Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma and Manish Malhotra react as Gustaakh Ishq heads for JioHotstar premiere: ‘A story that lingers’ : Bollywood News

As Gustaakh Ishq prepares for its digital premiere, the cast and makers of the romantic drama have opened up about revisiting the film as it begins streaming on JioHotstar from January 27, 2026. Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra and directed by Vibhu Puri, the film stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma in the lead, alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Natasha Rastogi, Jaya Bhattacharya, Sharib Hashmi, Zain Khan Durrani, and Faisal Rashid in pivotal roles.

Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma and Manish Malhotra react as Gustaakh Ishq heads for JioHotstar premiere: ‘A story that lingers’

Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma and Manish Malhotra react as Gustaakh Ishq heads for JioHotstar premiere: ‘A story that lingers’Set in 1998, Gustaakh Ishq unfolds across the evocative lanes of Purani Delhi and Malerkotla, exploring love through restraint, silence, and unspoken longing. The narrative follows Pappan, a man searching for purpose through art, whose life changes when he encounters a reclusive poet and his fiercely independent daughter. As poetry, mentorship, and buried emotions intertwine, the film offers a tender yet intense meditation on love and the quiet choices that define it.

Producer Manish Malhotra described the film as a deeply personal and poetic experience as it arrives on OTT. “Gustaakh Ishq is a timeless romance that celebrates love in its most poetic and vulnerable form. The entire team has crafted a film that is visually rich, emotionally layered, and deeply soulful. Working with such an extraordinary cast from Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma to Naseeruddin Shah and the rest of the ensemble was truly enriching, as each actor brought remarkable depth and sincerity to the world of the film. It’s a story that lingers long after the final frame, and I’m delighted that audiences can now discover or revisit this beautiful cinematic experience on JioHotstar.”

For Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film remains emotionally resonant long after filming concluded. “Gustaakh Ishq stayed with me long after we wrapped. What moved me most was that my character is defined not by what she says, but by what she chooses to feel and hold back. She experiences love on her own terms, with vulnerability and strength, and portraying that inner world felt deeply personal. Vibhu Puri’s sensitive gaze allowed the silences to speak, especially in moments where women are often expected to remain quiet. Working with Vijay was one of the highlights of this film. He is an outstanding actor and an incredibly generous scene partner, and I learnt so much from him. and sharing the screen with Naseer ji was a true honour and a masterclass in itself. And Having Manish Malhotra as the producer brought warmth and a beautiful emotional vision to the film”

Vijay Varma echoed similar sentiments, calling the film an exercise in emotional restraint. “This film challenged me to explore love beyond words. Gustaakh Ishq lives in glances, pauses, and emotions left unsaid, and that made the experience deeply rewarding as an actor. Pappan’s journey is shaped by an inner conflict between discipline and desire, tradition and impulse, a struggle that many people will recognise. What moved me most was how the film treats love with restraint and dignity, allowing the tension to build quietly rather than declaring itself loudly. The warmth the film received reaffirmed our belief in this story and its timeless emotional core, and I’m glad it now finds a wider audience on JioHotstar, where viewers can truly absorb its poetry and depth.”

With its soulful storytelling and introspective take on love, Gustaakh Ishq now looks set to find a new audience on digital, inviting viewers to reflect on longing, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to love — quietly yet fiercely.

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