'Gustaakh Ishq': Why Manish Malhotra refused direct OTT release
What's the story
Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is set to make his production debut with Gustaakh Ishq, while Bun Tikki and Saali Mohabbat are also part of his initial projects. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, he revealed that despite being advised to release these films on streaming platforms, he chose theatrical releases for their unique appeal. "It's got beautiful music and good visuals," he said about Gustaakh Ishq's theatrical release decision. "For me, it's not about the film doing well or not."
Production persistence
'It's not like let me see if first three...'
Malhotra emphasized that his decision to release Gustaakh Ishq in theaters was driven by a desire for personal achievement rather than commercial success. He said, "For me, as the first film of the Stage 5 Production, it was very important for it to release it in theaters." "It's not like let me see if the first three films do well, and then I'm going to think about the next three. I'm already working on the next three."
Film highlights
Other productions by Malhotra
Directed by Vibhu Puri, Gustaakh Ishq stars Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh and will be released on November 28. His other production, Bun Tikki, directed by Faraz Arif Ansari and starring Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol, has already been making waves at film festivals. His third production is Saali Mohabbat, which stars Radhika Apte.