cinema
The launch of Stage5 Production with Gustaakh Ishq signals Manish Malhotra’s long-term commitment to film production. Co-produced with his brother Dinesh Malhotra, the company appears positioned to focus on quality-driven projects that prioritize artistic integrity over commercial formulas.
Malhotra’s statement about “embracing the unexpected through stories, genres, and films that continue to surprise and inspire” suggests that Gustaakh Ishq is just the beginning of an ambitious production slate that will explore diverse themes and storytelling approaches.
The November 2025 Release Strategy
The decision to schedule Gustaakh Ishq for a November 2025 theatrical release demonstrates confidence in the film’s commercial and artistic appeal. November traditionally represents a strong period for quality cinema in India, positioned between the festival season and year-end releases.
The theatrical release strategy emphasizes the film’s cinematic scope and visual grandeur, elements that are best experienced on the big screen. This approach aligns with Malhotra’s vision of creating an immersive experience that celebrates the magic of cinema.
Industry Anticipation and Cultural Impact
Gustaakh Ishq has already generated significant industry buzz, with the teaser receiving widespread appreciation for its visual aesthetics and artistic approach. The combination of established stars like Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah with emerging talent like Fatima Sana Shaikh creates a perfect balance of commercial appeal and artistic credibility.
The film’s exploration of vintage love themes and classical storytelling techniques may influence future productions, potentially inspiring a renewed interest in period romances and aesthetically driven narratives in Indian cinema.
Gustaakh Ishq represents more than just Manish Malhotra’s production debut—it embodies a vision of Indian cinema that celebrates the artistic potential of the medium. With its stellar cast led by Vijay Varma, exceptional creative team, and commitment to visual and emotional excellence, the film promises to be a significant addition to contemporary Indian cinema when it releases in November 2025.
FAQs
When will Gustaakh Ishq be released in theaters?
Gustaakh Ishq is scheduled for a theatrical release in November 2025, though the exact date has not been announced yet.
What role does Vijay Varma play in Gustaakh Ishq?
Vijay Varma plays one of the lead romantic roles in the film, appearing as part of the central love story set in the vintage world of Purani Dilli and Punjab.
Is this Manish Malhotra’s first film as a producer?
Yes, Gustaakh Ishq marks Manish Malhotra’s debut as a film producer under his newly launched banner, Stage5 Production, which he co-owns with his brother Dinesh Malhotra.
Who has composed the music for Gustaakh Ishq?
The music for Gustaakh Ishq is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics written by Gulzar. This marks their 20+ collaboration together in various projects.
What is the setting and theme of Gustaakh Ishq?
The film is set in the bylanes of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and the fading kothis (vintage houses) of Punjab, focusing on a vintage love story of passion and unspoken desire in a world where architecture holds memory and music carries longing.
