Celebrated fashion designer-turned-filmmaker Manish Malhotra has once again captured the attention of cinema lovers with the teaser of his upcoming film Gustaakh Ishq. The short glimpse of the movie, unveiled recently, has quickly gone viral, sparking conversations across social media. Interestingly, a large section of netizens believes that the film’s teaser brings back the lost essence of Bollywood’s old-school romance, something that audiences have been missing in the era of fast-paced thrillers and experimental cinema.
The teaser, though brief, sets a dreamy tone filled with soft visuals, tender moments, and a melodious background score. Many viewers pointed out that it carries the same charm as the timeless romantic films of the 1990s and early 2000s — an era that gave Bollywood some of its most iconic love stories. From the way the leads are introduced to the slow-burn emotional connect portrayed in just a few frames, the teaser seems to promise a heartwarming cinematic experience rooted in deep emotions rather than superficial drama.
On X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, fans have been showering praise, with comments like “Kuch pehle jaisa lag raha hai” and “Finally, a film that reminds us of true Bollywood romance.” Many said that Manish Malhotra appears determined to revive the magic of soulful storytelling, focusing on love, longing, and human emotions, instead of relying solely on grand spectacle.
Film critics, too, have highlighted the nostalgic appeal of Gustaakh Ishq. They note that the teaser hints at rich aesthetics — something Malhotra is already celebrated for in his career as a designer — but beyond the visual grandeur, it emphasizes emotional storytelling. This balance between elegance and sentiment is what makes fans hopeful that the film could mark a refreshing shift in today’s cinematic landscape.
Manish Malhotra, who has dressed countless Bollywood stars for decades, has often spoken about his admiration for the romantic films that shaped Hindi cinema. With Gustaakh Ishq, many believe he is paying tribute to that golden era, while still presenting it with a modern lens.
The film’s full trailer and release date are yet to be announced, but going by the audience’s reaction, Gustaakh Ishq has already built strong anticipation. Whether it truly succeeds in reviving the spirit of old-school Bollywood love stories remains to be seen, but for now, the teaser has left fans eagerly waiting for more.
