Film : Gustaakh Ishq
Cast : Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharib Hashmi
Director : Vibhu Puri
Rating : 4.5 Moons
Storyline
‘Gustaakh Ishq’ is set in the 1990s, a time when mobile phones hadn't yet become a part of people's lives. The film takes us to the bustling streets of Old Delhi, where Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman (Vijay Varma) struggles to save his father's Urdu printing press from being sold to keep the home fires burning. In the midst of this hardship, he sets out for Malerkotla, a cold, grey and wintry city in Punjab steeped in Islamic social niceties and culture. Where he meets ‘gumnaam’ poet Aziz (Naseeruddin Shah), whose wisdom, poetry, and old world experiences and charm shine a new light on Nawabuddin's path. The young man’s life changes further when he meets Aziz's daughter, Minnie (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a school teacher with a bad experience in love and a bitter divorce that leaves her unsmiling. His love for Minnie gradually deepens, and from there begins Nawabuddin’s real journey of self-discovery amidst poetry with Aziz, responsibilities back home, and dreams with Minnie in this ancient city of Urdu couplets and rustic architecture.
Acting
Seeing Vijay Varma in a romantic character is honestly such a refreshing treat. He brings a quiet intensity and softness that fits perfectly with the film’s old world milieu. Fatima, on the other hand, looks like poetry in motion, she genuinely does justice to one of the most graceful roles of her career. But the real heart of the film is Naseeruddin Shah. He embodies Aziz with such purity and honesty that you can’t help but fall in love with his old fashioned ways that are lovably cranky and delightfully romantic. Sharib Hashmi’s comic timing is always subtle, sweet and perfectly placed.
Direction
Vibhu Puri’s direction is pure poetry on screen. The genteel, old world romance that almost seems like it’s carried out behind the purdah, the bustling ambience of Purani Dilli, the wintry colour palette of Malerkotla, the chill and visual warmth of the early mornings, the ‘shayari’, chai and kebab nukkads, everything feels thoughtfully crafted. The film doesn’t just show you a love story; it makes you feel the era, the emotions, and the simplicity of romance at a time where even a secret glance was enough to make the heart flutter and the face break out into a beatific smile.
Dialogues
The film is packed with soulful ‘shayari’ and meaningful dialogues. Lines like “Hai koi jisse teri yaari naa ho, aadmi itna bhi bazaari na ho” stay with you long after the scene is over. And they are all played out in gorgeous locations that breathe poetry and Urdu literature. If you’re someone who enjoys quotations about love and longing, this film will give you plenty that lingers in your mind.
Music
The music is one of the strongest parts of the film. And honestly, when Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj come together, how can anything go wrong? The album is addictive, moving and drenched in a timeless romance. I’m obsessed already by it and I know most people will be too.
Overall
‘Gustaakh Ishq’ is a beautifully-crafted, genteel romance told in the most poetic way and punctuated by performances that are traditionally classic and emotionally expressive. A must-watch for everyone.
