Manish Malhotra's debut prodction Gustaakh Ishq earns a special slot at IFFI 2025

Manish Malhotra is stepping into the world of cinema with a moment he’ll remember forever. His debut production, Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa, has earned a prestigious premiere slot at the 56th International Film Festival of India on 24 November. For someone who has shaped the visual language of Bollywood for decades, presenting his first film at IFFI feels like a full-circle milestone.

A Debut Steeped in Old-World Romance

Produced under Stage5 Production, the film brings back the charm of timeless love. Directed by Vibhu Puri, Gustaakh Ishq is set against the narrow lanes of Purani Dilli and the fading heritage homes of Punjab. The story unfolds like a slow-burn poem, filled with longing, unspoken emotions, and the kind of tender moments that stay with you long after they’ve passed. Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sharib Hashmi lend the film a quiet emotional depth, each carrying their part of the story with warmth and honesty.

Buzz Around Vijay and Fatima’s Bond

The film has been gathering extra chatter thanks to the connection between its leads, Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Their friendship has been a topic of curiosity for a while, and a recent incident from the set has only intensified the conversation. Vijay shared how deeply shaken he felt when Fatima suffered a seizure during filming. He stayed by her side, helped her through the moment, and later said that the experience created a closeness he hadn’t expected. The two have kept things private, but their easy comfort with each other has only added to the film’s intrigue.

A Proud Moment for the Makers

For Malhotra, the IFFI premiere is more than just a showcase. It marks the beginning of a new creative chapter where his love for storytelling, nostalgia, poetry, and old-school romance comes alive on screen. With Dinesh Malhotra co-producing, Gustaakh Ishq becomes a family-backed passion project that celebrates everything he’s admired in cinema for years.

With its festival debut set for 24 November and a theatrical release on 28 November, Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa is shaping up to be one of the year’s most tender love stories, wrapped in music, memories and the magic of classic romance.