On August 24, 2025, renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra announced his debut as a film producer with the romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq, set to hit theaters in November 2025, marking a bold new chapter in his illustrious career. Malhotra, a Bollywood-style maestro, leads this venture under his Stage5 Production banner. The film, starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, promises a poetic love story. It will release globally, with its first glimpse unveiled on August 25. Announced via Instagram, the project has sparked widespread buzz. Malhotra’s lifelong passion for cinema drives this heartfelt production.
From Couture to Cinema
Manish Malhotra, a name synonymous with Bollywood glamour for over three decades, shared his cinematic milestone on Instagram, writing, “Since childhood, I’ve lived with a deep ishq for cinema… This November 2025, my first film as a producer, Gustaakh Ishq – Kuch Pehle Jaisa, will release in theatres.” Directed by Vibhu Puri Dehalvi, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar, the film stars Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi. The first-look poster, released on August 25, 2025, showcases the leads’ tender chemistry, fueling fan excitement.
A Passionate Venture
Originally titled Ul-Jalool Ishq, Gustaakh Ishq is Stage5 Production’s third project, following Train From Chhapraula and Bun Tikki, both awaiting release. Malhotra, who founded the banner in September 2023, hosted a lunch for Varma and Shaikh, sharing selfies captioned, “Sunday lunch with my #gustakhishq pair.” The film’s April 2024 poster, with its soft hues and evocative imagery, hinted at a passionate narrative, earning praise on X for its “lyrical feel.” Malhotra’s poetic teaser, “Bewakoofiyaan, Nadan galtiyan, badi bhool hai ishq,” set the tone.
Cultural and Industry Impact
Malhotra’s transition from designing iconic costumes for films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to producing reflects his deep-rooted love for storytelling. His global influence, recently highlighted by designing Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour 2025 outfits, adds weight to this venture. Fans on X, with 70% of posts lauding the “fresh pairing” of Varma and Shaikh, anticipate a visually rich love story, per @MaddockFilms. However, speculation about Malhotra directing a Meena Kumari biopic was debunked at IFFI 2024, where he hinted at directing romances later.
Challenges and Expectations
As Malhotra steps into production, expectations are high for Gustaakh Ishq to blend his aesthetic finesse with compelling storytelling. The film’s November release faces competition from big-budget releases like War 2, per X posts, and must deliver to establish Stage5’s credibility. Will Malhotra’s cinematic ishq captivate audiences or face the industry’s unpredictable tides? With a stellar cast and his signature flair, Gustaakh Ishq promises to be a poetic milestone, merging fashion’s artistry with cinema’s magic.
-By Manoj H