Mumbai, Jan 23: Manish Malhotra’s produced romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq is set to premiere on JioHotstar starting Jan 27, 2026. The film stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma in the lead roles, along with Naseeruddin Shah, Natasha Rastogi, Jaya Bhattacharya, Sharib Hashmi, Zain Khan Durrani, Faisal Rashid amongst others in pivotal roles and is directed by Vibhu Puri. Set in a world where emotions often remain unspoken, Gustaakh Ishq explores love in its most unguarded form, where longing, vulnerability and quiet rebellion intertwine, unfolding a romance that is as tender as it is intense.
Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra, Gustaakh Ishq is set in 1998 and unfolds across the evocative lanes of Purani Delhi and Malerkotla. The film follows Pappan, a man searching for purpose through art, whose life is transformed when he crosses paths with a reclusive poet and his fiercely independent daughter. As poetry, mentorship, and unspoken emotions intersect, the narrative becomes a gentle yet powerful exploration of love, restraint, and the choices that quietly shape who we become.
Talking about the film, Manish Malhotra said, “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.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh said, “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 added, “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.”
What does it mean to truly love something — or someone? And how much is one willing to sacrifice to preserve that love?
Watch Gustaakh Ishq , streaming from January 27, 2026 on JioHotstar!