Vijay Varma, Fatima Shaikh Romance Opens Below Expectations

The romantic film Gustaakh Ishq, featuring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, premiered in theaters on November 28, offering a nostalgic journey back to the 1990s with its blend of poetry and old-school romance. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the film encountered a formidable challenge at the box office due to its simultaneous release with Tere Ishk Mein, a film starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. Early box office data suggests a subdued opening for Gustaakh Ishq, with first-day collections reported to be around Rs 50 lakh. The average Hindi occupancy was recorded at 8.61%, reflecting the intense competition. Although attendance was modest throughout the day, night shows saw a noticeable increase, reaching an occupancy of 20.96%. City-specific data indicates that Surat and Chennai were the most receptive markets, with occupancy rates of 23.50% and 21%, respectively. Mumbai’s occupancy stood at 10.75%, and Delhi-NCR reported 8%. On a global scale, Gustaakh Ishq earned an estimated Rs 60 lakh on its opening day. The film is distinguished by its creative pedigree, featuring music composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, lyrics penned by Gulzar, sound design by Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan. Prominent actors Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi also contribute to the film’s cast. This project also marks the exciting entry of Manish Malhotra into film production, with an ambition to merge classic storytelling with modern cinematic approaches.