Gustaakh Ishq Movie Review

Plot

"Gustaakh Ishq" takes us back to a charming era before mobile phones and the internet, where love stories often unfolded in picturesque lanes and through poetic exchanges. The film introduces us to Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rehman, portrayed by Vijay Varma. He's an ambitious shayar (poet) whose goal is to save his father's beloved printing press, steeped in history and culture, located in an Old Delhi bylane. As Nawabuddin navigates his quest, it becomes more than just about business; he finds himself tangled in a web of familial duty, personal love, and the influence of his mentor, Aziz Baig, a reclusive Urdu poet played impeccably by Naseeruddin Shah.

The narrative unfolds in a leisurely manner, allowing the audience to soak in Nawabuddin's struggles and romantic aspirations, with romance blossoming against a backdrop filled with history and nostalgia. The story also lingers on the delicate interactions between Nawabuddin and Minni, Aziz's daughter, revealing the contrasts between youthful love and the wisdom of age. As the film battles against modern-day distractions, it focuses intently on the intricacies of relationships, the art of poetry, and the weight of past mistakes that shape these characters' lives. However, while the film is adorned with delightful elements of nostalgia, the pacing can sometimes feel sluggish, leading to moments where the audience’s engagement may wane, raising questions about whether the emotional stakes are as high as the filmmakers intend them to be.

Acting

The performances in "Gustaakh Ishq" shimmer with authenticity and are one of the film's strongest aspects. Vijay Varma shines as Nawabuddin, pulling viewers into his character's emotional journey. His transformation from a passionate shayar to a man desperately trying to prove himself is heartfelt. Varma's delivery is both honest and seamless, showcasing the nuances of a man overflowing with aspiration yet weighed down by family obligations. His chemistry with Fatima Sana Shaikh, who plays Minni, captures the sweetness of unhurried romance. Shaikh’s portrayal is notable for her ability to express yearning and hope through subtle gestures and expressions, making her character both relatable and genuine.

However, it is Naseeruddin Shah, as Aziz Baig, who truly steals the spotlight. His years of experience and mastery of the craft shine through, bringing an undeniable depth to the film. Shah's ability to convey the pain of lost potential and the remnants of youthful dreams adds profound layers to his character. Every word of poetry that escapes his lips feels convincing, and his scenes resonate long after they have passed. The supporting cast, including Sharib Hashmi as the endearing house help, adds lighter moments that break the film's more serious tones effectively. Yet, Fatima’s role, while integral to the story, sometimes feels overshadowed by the more dynamically written characters, which is a slight drawback in the overall ensemble performance.

Cinematography

The cinematography in "Gustaakh Ishq" ushers us into a visual feast that is both elegant and evocative. The film painstakingly captures the charm of Old Delhi, from its narrow lanes to the vibrant chaos of everyday life. Each frame is decorated with a golden hue, reminiscent of an era that feels both romantic and nostalgic, drawing the audience further into its world. The slow, sweeping shots create a languid atmosphere, inviting viewers to appreciate the simplicity of each moment. However, the cinematography does lean into its aesthetic choices to the point where it can feel repetitive, reflecting the film's old-school romanticism a little too heavily at times.

Director Vibhu Puri’s decision to linger on details—like the steam rising from a cup of tea or the delicate exchange of glances—helps evoke a sense of intimacy and warmth. The visuals complement the storytelling beautifully, providing a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. However, the film occasionally loses momentum due to its insistence on this stylistic approach. While certain scenes are breathtaking, others fade into the mundanity of repetitive visuals that demand renewed attentiveness from the audience. A touch more variation and fluidity in the cinematographic choices could have elevated the overall experience, keeping viewers more engaged throughout the film's runtime.

Direction

Vibhu Puri’s direction in "Gustaakh Ishq" showcases both a clear vision and a heartfelt ambition to revive traditional Urdu storytelling, yet it walks a tightrope between nostalgia and predictability. Puri’s dedication to crafting a narrative that celebrates the beauty of poetry and the subtleties of relationships is palpable, as he captures characters who feel authentic and deeply human. The pacing is deliberate, allowing emotions to simmer and characters to develop organically; however, this unhurried approach sometimes leads to lapses in engagement, particularly in scenes that feel overly drawn out.

As the film endeavors to create a world rife with emotions and nostalgia, it could benefit from a more focused exploration of its central conflicts. The stakes feel muted at times, making it hard for the audience to invest fully in the characters’ journeys. The love story, which is supposed to be the beating heart of the film, often takes a back seat, leaving viewers yearning for more dramatic tension. Despite these shortcomings, Puri successfully evokes a sense of longing—a quality that runs through the film like an undercurrent, embodied by the various poetic verses and emotional dialogues that define its essence.

Ultimately, Puri impressively rallies the film's elements into a cohesive whole, yet "Gustaakh Ishq" leaves some viewers wishing for a touch more excitement or deeper exploration of its primary themes. The film offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but its slow pace may lead to restlessness among audiences unaccustomed to such a tranquil narrative style. Puri has undoubtedly accomplished a refreshing take on romance in Bollywood, though there’s an underlying potential that remains unfulfilled—a bittersweet reminder of what could have been had the film taken more daring risks.

Conclusion

"Gustaakh Ishq" attempts to offer a fresh narrative rooted in nostalgia, exploring love, poetry, and familial ties against the rich backdrop of Old Delhi's cultural heritage. Its intention to revive Urdu storytelling in contemporary cinema is commendable, showcasing the beauty of the language while delivering a portrayal of romance that is tender and unassuming. While the film’s elegance in its aesthetics and performances is undeniable, the emotional stakes tend to get overshadowed, leading to moments where the audience might feel a disconnect.

With standout performances by Vijay Varma and the ever-commendable Naseeruddin Shah, the film succeeds in developing a memorable chemistry between its leads, even if at times those moments feel subdued. Its slow pacing, copied from a bygone era, can sometimes come across as a little tiresome amidst today’s fast-paced cinematic expectations. However, for those who appreciate a love story infused with poetry, nostalgia, and the charm of Urdu culture, "Gustaakh Ishq" presents itself as a delicate piece of art that may resonate deeply, especially for viewers willing to invest their hearts into the characters' emotional odyssey.

Overall, "Gustaakh Ishq" leaves behind traces of beauty that linger like a soft echo, celebrating the power of stories that's often lost in the clangor of modern filmmaking. For fans of romance, literature, and the magic of poetry, it becomes a gentle invitation to rediscover a simpler time—one that speaks to the heart and lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. If you're in the mood for a thoughtful love story that prioritizes emotional depth over fast-paced drama, then take a chance on this gentle ode to bygone eras.