The first song from the much-anticipated romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq is out, and it’s already tugging at heartstrings. Titled "Ul Jalool Ishq", the track is a poetic, quietly intense ode to love — the kind that blossoms in whispers and lingers in silences.
Set to the unmistakable melodic signature of composer Vishal Bhardwaj, the song unfolds with a gentle rhythm, effortlessly drawing the listener into a world of subtle yearning. Sung soulfully by Shilpa Rao and Papon, with lyrics penned by the legendary Gulzar, Ul Jalool Ishq delivers the kind of emotional resonance that’s rare in today’s cluttered soundscape.
From the very first frame, the music video evokes intimacy and nostalgia. We see Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh preparing in front of mirrors — a metaphor, perhaps, for love that asks us to see ourselves more clearly. As Papon's voice weaves through the visuals, the duo’s chemistry speaks volumes in glances and stolen moments.
Their love story, tinged with mischief and melancholy, unfolds in hushed alleys and secret rooftops. In one memorable scene, they break into a locked property just to steal a moment of quiet, sipping tea as the sun sets behind them — a tableau of gentle rebellion. A quiet apology in the middle of a green field. A gaze held too long in the middle of a bustling city. These vignettes tell a story that feels deeply personal yet universally familiar.
Adding to the song’s cinematic richness is a fleeting but powerful appearance by Naseeruddin Shah, whose character seems to silently witness the intensity of their bond — a love that burns but doesn’t boast.
The song’s warmth lies in its restraint. Vishal Bhardwaj’s subdued composition doesn't scream passion; it lets it simmer. Gulzar’s lyrics once again find poetry in the mundane, speaking of love’s innocence with words that feel both fresh and timeless.
Ul Jalool Ishq is just the beginning — a gentle teaser of what’s to come in Gustaakh Ishq, directed by Vibhu Puri. The film marks the production debut of fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who, along with his brother Dinesh Malhotra, is backing the project under the Stage5 Production banner.
Set in the sepia-toned alleys of Purani Dilli and the crumbling charm of Punjab’s old kothis, the film promises an old-world romance with a contemporary soul. The teaser hinted at a time when love wasn’t about loud declarations, but quiet defiance.
With an evocative soundtrack, a richly textured setting, and a cast that brings emotional nuance, Gustaakh Ishq could be the season’s most soulful romance. The film is slated to release in theatres worldwide on November 21, 2025. If Ul Jalool Ishq is any indication, Gustaakh Ishq will not just tell a love story — it will feel like one.
Check out the song: