FILM REVIEW: GUSTAAKH ISHQ

FILM REVIEW: GUSTAAKH ISHQ By Suyash Pachauri Owned Publications: DIRECTORS DAILY CLAPBOARD | GLOBAL BOLLYWOOD

Introduction

Gustaakh Ishq arrives as a film that wears its intent openly: bold emotions, flawed characters, and a love story that refuses to follow polite, socially acceptable routes. The word “gustaakh” itself signals defiance, emotional recklessness, and moral ambiguity, and the film consistently attempts to live up to that promise. Positioned as a romantic drama with shades of intensity, Gustaakh Ishq explores desire, ego, emotional entitlement, and the consequences of loving without boundaries.

In a cinematic climate where romance is often sanitized or excessively idealized, Gustaakh Ishq chooses discomfort over convenience. It does not present love as gentle or reassuring; instead, it portrays it as volatile, consuming, and occasionally destructive. The film aims to provoke discussion rather than universal approval, and that ambition is evident from its narrative choices.

While the film follows familiar romantic-drama beats, its emotional temperament is darker and more confrontational. It is less interested in fairy-tale resolutions and more invested in psychological friction between characters. Whether the film fully succeeds in balancing emotional boldness with narrative coherence is debatable, but its willingness to engage with messy love makes it a noteworthy attempt.

Screenplay & Script Sense

The screenplay of Gustaakh Ishq is deeply character-centric, relying more on emotional progression than plot-driven surprises. The narrative unfolds through confrontations, misunderstandings, emotional outbursts, and moments of introspection. Love here is not an abstract concept but a lived experience shaped by insecurity, desire, and personal baggage.

The script’s strongest aspect is its emotional honesty. Characters are allowed to be selfish, impulsive, and morally inconsistent. The writing does not rush to justify their actions, instead allowing consequences to unfold naturally. Dialogues often carry emotional weight, particularly during confrontational scenes where suppressed feelings erupt.

However, the screenplay occasionally struggles with structure. Certain emotional arcs feel stretched, with repetitive arguments and conflicts reducing narrative momentum. While repetition may reflect the cyclical nature of toxic relationships, cinematically it risks fatigue.

The second half becomes more introspective but also more predictable. The script chooses familiar emotional resolutions instead of pushing its characters into truly transformative spaces. Despite this, the screenplay remains sincere, anchored in emotional realism rather than manufactured drama.

Direction

The direction of Gustaakh Ishq reflects a clear understanding of emotional intensity. The director prioritizes mood and performance over spectacle, allowing scenes to breathe and emotions to simmer. There is a deliberate slowness in pacing, particularly in emotionally heavy moments, which enhances psychological engagement.

The director handles intimacy and conflict with sensitivity, avoiding unnecessary sensationalism. Romantic moments are often understated, while confrontations are raw and unfiltered. This tonal contrast helps maintain emotional balance.

That said, the direction occasionally lacks sharpness in narrative escalation. Certain pivotal moments could have benefited from stronger visual or emotional emphasis. A more assertive cinematic language through framing, music cues, or pacing might have elevated the film’s dramatic peaks.

Overall, the direction remains consistent in tone and intent, focusing on emotional authenticity rather than commercial dramatics.

Acting

Performances are central to Gustaakh Ishq, and the lead actors shoulder the film’s emotional weight with sincerity. The male lead delivers a layered performance, portraying vulnerability, aggression, and confusion with controlled intensity. His portrayal avoids melodrama, relying instead on internal conflict and expressive restraint.

The female lead brings emotional depth and resilience to her role. She navigates love, defiance, and emotional exhaustion with nuance, ensuring her character retains agency rather than becoming a passive romantic figure. Her performance grounds the film’s emotional core and adds moral complexity.

The chemistry between the leads is intentionally volatile. Their interactions feel emotionally charged rather than romantically comforting, which aligns with the film’s thematic direction. This discomfort is one of the film’s strengths.

However, there are moments where emotional expression feels restrained when intensity is required. Greater emotional risk-taking could have amplified impact in key scenes.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast in Gustaakh Ishq functions primarily as emotional context rather than narrative drivers. Friends, family members, and acquaintances serve as reflections of societal expectations and emotional consequences.

Supporting performances are competent and natural, avoiding theatrical exaggeration. These characters add realism and grounding, particularly in scenes involving moral confrontation and advice.

However, several supporting roles feel underwritten. While their presence is narratively necessary, additional depth could have enriched the film’s emotional ecosystem.

Despite limited screen time, the supporting cast effectively reinforces the film’s emotional themes.

Cinematography

The cinematography of Gustaakh Ishq is subdued and intimate, favoring close-ups and natural lighting. The visual language mirrors the film’s emotional intensity, often framing characters in confined spaces to emphasize psychological pressure.

There is a conscious avoidance of glossy romantic visuals. Instead, the camera observes characters in vulnerable moments, capturing discomfort, hesitation, and emotional fatigue.

While the cinematography lacks striking visual experimentation, it remains thematically consistent and emotionally supportive. Its simplicity ensures focus remains on performances and narrative.

Music & Background Score

Music in Gustaakh Ishq plays a restrained but impactful role. Songs are emotionally aligned with the narrative, often melancholic and introspective. They serve as emotional extensions rather than commercial interludes.

The background score is minimalistic, allowing silence to carry emotional weight. This restraint enhances realism and prevents emotional manipulation.

However, the film could have benefited from a stronger musical identity. A memorable theme might have deepened emotional recall and resonance.

Editing

The editing maintains narrative clarity but occasionally struggles with pacing. The first half flows smoothly, establishing characters and emotional stakes effectively.

The second half, however, becomes slightly repetitive, with emotional confrontations revisiting familiar territory. Tighter editing could have sharpened narrative momentum and heightened emotional impact.

Despite these issues, the editing supports the film’s introspective tone and avoids abrupt tonal shifts.

Final Verdict

Gustaakh Ishq is a sincere, emotionally intense romantic drama that explores love in its raw, uncomfortable form. It refuses to idealize romance, instead portraying it as a space of conflict, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity.

While the film is not without flaws, particularly in pacing and narrative repetition, its emotional honesty, grounded performances, and thematic intent make it a compelling watch for audiences seeking depth over escapism.

On the Plus Side

• Emotionally honest storytelling

• Strong lead performances

• Volatile and realistic chemistry

• Sensitive direction

• Grounded portrayal of flawed love

On the Minus Side

• Slow pacing in parts

• Repetitive emotional conflicts

• Limited narrative innovation

• Underdeveloped supporting characters

Gustaakh Ishq may not offer comfort, but it offers truth. It is a film that understands that love is not always gentle, and sometimes, its very defiance becomes its most revealing quality.

Suyash Pachauri DIRECTORS DAILY CLAPBOARD | GLOBAL BOLLYWOOD