Ishqan De Lekhe (2026) Movie Review: A Stirring Tale of Love and Campus Rivalry
The Punjabi film industry in 2026 continues its streak of high-quality storytelling with the release of Ishqan De Lekhe. Directed by Manvir Brar and featuring the charismatic duo of Gurnam Bhullar and Isha Malviya, this romantic drama released on March 6, 2026, has quickly become a talking point for its grounded portrayal of youth and the destructive power of misinformation.
With a runtime of 143 minutes, the film balances the vibrancy of college life with the somber reality of tragedy, making it one of the most balanced Punjabi dramas in recent years.
Ishqan De Lekhe: Movie Fact Sheet
| Feature | Details |
| Director | Manvir Brar |
| Lead Cast | Gurnam Bhullar, Isha Malviya |
| Supporting Cast | Rana Ranbir, Balwinder Bullet, Gurleen Chopra |
| Release Date | March 6, 2026 |
| Genre | Romantic Drama |
| Language | Punjabi |
| Music Director | Avvy Sra, Himanshu Sharma |
| Runtime | 2 Hours 23 Minutes |
Full Plot Synopsis: A Journey from Passion to Tragedy
The story of Ishqan De Lekhe (The Accounts of Love) centers on Samar (Gurnam Bhullar), a dynamic and influential student leader at a prominent university in Punjab. Samar is a man of the people, respected for his principles and natural leadership. His life takes a romantic turn when he crosses paths with Jasneet (Isha Malviya), a reserved and academically focused student who prefers the library over the campus limelight.
The first half of the film is a beautifully paced courtship. Samar’s persistence and genuine charm eventually win over the cautious Jasneet. Their relationship is portrayed with a refreshing sincerity, supported by a soundtrack that captures the “honeymoon phase” of young love perfectly.
However, the narrative shifts gears as campus politics and deep-seated jealousy begin to seep into their personal lives. Samar’s political rivals, unable to defeat him on merit, target his vulnerability: his relationship with Jasneet. Through a series of orchestrated misunderstandings and manipulated truths, Jasneet is led to believe that Samar’s affection was merely a tool for his political gains.
Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, Jasneet severs ties with Samar. The tragedy deepens as Samar desperately tries to clear his name, but fate intervenes with a sudden, life-altering accident before the truth can be fully revealed. The final act explores the themes of regret and the “accounts” we leave behind when love remains unexpressed and misunderstood.
Detailed Critique: Direction, Acting, and Visuals
Direction and Screenplay
Manvir Brar demonstrates significant growth as a director, moving away from conventional “hero-centric” tropes to focus on emotional weight. The screenplay by Jassi Lohka is sharp, particularly in how it depicts the toxicity of student politics. The dialogue feels natural to the modern Punjabi youth, avoiding the excessive melodrama that often plagues regional cinema.
Performances
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Gurnam Bhullar (Samar): Bhullar delivers a career-defining performance. He transitions seamlessly from the confident leader of the first half to a man burdened by grief and the weight of false accusations in the second.
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Isha Malviya (Jasneet): In her Punjabi film debut, Malviya is a breath of fresh air. She brings a nuanced vulnerability to Jasneet, making her internal conflict palpable. Her chemistry with Bhullar is the emotional anchor of the film.
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Supporting Cast: Rana Ranbir and Balwinder Bullet provide solid support, with Ranbir once again proving why he is a staple of high-quality Punjabi cinema.
Visuals and Sound
The cinematography by Harpreet is stunning, capturing the golden hues of Punjab’s fields and the modern architecture of the university. The lighting shifts noticeably from warm to cold as the film enters its tragic second half.
The music, composed by Avvy Sra and Himanshu Sharma, is arguably the film’s strongest technical element. The songs do not just serve as breaks but as narrative drivers that deepen the emotional connection with Samar and Jasneet.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
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Realistic Chemistry: The leads share a believable, mature chemistry.
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Thematic Relevance: Addressing how misinformation and jealousy can ruin lives is a timely subject.
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Technical Excellence: Superior sound design and cinematography for a mid-budget film.
Weaknesses
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Pacing Issues: The middle of the second act feels slightly dragged out.
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Predictable Conflict: While well-executed, the “misunderstanding” trope is one that veteran filmgoers have seen before.
Final Verdict
Ishqan De Lekhe is more than just a college romance; it is a cautionary tale about the fragility of trust. While the film doesn’t reinvent the wheel of romantic tragedy, it polishes it with exceptional acting and a soul-stirring musical score. It is a must-watch for fans of Punjabi cinema who appreciate stories with a lasting emotional impact.
Rating: 4/5 Stars