In separate news from the festival, fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s debut film production, ‘Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa,’ is set for a special screening at IFFI on November 24, 2025.
- Production Banner: The film is produced by Malhotra and his brother, Dinesh Malhotra, under the Stage5 Production banner.
- Theme: The film is positioned as a heartfelt ode to old-school romance, blending elements of poetry, nostalgia, and classic love stories.
- Creative Team: The romantic drama is directed by Vibhu Puri and features a strong cast, including Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi. The music is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar.
The selection of ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ at IFFI offers a prestigious platform for Malhotra’s first full-fledged narrative venture, leveraging his decades-long passion and connection to the world of cinema.
Key Highlights:
- IICT-Deakin MoU: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and Deakin University, Australia, signed an MoU at the IFFI Waves Bazaar to deepen academic and creative collaboration in creative technologies.
- Collaboration Focus: The partnership, under the Australia–India Creative Collaboration initiative, will involve joint development of academic programs, training modules, and research projects.
- Malhotra’s Debut Screening: Celebrated designer Manish Malhotra’s debut production, the romantic drama ‘Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa,’ is scheduled for a special screening at IFFI on November 24, 2025.
- Film Details: Produced under Stage5 Production, the film is an ode to old-school romance and stars Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar.