Lust Stories(Netflix) Review

Lust Stories is a collection of 4 short stories directed by Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee & Karan Johar. Do the directors & actors do justice to this project? Read our review to find out!

Cast: Radhika Apte, Akash Thosar, Bhumi Pednekar, Neil Bhoopalam, Manisha Koirala, Sanjay Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Kiara Advani, Vicky Kaushal
Genre: Drama
Directors: Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar
Produced By: Ronnie Screwvala, Ashi Dua
Duration: 120 mins

We liked watching Bombay Talkies – the previous project helmed by these auteurs. Each one of them directed stories belonging to genres which weren’t exactly their forte. We were really excited to learn that the sequel to Bombay Talkies would be released on Netflix. Lust Stories is the first Indian film produced for Netflix.

Also Read: Veere Di Wedding Review

The first short story, directed by Anurag Kashyap stars Radhika Apte & marathi heartthrob Akash Thosar of Sairat fame. The movie starts off with them enjoying a night out together, followed by them having sex. Kalindi tells Tejas Bhave(Akash) that she does not want him to get serious. Kalindi breaks the fourth wall & talks to the audience. She tells us about her husband Mihir & his outlook towards relationships. It is then revealed that Radhika is in fact Akash’s professor! Kalindi starts getting possessive about Tejas & even starts stalking him . What follows is a series of cringe worthy moments which ends with a twist.

The second story is directed Zoya Akhtar. The first scene depicts Bhumi & Neil’s characters in bed. We are then told that Sudha(Bhumi) is Ajit’s(Neil) maid. Ajit’s parents come visiting & a few days later a family visits them for an arranged marriage proposal.

The third story is directed by Dibakar Banerjee. It stars yesteryear superstar Manisha Koirala as Reena. Reena is enjoying playing on the beach in her swimsuit. Her paramour Sudhir(Jaideep) isn’t joining her in the water. When Reena asks Sudhir why he doesn’t know swimming, he replies that unlike her, his dad did not have a club membership. They proceed to Sudhir’s plush beach side bungalow , where they have sex. But Reena’s husband Salman(Sanjay Kapoor) ruins their mood by calling Sudhir & whining about his crumbling relationship with his wife. He suspects her of having an affair, but little does he know that it is his bud, who is screwing his wife. We are then told that these three have been college friends. Sudhir wasn’t born into wealth, but is now a successful cardiologist & has recently purchased the bungalow. Reena intends to divorce Salman. Does she go through with it? Does Salman find out about his wife’s adulterous relationship with his friend is what the story is about.

The fourth & final story is directed by Karan Johar. It stars Kiara Advani as a high school teacher-Megha. Ms Rekha(Neha Dhupia)is her sexually liberated colleague, who is a divorcee & has the school principal lusting for her thanks to her voluptuous figure. Megha reluctantly marries Paras(Vicky Kaushal). Paras isn’t as great in bed as she had hoped & has the annoying habit of asking the most obvious questions. Paras is a simpleton & his longevity in bed makes Megha unsatisfied in her marriage. The school authorities catch her colleague Ms.Rekha getting an orgasm in the library thanks to her remote controlled vibrator. The vibrator gets confiscated by the principal. Megha breaks into the principal’s office & takes the vibrator home. She tries to derive pleasure through the vibrator. But what follows is a series of comic situations ending with Paras’s orthodox & regressive mother pushing Megha out of their house. Do Megha & Paras get back? Does Megha apologize for her behaviour?

All the stories were fun to watch. We were delighted to see Manisha Koirala after so long. She enacts her role well. All the cast members do justice to their roles. Although one must admit that Radhika Apte & Vicky Kaushal stand out from the lot. Vicky Kaushal’s turn as the simpleton is sheer brilliance. One must commend Karan Johar for the good direction. Anurag Kashypa’s story is the most interesting one of the lot, followed by Karan Johar. While Zoya’s story wasn’t bad per se, but it is the story we least enjoyed. Zoya Akhtar truly got out of her comfort zone – story isn’t what you expect from a Zoya Akhtar film & so does Karan Johar. Anurag Kashyap & Dibakar Banerjee direct stories which are right up their alley.

The problem with movies in the short story format, is that the characters are not able to form a bond with the audiences. Just when you are getting attached to the characters & their journey the story ends. This issue plagues ‘Lust Stories’ as well.

The movie is anything but boring. We did enjoy watching this movie. We would recommend you to watch it with your spouse or partner. Watching it with your family is probably not a good idea.

Our Rating: (3.5 / 5)

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