Produced by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra and his brother Dinesh Malhotra have produced this arty romantic film that is directed by Vibhu Puri. Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharif Hashmi and Fatima Sana Shaikh play the lead characters in Gustaakh Ishq.
Vijay Varma plays Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman who travels from Delhi to Maler Kotla in Punjab with a sole aim that to find the reclusive retired Urdu poet Aziz Baig (Naseeruddin Shah, who is hiding his identity and so he is now a watch-repair shop owner.
Aziz Baig has written many poems and poems about his Forgotten Verses, but they haven’t been published. So, convince him to print them so that Nawabuddin can save his father’s printing press from closing down. He meets Aziz Baig’s daughter, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Aziz Beg’s loyal servant, a housekeeper named Attachi/Bhoore (Sharib Hashmi).
There’s a lot of friction and discord between Nawabuddin and his younger brother. Finally, realising that there isn’t much of any prospect in the printing press business, Vijay Verma and his brother decide to sell it off.
The screenplay is lacking sharpness, because in between, a two-hour film becomes a bit boring. Slackness is missing in the narrative which lacks slickness too.
There is no doubt about Naseeruddin Shah’s performance as he is outstanding as the retired poet. I miss his work that he has previously given in several of his best films. And it’s a treat to watch him as Aziz Baig. Vijay Varma scores big in the lead role. This is perhaps for the first time that in a feature film, Vijay Varma is seen in a lead role with a leading lady Fatima.
Fatima’s character is inconsequentially included in the main plot because she doesn’t have many scenes. After watching the film, it leaves an unsatisfying after-taste in your heart. A plus point is the magical music score by Vishal Bhardwaj. And would you guess who wrote the songs? It is Gulzar the great. The combination of Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj is always a winning combination.
Overall, I would say that this film Gustaakh Ishq is not just a film, it’s a beautiful feeling. The direction is precise, meaning his direction is just perfect. Those who like old films, and old filmy songs, and know Urdu will definitely enjoy this film. This doesn’t mean that others who don’t understand Urdu and only know Hindi won’t like this film. They too would will like it.
One thing is certain that there are few commercial ingredients or lets say elements because director Vibhu Puri didn’t want to dilute a classic film like just as this onw.
It is a well made film, but we can’t say to what extent it will work commercially. We hope that people will appreciate such good films too so that producers are encouraged to make good films like these, instead of compromising on values. (Running time 128 minutes)
– Review by Jyothi Venkatesh
Cast of Gustaakh Ishq:
Vijay Varma as Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman
Fatima Sana Shaikh as Minni
Naseeruddin Shah as Aziz Baig/Babba
Sharib Hashmi as Bhoore
Mohan Verma as Jumman
Natasha Rastogi
Credits of Gustaakh Ishq:
Production company – Stage5 Productions
Produced by Manish Malhotra, Dinesh Malhotra
Directed by Vibhu Puri
Written by Vibhu Puri, Prasshant Jha
Cinematography – Manush Nandan
Edited by Nitin Baid, Divyashree Samantaray
Songs: Vishal Bhardwaj
Background Score: Hitesh Sonik
