Lust Stories

Lust Stories is a daring Indian anthology film, released in 2018, that explores the theme of love, sex, and relationships in modern India through four distinct narratives. Each of the four tales presents a different perspective, showcasing the realities, complexities, and intricacies of love and lust in contemporary society.

The film brings together four prominent Indian filmmakers, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar, each of whom directs a short film within the anthology. Despite the broad unifying theme, each narrative is distinct in its style, approach, and presentation, giving Lust Stories a rich diversity that keeps audiences intrigued from start to finish.

The anthology kicks off with an unconventional romantic tale directed by Anurag Kashyap, featuring Radhika Apte, who is known for her intriguing and powerful performances. This segment navigates the delicate dynamics between a married college professor and her young student. It delves into the dichotomy of love and lust, the gray area between the forbidden and the permissible, and of the confusion that often muddles one's understanding of right and wrong.

Second in the line-up is Zoya Akhtar's short film featuring Bhumi Pednekar, who perfectly steps into the shoes of a housemaid involved in a discreet affair with her employer. As Akhtar's film unfolds, it exposes the class divide and the glaring difference in how love gets manifested across different social strata. Her narrative is not just about desire but also about the environment that molds it.

Dibakar Banerjee's section is a bold narrative brimming with passion, featuring Manisha Koirala, Sanjay Kapoor, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film beautifully probes into the story of a woman in the throes of an extra-marital affair and the whirlpool of emotions that accompany it. It ts a stark representation of the complications, guilt, and wrangling that underpins illicit relationships.

Finally, Karan Johar steps in with his extravagant yet realistic film that showcases Kiara Advani, Vicky Kaushal, and Neha Dhupia in pivotal roles. This part is about a newly married couple's life, seen through a modern perspective, where Johar provides a humorous yet profound look at the expectations, misconceptions, and ultimate understanding between a couple—with lust playing the inevitable, pivotal role.

Staying true to its title, Lust Stories does not shy away from presenting the raw and unmasked side of desire. It openly confronts the societal taboos related to sex, but doesn't let sex define the narrative entirely. Instead, it moves beyond the physical, exposing the emotional, social, and psychological aspects associated with it.

Density of content is not the only selling point for Lust Stories. Technically, the film is a delight. With excellent cinematography and brilliant editing, it excels in creating an atmosphere that is appropriate for each narrative. All of the segments are beautifully scored, with the background music augmenting the ambiance of the scenes.

The performances are top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life with finesse and subtlety. Radhika Apte and Kiara Advani shine in their respective roles, while Bhumi Pednekar impresses with her subdued performance. Vicky Kaushal shines in his comical yet sympathetic portrayal, and Manisha Koirala delivers a standout performance in her complex role.

On a broader note, Lust Stories is not just a film about love and lust. It is a social commentary that challenges and disrupts ingrained norms and stereotypes. Whether it succeeds in breaking barriers or merely scratches the surface is a different tale, but the fact that it dares to venture into a domain that is largely considered taboo in Indian society makes Lust Stories a must-watch.

Overall, Lust Stories is a brave attempt to decode love, lust, and related intricacies in modern society. Through gritty narratives and stellar performances, it provides zestful entertainment with a thought-provoking edge.