“Gustaakh Ishq,” the latest film starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, opened to a sluggish box office performance on Friday, November 28. This comes despite receiving positive reactions from both critics and audiences.
The film generated an estimated $33,613 (28 lakh Indian Rupees) on its opening day. This figure places its initial earnings well below expectations for a major theatrical release.
The movie reportedly carries a production budget of approximately $6.00 million (50 crore Indian Rupees). Its dismal opening weekend performance makes the path to profitability challenging.
The story of “Gustaakh Ishq” is set against the backdrop of Old Delhi and Punjab in the 1990s. Vijay Varma plays Nawabuddin Saifuddin Rahman, who strives to save his father’s printing press.
Rahman seeks guidance from poet Aziz, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah. He subsequently falls in love with Aziz’s daughter, Minni, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh.
The film was directed by Vibhu Puri. It marks the first production venture for acclaimed fashion designer Manish Malhotra, under his banner Stage 5 Productions.
Vishal Bhardwaj provided the music for the film. The cast also includes Sharib Hashmi in a key role.
