Lust Stories

Lust Stories is a combination of the vision of the four brilliant film makers we have in India right now. It's not a flawless film, just like we humans are not flawless. My personal favourite among the four films was the one made by Zoya Akhtar, a beautiful coming of age story which shows the prevalent class discrimination in our society. When a maid shows Bhumi Pednekar's Character (also a maid) a Salwar which was given to her as a gift by her employer only to find that it has a hole in it. The maid still refers to it as 'perfect' and proposes to wear it at her sister's wedding. The film by Anurag Kashyap seems to be a little bit too long though the character Kalindi played beautifully by Radhika Apte is one of the most complex women we might have ever seen in Hindi Cinema. The film by Dibakar Bannerjee featuring Manisha Koirala in the lead shows the story of a night and how three people realises life has more meaning to it. Finally the surprise was the film by Karan Johar's film on how a woman has to seek pleasure in a marriage when her husband thinks him having a good time is equivalent to her having a good time as well. This film features a particularly very hilarious scene which will make it difficult for you to watch K3G with your family ever again. All in all it's refreshing to see that all the 4 films are told from a woman's perspective, about time right ?

This movie successfully explores the regressive Indian sexuality and especially women's sexuality. The first part direced by Anurag Kashyap was really commendable with terrific performance by Radhika Apte. The second part directed by Zoya Akhtar was just okay. I loved seeing Manisha Koirala after a long time with a powerful role. The best part although was Karan Johar's which was hilarious and at the time had a beautiful message which is also my title for the review. One scene from the movie reminded me of a similar scene in Veere di wedding which was pathbreaking. 1st part- 4 stars 2nd part- 3 stars 3rd part- 3.5 stars 4th part- 4.5 stars

It is an anthology of 4 short films. But only the first and last one directed by Anurag Kashyap and Karan Johar fits in the bill. The remaining two are boring and drab. The theme of all 4 short films revolves around lust but doesn't leave an impact after watching. It could have been better and entertaining. A decent one-time watchable in Netflix.

First - Anurag Kashyap

The first episode highly relies on Radhika Apte's phenomenal acting chops. She is natural and convincing and her monologues are absolutely spot on. The entire chapter becomes quite comedic and funny thanks to her strong presence and understanding of the script's slightly ironic tone. Does the episode live up to her performance? Well, it is dictated by it, and so the episode is just as enjoyable as her performance, so it's great. I highly doubt it would have been equally as good had someone else been in charge of acting out this difficult role, but Anurag Kashyap should definitely be given credit for making it what it is.

Second - Zoya Akhtar

Not a big fan of Zoya Akhtar but growing to appreciate her talent especially after this fantastic and strong episode, which provides an important commentary on India's social hierarchy and addresses themes of class, arranged marriages, and the traces of some conservative values of Indian culture in modern-day India. The one who carries this entire thing on her able shoulders is the absolutely wonderful Bhumi Pednekar, who is unafraid to look earthy, real, and not at her prettiest. More than anything, her short performance, especially in that brilliant scene as she is filmed walking with the platter in her hands, looking all on the verge of a breakdown, is very strong and affecting. Great, great work.

Third - Dibakar Banerjee

I've been quite fond of Banerjee's filmmaking. I remember having really loved Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) and the likes, but this chapter is sadly, just pointless. I really didn't get the purpose or message of the story and it dragged quite a bit. The only saving grace here, except for the nice exteriors, is obviously the excellent Manisha Koirala, who has rarely been less than good even in the most outrageous mainstream films of her career. She makes this episode quite watchable, but she deserved more.

Fourth - Karan Johar

Well, it's a nice one, indeed, but not that great and quite predictable. Karan Johar has improved a lot as a filmmaker but he's still clinging to a lot of clichés and often catches up on different social trends too late. The feminist message that women have desires too is a little too corny, a little too obvious, and quite preachy altogether. But it's a very enjoyable chapter nonetheless, mainly due to the wonderful and brave Kiara Advani, who gives a nuanced and restrained performance, especially in that famous scene. Good support from Vicky Kaushal does good to the entire episode.

I watched this series with a lot of hope. But it falls flat on it's face. Either the filmmakers slept walked through the making or tried too hard. Apart from Karan Johar's movie, the rest delivers almost nothing. Anurag Kashyap's movie tries to ask a few important questions about love and existence. Yet it fails to make an impact.

Joya Akhtar and Banerjee fails to impress. It's Karan Johar who makes it watchable and puts across question of female desire and pleasure. Something not seen in popular media.

You can watch it once. But not something you will ever come back to.