Gustaakh Ishq, starring Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, released on November 28 and opened to a slow start at the box office. Despite encouraging early reactions on social media, the film struggled to convert word-of-mouth into strong footfalls on Day 1. The film marks the theatrical debut of Manish Malhotra’s production banner, Stage5, adding further curiosity around its release.
Many trade analysts noted that while the content showed promise, the opening numbers remained muted across major circuits. The film’s niche appeal and limited marketing push may have played a role in its soft start.
Day-One Earnings at ₹50 Lakh
According to industry tracker reports, Gustaakh Ishq collected approximately ₹50 lakh on its opening day. The numbers indicate a modest beginning for the romantic drama, which had hoped to benefit from star power and a compelling emotional narrative.
Experts believe the film could improve over the weekend if word-of-mouth continues to remain positive. However, its performance in the coming days will depend heavily on walk-ins, reviews, and regional audience turnout.
Occupancy Trends Show Late Growth
The film recorded an overall 8.61% occupancy in the Hindi market on Friday. While morning and afternoon shows remained low—at 3.62% and 4.89% respectively—the evening saw a slight increase to 4.97%. The biggest boost came from night shows, which jumped to 20.96%, helping raise the film’s final day tally.
This upward shift suggests that urban night-show audiences connected better with the film’s mood and genre. If this pattern carries into the weekend, the film could witness a marginal but meaningful rise.
Tough Competition From ‘Tere Ishk Mein’
Gustaakh Ishq faced stiff competition at the box office, with Dhanush and Kriti Sanon’s Tere Ishk Mein opening much stronger at ₹16 crore on Day 1. The massive gap between the two releases clearly impacted the Vijay–Fatima starrer’s visibility and overall occupancy.
Trade experts believe the overwhelming buzz around Tere Ishk Mein overshadowed smaller releases, making it harder for niche romantic dramas like Gustaakh Ishq to stand out. This clash significantly affected the film’s momentum.
Story Set in the 1990s With Strong Performances
Set in the 1990s, Gustaakh Ishq revolves around three central characters — Vijay Varma as Nawazuddin Saifuddin, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Mannat, and Naseeruddin Shah as Aziz Beg. The narrative explores their intertwined emotions, personal conflicts, and a love story layered with intensity.
Early viewers have praised the lead actors for their strong performances, particularly Vijay Varma’s emotional depth and Fatima’s nuanced portrayal. The film’s atmospheric 90s setting and old-world charm have also struck a chord with lovers of classic romance.
Jay-Ho Exclusive
While Gustaakh Ishq may have started slow at the box office, its strong performances, heartfelt storytelling, and growing night-show occupancy give it a chance to build momentum over the weekend. Whether the film manages to pick up pace will depend on how audiences connect with its emotional core in the coming days.
