Story: Set in the early 1980s along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, the series follows Nimma, a young Sikh student and aspiring poet from India, who falls deeply in love with Naseema, a Muslim girl from Pakistan, testing love against borders, faith, and fate. Review: Borders may divide countries, but they have never been able to contain human emotions. Ishqnama, directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira, beautifully builds on this idea, telling a moving cross-border romance inspired by the true story documented in Hind Pak Bordernama. With understated storytelling and heartfelt performances, the film becomes less about politics and more about the enduring power of love, memory and hope. Set against the tense political climate of the early 1980s, the story follows Nimma (Jayy Randhawa), a young Sikh poet from Indian Punjab, who falls deeply in love with Naseema (Shehnaaz Gill), a Muslim woman from Pakistani Punjab. Their romance blooms despite geographical and religious divides, where every meeting carries the risk of heartbreak and every promise feels uncertain. Rather than treating the political backdrop as mere spectacle, the film uses it to deepen the emotional stakes, reminding viewers that love often survives where politics fails. Dheeraj Rattan’s screenplay is the film’s strongest asset. It unfolds with patience, allowing relationships and emotions to grow naturally instead of relying on manufactured drama. The writing draws its strength from quiet moments of separation, hope and sacrifice, keeping the audience emotionally invested. Even when the pace slows, the well-crafted characters ensure the narrative never loses its emotional grip. Arvvindr S. Khaira makes a confident transition from music videos to feature filmmaking. His visual storytelling is striking, with the lush landscapes of Punjab on both sides of the border becoming a powerful metaphor for emotions that transcend man-made divisions. The convincing period setting and picturesque frames lend the film a poetic quality. While a few scenic passages feel indulgent, the emotional resonance more than makes up for the occasional dip in pace. Jayy Randhawa delivers what is undoubtedly the finest performance of his career. Known largely for action-oriented roles, he surprises with a restrained and emotionally layered portrayal of Nimma. His vulnerability feels genuine, and he conveys heartbreak as convincingly as unwavering determination. There is a quiet sincerity to his performance that makes the character deeply relatable. Shehnaaz Gill continues to impress with a mature and measured performance as Naseema. She moves beyond her familiar screen persona to portray a woman torn between family, faith and love. Gill brings remarkable grace to the role, expressing inner conflict through subtle gestures rather than dramatic outbursts. Together, she and Randhawa share effortless chemistry that never feels forced. Their relationship evolves naturally, making the emotional investment feel earned rather than manufactured. The supporting cast, including Saurabh Sachdeva, Anjuum Batra, Arvinder Kaur and Mahabir Bhullar, lends authenticity to the world of Ishqnama. Each character has a purpose within the narrative, enriching the story without overshadowing the central romance. Music is one of Ishqnama‘s biggest strengths. B Praak and Jaani’s soulful soundtrack blends effortlessly into the narrative, becoming an emotional extension of the characters’ journey rather than a distraction. The songs amplify moments of longing, separation and hope, leaving a lasting impression long after the film ends. What truly distinguishes Ishqnama is its emotional honesty. It avoids simplistic portrayals of patriotism or villainy, choosing instead to focus on shared humanity. The film understands that its greatest strength lies not in the politics surrounding the lovers but in the universality of their emotions. It moves effortlessly between tender romance, quiet sorrow and moments of hope, striking a balance that feels authentic throughout. Rich in emotion and rooted in sincerity, Ishqnama is elevated by soulful music, confident direction and career-defining performances from Jayy Randhawa and Shehnaaz Gill. More than a romance across borders, it’s a deeply human story that reminds us love is stronger than the lines drawn on a map.
4.0
Direction
4.0
Dialogues
4.5
Visual Appeal
4.0
Overall Critic Rating
