Image Source: YouTube | Stage5 Production
Introduction
The poetry of Old Delhi is set to unfold on the silver screen. Gustaakh Ishq—the much-anticipated romantic period drama starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh—is confirmed for a global theatrical release on Thursday, November 28, 2025. The film, already making waves for its soulful music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by the legendary Gulzar, is a cinematic experience steeped in longing and unspoken desires.
This is more than a film; it is a labor of love marking fashion icon Manish Malhotra’s production debut. With the trailer already captivating audiences and an IFFI premiere on the horizon, here is your fully verified guide to the most poetic love story of the year.
Gustaakh Ishq’s Timeless Verses: From IFFI Premiere to Theaters
Release Buzz – Global Release November 28, 2025
The gustaakh ishq release date nov 28 is confirmed, following a slight push from an earlier date to avoid clashes. The film, initially titled Ul Jalool Ishq (Ul Jalool Ishq means Audacious Love), changed its name to reflect its poetic and timeless essence.
World Premiere at 56th IFFI Goa Nov 24
The film will have its highly anticipated world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 24, 2025, in the Gala Premiere section. This IFFI screening will be the first time critics and industry veterans witness the film, just four days before its worldwide release.
Producer’s Debut – Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Productions
The film marks Manish Malhotra’s debut as a film producer under his home banner, Stage5 Productions. He stated the film was born out of his “deep ishq for cinema,” aiming to create something “different” that avoids following trends.
Plot Tease: Passion in the Lanes of Old Delhi
Core Love Story – Nawabuddin Meets Poet’s Daughter
The trailer transports viewers to the charming, vintage lanes of Old Delhi. The story centers on Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman (Vijay Varma), an aspiring shayari writer who comes to the residence of Ajiz (Naseeruddin Shah), a renowned Urdu poet, to master the art of writing poetry. There, he meets Ajiz’s daughter, Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a school teacher whose grace quickly becomes his muse.
Emotional Layers – Longing and Unspoken Desire
What blossoms is a heartfelt romance centered around shared verses and cups of tea on winter mornings. However, the trailer hints at a rift created by unforeseen circumstances and misunderstandings, leaving an atmosphere of longing, memory, and unspoken desire. The film’s tagline, “Ek kahani, jo reh jayegi dil mein nishaani ki tarah,” promises a tale that lingers.
Star Cast: Varma & Shaikh Lead with Shah’s Soul
Vijay Varma as Nawabuddin – Aspiring Shayar
Vijay Varma delivers a nuanced performance as Nawabuddin, the aspiring shayar (poet) whose pursuit of art leads him to the pursuit of love.
Fatima Sana Shaikh as Minni – Teacher Whose Presence is Poetry
Fatima Sana Shaikh plays Minni, the poet’s daughter, whose quiet, ethereal charm anchors the film’s poetic soul.
Naseeruddin Shah as Ajiz – Legendary Urdu Poet
Veteran Naseeruddin Shah plays Ajiz, the legendary Urdu poet who guides Nawabuddin in the art of shayari and unknowingly facilitates the young romance.
Supporting Ensemble
The strong supporting cast includes Sharib Hashmi (as Attachie) in a key role, further strengthening the film’s emotional core.
Behind the Ishq: Puri’s Poetic Direction & Bhardwaj’s Melody
Director Vibhu Puri – Crafts Intimate Tale of Timeless Love
The film is directed by Vibhu Puri, known for his visually rich and intimate storytelling. Puri meticulously recreates the old-world charm of Delhi and Amritsar where the film was shot.
Music Magic – Vishal Bhardwaj Composes, Gulzar Pens Lyrics
The musical collaboration is a dream team for Hindi cinema lovers. Vishal Bhardwaj composed the soulful score, while the legendary Gulzar penned the lyrics, ensuring every verse carries weight and emotion. Songs like “Ul Jalool Ishq” and “Aap Iss Dhoop Mein” have already gained traction.
Trailer & Songs Highlights: Verses That Linger
Trailer Moments – Vintage Lanes, Shayari Sessions
The official trailer, which dropped on November 10, highlights the vintage lanes of Old Delhi, intimate shayari sessions, and the intense glances shared between the leads. The trailer perfectly captured the tone: “old-school charm with soulful depth.”
Key Tracks
The songs are integral to the gustaakh ishq trailer vishal bhardwaj experience, with each track contributing to the film’s atmosphere of romantic longing.
| Title | Composer/Lyricist | Vibe |
| Ul Jalool Ishq | V. Bhardwaj / Gulzar | Quirky, Passionate Anthem |
| Aap Iss Dhoop Mein | V. Bhardwaj / Gulzar | Soulful, Romantic Longing |
Conclusion: Gustaakh Ishq – Where Words Weave Eternal Love
Gustaakh Ishq is an ode to timeless romance, built on the foundations of poetry and music. With the powerhouse talent of Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh and the musical genius of Bhardwaj and Gulzar, this film promises to be a deeply moving cinematic experience.
Book your tickets for November 28 and witness the unfolding of a love story written in the alleys of Old Delhi. Which lead—Vijay or Fatima—do you think will be the bigger spark? Share your ishq below!
FAQs
Q: What is the Gustaakh Ishq release date?
A: The global theatrical release date is November 28, 2025, following its World Premiere at IFFI on November 24.
Q: What is Vijay Varma’s role in Gustaakh Ishq?
A: Vijay Varma plays Nawabuddin, an aspiring shayar (Urdu poet) who travels to Delhi to seek guidance from a renowned poet.
Q: What is the Gustaakh Ishq plot summary spoiler-free?
A: The film is a romantic period drama set in Old Delhi about a young, aspiring poet (Vijay Varma) who falls in love with the daughter (Fatima Sana Shaikh) of his mentor (Naseeruddin Shah), leading to a heartfelt but misunderstood romance.
Q: Who composed the songs for Gustaakh Ishq?
A: The music for Gustaakh Ishq is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics written by Gulzar.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Gustaakh Ishq?
A: The main cast includes Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi.
