Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The eagerly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking anthology, Lust Stories, has finally made its debut on Netflix as of June 29, 2023. Titled “Lust Stories 2,” this Hindi-language film continues to explore intricate narratives of love, sex, violence, and relationships through a collection of four short film segments. This anthology has been brought to life under the direction of notable filmmakers R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Amit Ravindernath Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh, and promises to delve deeper into the complex tapestry of human emotions and societal norms.
Lust Stories 2, co-produced by Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP and Ashi Dua Sara of Flying Unicorn Entertainment, features a stellar ensemble cast including Kajol, Mrunal Thakur, Kumud Mishra, Angad Bedi, Amruta Subhash, Neena Gupta, Tamannaah Bhatia, Tillotama Shome, and Vijay Varma. The film’s narrative is beautifully captured by cinematographers Tapan Tushar Basu, P. C. Sreeram, and Anand Bansal, while the musical ambiance is set by Raja Narayan Deb, Aman Pant, Sagar Desai, and Subhajit Mukherjee.
Each segment of the anthology offers a unique perspective on the central themes, making Lust Stories 2 a mosaic of compelling storytelling. The film has already garnered attention at the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, receiving five nominations and winning two, including Best Web Original Film (Critics) and Best Supporting Actress in a Web Original Film for Amruta Subhash’s outstanding performance.
The anthology opens with “Made for Each Other,” directed by R. Balki, where the narrative revolves around the importance of physical intimacy in a relationship, as portrayed by the characters Veda and Arjun. This story not only challenges societal norms but also highlights personal discoveries and the evolution of a relationship.
Konkona Sen Sharma’s “The Mirror” takes a darker, more introspective route as it explores the complexities of personal desires and the consequences of voyeurism through the life of a graphic designer named Ishita. This segment pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling to explore deeper psychological themes.
“Sex with the Ex,” directed by Sujoy Ghosh, features a dramatic reunion of former lovers which spirals into a chilling revelation, blending elements of suspense and past romance. The segment is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the shadows of past choices.
The final segment, “Tilchatta” by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, confronts harsh realities such as domestic violence and societal decay within the setting of a royal household in Rajasthan. This story not only captivates but also stirs a dialogue on pressing social issues.
Since its release, Lust Stories 2 has received a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 60% based on 10 reviews, indicating a generally favorable reception. Critics have praised the anthology for its bold narratives and the directors’ ability to engage with the themes of lust and relationships in nuanced ways. However, some segments have received criticism for either lacking depth or not fully exploring their potential.
Despite the critiques, the anthology has been lauded for its storytelling and the performances of its cast, particularly highlighting the segments directed by Konkona Sen Sharma and Amit Ravindernath Sharma for their impactful narratives and strong character portrayals.
Lust Stories 2 stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, particularly in the anthology genre. It successfully builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a deeper and more varied exploration of themes that resonate with a global audience. As it continues to captivate viewers on Netflix, Lust Stories 2 marks another milestone in the portrayal of complex human emotions and societal issues through the lens of Indian filmmakers.