~ Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra, Vibhu Puri’s lyrical romance explores love, longing, and the power of unspoken emotions ~
Mumbai : Manish Malhotra–produced romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq is set to premiere on JioHotstar on January 27, 2026. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the film stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma in lead roles, alongside an acclaimed ensemble cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Natasha Rastogi, Jaya Bhattacharya, Sharib Hashmi, Zain Khan Durrani and Faisal Rashid.
Set in 1998, Gustaakh Ishq unfolds across the evocative lanes of Purani Delhi and Malerkotla, painting an intimate portrait of love that thrives in silences, restraint, and quiet rebellion. The story follows Pappan, a man searching for meaning through art, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a reclusive poet and his fiercely independent daughter. As poetry, mentorship and unspoken emotions intertwine, the film gently explores how love, longing and choice shape who we ultimately become.
Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra, the film is a tender meditation on vulnerability, desire and emotional restraint—where what remains unsaid carries as much weight as words spoken.
Speaking about the film, Manish Malhotra said, “Gustaakh Ishq is a timeless romance that celebrates love in its most poetic and vulnerable form. The film is visually rich, emotionally layered and deeply soulful. Working with an extraordinary cast—from Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma to Naseeruddin Shah—was immensely fulfilling. It’s a story that lingers long after the final frame, and I’m delighted that audiences can now experience it on JioHotstar.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh shared, “What moved me most was that my character is defined by what she feels and chooses to hold back. Vibhu Puri’s sensitive gaze allowed silences to speak, especially in moments where women are often expected to remain quiet. Working with Vijay was a joy—he is a generous and deeply intuitive actor. Sharing the screen with Naseer ji was an honour and a masterclass.”
Adding to this, Vijay Varma said, “Gustaakh Ishq challenged me to explore love beyond words. Pappan’s journey lies in the tension between discipline and desire, tradition and impulse. The film treats love with restraint and dignity, allowing emotions to build quietly. I’m glad it now finds a wider audience on JioHotstar, where viewers can truly absorb its poetry.”
What does it mean to truly love someone—and how much are we willing to sacrifice to protect that love? Watch Gustaakh Ishq, streaming exclusively on JioHotstar from January 27, 2026.