Watch Lust Stories

The movie Lust Stories is a provocative and daring anthology film consisting of four short stories directed by four different accomplished filmmakers - Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar. The stories revolve around the theme of sexual desire and the complexity of relationships in modern India, especially among women.

Radhika Apte plays a married woman in the first story directed by Anurag Kashyap. The story delves into the taboo subject of female desire and the role of sexual fantasies in a woman's life. Radhika's character, a school teacher, is drawn to a student who exhibits a sense of sexual awareness, leading to her exploring her own desires in various ways.

The second story directed by Zoya Akhtar revolves around a maid, played by Bhumi Pednekar, who seduces her employer's husband, played by Neil Bhoopalam. The complex nature of the relationship between the employer and the maid is explored, leading to questions about power dynamics and the thin line between consent and exploitation.

The third story directed by Dibakar Banerjee stars Manisha Koirala as a middle-aged woman who rediscovers her sexuality after her husband's death. She engages in a casual fling with her young neighbor, played by Sanjay Kapoor, leading to conflict with her conservative daughter.

Finally, the fourth story directed by Karan Johar revolves around a couple, played by Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal, who are about to get married. However, the night before their wedding, the bride confronts her fiancé about his sexual history, leading to a discussion about previous partners and the idea of virginity in Indian society.

Each story portrays a different aspect of sexual desire and relationships, while also exploring the societal and cultural pressures that impact women's sexual agency. The film is a refreshing departure from the conservative and patriarchal portrayal of sex and relationships in the Indian film industry. The directors have managed to create a nuanced, sensitive and engaging portrayal of sexual awakenings and desire that feels authentic and universal.

One of the most notable aspects of Lust Stories is its exceptional ensemble cast. Radhika Apte is outstanding as usual, perfectly capturing the frustration and longing of a woman who feels trapped in a loveless marriage. Bhumi Pednekar is also excellent, bringing depth and complexity to the character of a woman who is both vulnerable and empowered. Manisha Koirala delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a widow who must navigate her way through societal expectations and her own desires. Finally, Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal show an incredible range of emotions as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.

Overall, Lust Stories is a daring and unapologetic depiction of female sexuality and relationships in modern India. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see Indian cinema breaking free of old stereotypes and embracing new and refreshing narratives. The film is an honest portrayal of women’s dilemmas and the burden placed upon them by the society they belong to, with each story posing thought-provoking questions about freedom, control, and power that are sure to linger long after the credits roll.

Lust Stories is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.