The much-anticipated film Gustakh Ishq, directed by Vibhu Puri, has finally released, leaving audiences with mixed feelings about this ode to Urdu poetry and classic Muslim socials. Despite boasting an impressive cast including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film struggles to deliver the emotional impact it promises.
Brilliant Performers Against Weak Storytelling
Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Varma emerge as the saving graces of Gustakh Ishq, with their compelling performances providing the few moments of genuine connection in an otherwise flat narrative. Shah's delivery of poetic lines like 'ool julool' - an untranslatable phrase meaning something between silly and stupid - showcases his mastery over language and brings authentic pleasure to viewers.
Vijay Varma plays Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman, a lover of Urdu shairi who uses both his intellect and emotions to win over an aging poet and his beautiful daughter. His character's mission to save his father's beloved printing press and the grand literary tradition it represents forms the core of the story, though the execution falls short of its potential.
Film's Structural Problems and Pacing Issues
The film suffers from significant pacing problems, particularly in the first half where it meanders without clear direction. Gustakh Ishq only finds some semblance of life in the post-interval sections, with one particularly moving interlude between Shah and Varma that successfully evokes the romance of a bygone era and its countless aspirations.
Fatima Sana Shaikh as Minni, the schoolteacher daughter with 'pyaaliyan-in-gaal' (dimples), is visually appealing but doesn't get enough material to showcase her acting range. Similarly, the talented Sharib Hashmi as the faithful assistant to the stubborn old poet feels underutilized, leaving viewers wishing he had been given more substantial scenes.
Production Values and Technical Aspects
Surprisingly for a Manish Malhotra production, the film shows inconsistencies in set design. The portions featuring Nawab with his younger brother and mother appear entirely shot on what looks like recently constructed sets, with a staircase that seems freshly tacked on rather than aged appropriately.
However, the film excels in its musical elements, with Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar's collaborative music standing out as truly sublime. Their compositions provide the emotional depth that the storytelling often lacks, making audiences ache and sigh in the way the entire film should have accomplished.
Ultimately, Gustakh Ishq represents a missed opportunity. While it celebrates the beauty of Urdu poetry and showcases some remarkable performances, the film gets bogged down by forced melodrama and uneven storytelling. The rating of 2 out of 5 stars reflects this disappointment, particularly given the wasted potential of such a talented cast and creative team.
