LUST STORIES (2018)

Critic - No.157

Director: Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar
Casts: Radhika Apte, Bhumi Pednekar, Manisha Koirala, Kiara Advani, Neha Dhupia
Language: Hindi
Genre: Drama

Lust Stories Official Netflix Link:
https://www.netflix.com/title/80991033

SYNOPSIS:
‘Lust Stories’ presents four short films that explores love, sex and relationships in the evolving modern India.

REVIEW:
After the successful anthology ‘Bombay Talkies (2013)’, the four talented directors have joined hands again for another thought provoking entertainer that is made for Netflix this time. ‘Lust Stories’ provides an insight of each of the directors’ interpretation on the subject of ‘lust’. Presented as a triumph of feminism in modern India, the film conveys its point without being too blatant in its voice.

The film sets off with Anurag Kashyap’s story about Kalindi (Radhika Apte) who becomes infatuated with her student after a one night stand. As scandalous and uncomfortable as it sounds, Anurag employs comedy to treat his story in way that we constantly smile at Kalindi’s complex journey to explore her inner desires. There are no room to make any moral judgement as the film inter cuts to Kalindi explaining her psyche behind her actions. Laced with a strong sense of dark humour, the first story sets off the tone and theme strongly.

Zoya Akhtar’s story that comes next is a direct opposite of what we saw in the first, in terms presentation. She depicts a claustrophobic film about a lustful affair between a privileged hotshot and his helper, Sudha. Bhoomi Pednekar as the helper has barely has any lines but her controlled expression says it all. What an impressive performance! As she witness her master being introduced to his future bride, she peeks at their private conversation with pain and agony. The whole complexity of this scandalous relationship is effective shown in such a short time.  Zoya treats this sensitive issue with class and her passion for world cinema reflects in the style. With unhurried pace and stillness, this is the most absorbing tale of all I would say.

Dibakar Banerjee’s story is about a middle aged woman Reena (Manisha Koirala) who admits her affair with her husband’s long-time friend. The film talks about how a woman reacts and feels if she is constantly put down by her spouse. The film plays off like a conversational thriller and Manisha Koirala elevates the dry treatment. She’s a classic femme fatale - manipulative, seductive, supremely confident yet so vulnerable. Even though this story might be the least engaging due to its dull pace, the ending will certainly make you reflect.

The last but not the least is Karan Johar’s typical Bollywood style of tale about a free spirited young woman Megha (Kiara Advani) who marries a guileless but passionate man who fails to satisfy her in bed. Karan Johar’s bright visuals, costumes and witness, provides a fresh air after a string of intense stories. Kiara as Megha portrays the struggles of a woman is often seen as just a baby making machine by the elders. The way she depicts her desires subtly and the climax scene where she brings the roof down are some traces of brilliance of this young actress. The quirkiness and the feel good factor makes us root for more. 

On the flip side, Karan’s main character has the least depth and challenges compared to the other protagonists. He plays it safe with avoiding his protagonist to display any unethical behaviour unlike other stories. This makes the film stand out from other films, thematically. That said, watch out for the cute and poetic last scene that will make you smile at the end of the film.

In overall, ‘Lust Stories’ delightfully pushes boundaries to tell real stories about real women, who are unapologetic in their imperfections, rights and desire.

VERDICT: 
Four powerhouse directors go all out in ‘Lust Stories’ that lends a daring voice on feminism, gender roles and desires in the perspective of a woman in the evolving Indian society, that the Bollywood umbrella often sugar coats. 

CELLULOID METER- 3.5/5: