Ishqan De Lekhe (2026) Movie Review: A Soulful Tale of Love, Politics, and Destiny
The Punjabi film industry, affectionately known as Pollywood, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, moving beyond slapstick comedies to embrace nuanced, high-stakes emotional dramas. Ishqan De Lekhe, released on March 6, 2026, stands as a testament to this evolution. Directed by the visionary Manvir Brar and starring the versatile Gurnam Bhullar alongside the sensational debutante Isha Malviya, the film offers a poignant exploration of how external forces—ambition, jealousy, and campus politics—can fracture the most sincere bonds.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, Ishqan De Lekhe (transliterated as The Accounts of Love) is not just a romantic odyssey but a mirror to the complexities of modern youth and the tragic intersections of fate.
Ishqan De Lekhe Movie Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Director | Manvir Brar |
| Lead Cast | Gurnam Bhullar, Isha Malviya, Rana Ranbir |
| Release Date | March 6, 2026 |
| Genre | Romantic Drama |
| Language | Punjabi |
| Runtime | 143 Minutes |
| Production House | Diamondstar Worldwide & Gurjassk Productions |
| Music Director | Gurnam Bhullar, Avvy Sra, Himanshu Sharma |
Detailed Plot Synopsis
The narrative of Ishqan De Lekhe is set against the vibrant yet volatile backdrop of a prominent college in Punjab. Samar Randhawa (Gurnam Bhullar) is the quintessential campus hero—charismatic, principled, and a natural leader with a massive following. Despite his political influence, Samar remains grounded, a quality that eventually draws him to Jasneet (Isha Malviya).
Jasneet is the antithesis of the campus “scene.” Reserved, studious, and initially resistant to Samar’s advances, her character represents the quiet strength of someone who values depth over popularity. The first act of the film beautifully chronicles their courtship, as Samar’s persistent sincerity eventually breaks through Jasneet’s defenses. Their love story unfolds through soul-stirring melodies and tender moments that feel authentic and lived-in.
However, the idyllic romance is short-lived. The second act introduces the dark underbelly of campus life: political rivalry and professional jealousy. Samar’s political opponents, threatened by his popularity and his newfound happiness, orchestrate a sophisticated campaign of misinformation. A carefully timed misunderstanding, fueled by an ex-girlfriend’s resentment and doctored evidence, leads Jasneet to believe that Samar has betrayed her for political gain.
Heartbroken and feeling deeply exploited, Jasneet distances herself, refusing to hear Samar’s side of the story. The narrative takes a sharp, tragic turn when a sudden accident occurs before the truth can be revealed. The final act shifts from a romance to a heavy emotional drama, as Samar must navigate his grief, the collapse of his political reputation, and a desperate search for redemption and the “accounts” of their love that remain unsettled.
Critical Analysis
Direction and Screenplay
Manvir Brar exhibits a steady hand in balancing the film’s two distinct moods: the light-hearted romantic buildup and the somber, tragic fallout. His choice of pacing allows the audience to become deeply invested in the characters before pulling the rug out from under them. The screenplay, penned by Jassi Lohka, is notably sharp in its portrayal of campus politics, avoiding the usual caricatures found in regional cinema and instead focusing on the psychological impact of betrayal.
Acting Performances
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Gurnam Bhullar: Bhullar delivers perhaps the most mature performance of his career. Known for his “chocolate boy” image, he brings a weathered, soulful quality to Samar. His transition from the confident leader to a man broken by loss is handled with remarkable restraint.
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Isha Malviya: Making a grand debut in Punjabi cinema, Malviya is the film’s revelation. She carries a heavy emotional load, particularly in the film’s second half. Her ability to convey pain through her eyes without relying on over-the-top dramatics marks her as a significant new talent in the industry.
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Supporting Cast: The veteran Rana Ranbir provides a grounded performance that adds weight to the film’s moral core, while the antagonists play their roles with a chilling, realistic subtlety.
Visuals and Sound
The cinematography by Harpreet captures the dual nature of the setting—the sun-drenched, hopeful campus grounds versus the cold, stark reality of the later acts. The lighting shifts subtly to reflect the characters’ internal states.
The music, a collaboration involving Gurnam Bhullar, Avvy Sra, and Himanshu Sharma, is the film’s literal heartbeat. Tracks like “Hazaaran Jailaan” have already become chartbusters, but their true power is felt in the context of the film, where they serve as emotional bridges between key scenes.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
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Chemistry: The lead pair’s chemistry is natural and forms the backbone of the film’s emotional stakes.
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Thematic Depth: Beyond romance, the film tackles the toxic nature of digital-age misinformation and the ruthlessness of student politics.
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Musical Score: One of the best Punjabi soundtracks in recent memory, perfectly integrated into the narrative.
Weaknesses
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Second Half Pacing: Some viewers may find the transition into the tragic finale a bit abrupt, with the screenplay feeling slightly stretched in the middle.
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Predictability: While the execution is top-tier, the “misunderstanding” trope is a familiar one in the genre.
Final Verdict
Ishqan De Lekhe is a poignant, beautifully crafted drama that proves Punjabi cinema is ready for more complex storytelling. It moves beyond the surface-level tropes of “boy meets girl” to ask difficult questions about trust and the permanence of fate. While it may be a heavy watch for those looking for escapist fun, its emotional honesty and stellar performances make it a must-watch for 2026.
Final Rating: 4/5 Stars