Gustaakh Ishq review: A Soulful, Sometimes Stumbling, Ode to Old-School Romance
"Khamoshiyon mein chhupi hui fariyaad hai ishq, Shor nahi, ek gehra ehsaas hai ishq." This Shayari from the Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah starrer Gustaakh Ishq perfectly encapsulates the film’s essence. Director and co-writer Vibhu Puri has woven a narrative that understands a profound truth: the loudest declarations of love are often made in the quietest moments. In an era of breakneck storytelling this movie takes a breath, daring to be both subtle and melodramatic in the same heartbeat.
Set in 1998, the story follows Nawabuddin (Vijay Varma), who is fighting a losing battle to save his late father’s printing press. With his brother Jumaan (Rohan Varma) eager to sell the business, Nawabuddin pins his hopes on the unpublished works of Aziz Beg (Naseeruddin Shah), a reclusive, legendary poet living in Malerkotla. Now elderly and losing his vision, Aziz lives a quiet life with his daughter Minni (Fatima Sana Shaikh) and their loyal aide, Attachie (Sharib Hashmi). Nawabuddin enters their world under the pretext of learning poetry hoping to secure the publishing rights. However, as he navigates Aziz’s stubbornness, an unexpected and tender romance blossoms between him and Minni.
Vibhu Puri deserves immense credit for his evocative direction, which serves as a beautiful time machine. He successfully transports us back to the golden era of 90s romantic dramas, capturing that specific brand of yearning and lyrical storytelling without ever losing the film's modern cinematic essence.
Admittedly, 'Gustaakh Ishq' is not without its polarizing moments. While the film is largely subtle, it occasionally veers into territory that some might label as 'dated.' There are sequences where the melodrama swells to a crescendo reminiscent of 1990s romantic cinema—a style that modern, cynical audiences might find a bit 'over-the-top.' However, I found this unapologetic emotionality to be one of the film’s hidden strengths. While a couple of scenes do arguably push the envelope a bit too far, the majority of these high-drama moments land with a profound emotional thud. They don't just exist for the sake of theatrics; they serve to deliver the exact heart-wrenching impact the story demands.
The dialogues of the movie is another major plus point, because they just don't just move the plot; they breathes. The screenplay treats Urdu not as a dead language of the past, but as a living, throbbing heartbeat. The way Nawabuddin fumbles with metaphors initially, only to find his voice through Aziz Beg’s mentorship, serves as a metaphor for his own emotional awakening. This linguistic journey is just as vital as the romantic one.
The true heartbeat of the film lies in its casting. As the veteran in the room, Naseeruddin Shah likely provided the "subtleness" you loved. His performance acts as the film’s gravity—never needing to raise his voice to command the screen. He doesn't just play a character; he inhabits the very atmosphere of the movie. Vijay has a gift for playing characters with internal conflict. In 'Gustaakh Ishq', he moves away from his darker tropes to show a vulnerability that is incredibly rare. He plays the "melodrama" through his eyes, making every silent moment feel heavy with meaning. Fatima brings the light to Vijay’s shadow. Her performance is likely the bridge between the two styles—delivering the emotional highs of the film with a grace that never feels forced or over-the-top.
The connection between Vijay and Fatima isn't built on grand gestures, but on the "smallness" of their interactions. It’s in the way they catch each other’s gaze or the slight hesitation before they speak. it’s the kind of effortless, soul-deep connection that makes even the most cynical viewers believe in the whimsy of romance. Seeing them together doesn’t just tell a story—it evokes a physical reaction, making you blush alongside the characters as they navigate their 'Gustakhi'.
Elevating this atmosphere is the beautiful music by Vishal Bhardwaj. His compositions don't just act as a backdrop; they are stitched into the very fabric of the screenplay. Rather than halting the narrative, the songs feel like internal monologues set to melody, echoing the characters' unspoken yearnings. Bhardwaj’s signature use of Urdu poetry ensures the music breathes with the same soul as Aziz Beg’s verses.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While the leads are brilliantly realized, some supporting arcs feel neglected. Nawabuddin's brother Jumman (Rohan Verma) remains an underdeveloped character, appearing more as a plot device than a living person. Similarly, the film misses an opportunity to delve into the hero’s mother; we are told of her importance, but we aren't given enough insight into her own emotional journey or perspective. As we head into the final act, the pacing quickens, perhaps a bit too abruptly compared to the leisurely stroll of the first hour. However, the emotional payoff during the 'Gustaakh' moment—the namesake of the film—is handled with such sincerity that you forgive the slight rush. It challenges the audience to decide if love is worth the audacity it requires.
'Gustakh Ishq' is a beautiful reminder that love is, by its very nature, an audacity—a gustakhi. For those who miss the soul and depth of old-school romantic sagas, this film is an essential watch.
Cast: Vijay Verma, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Naseeruddin Shah
Writers: Vibhu Puri, Prasshant Jha
Director: Vibhu Puri
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