Konkona Sen Sharma’s segment shines in Lust Stories 2 review

So, when Lust Stories first hit Netflix back in 2018, it was a bit of a game-changer for Indian anthologies on OTT platforms. The big names behind it – Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, and Dibakar Banerjee – brought some deep societal issues to light through their diverse stories. Fast forward five years, and there’s a bunch of anthologies out there, so for Lust Stories 2 to stand out, it needed to step up its game. Did it nail it? Well, kinda.

Netflix roped in R Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh, and Amit Ravindernath Sharma to direct four unique stories, all tied together by, well, physical needs and desires. Each story had its own vibe – some promising, some not so much, but that’s the anthology gig for you. In R Balki’s piece, Veda and Arjun are all set to tie the knot until Veda’s grandma throws a curveball with her question, “Did you take a test drive first?” Intriguing stuff, right?

So, in the film, the grandma throws everyone off balance with her bold question about taking a test drive before marriage. It stirs up some awkward tension between the parents of the couple, making them blush at the unexpected request. The story, directed by Balki, kind of sticks to this theme and wraps up in a pretty predictable manner. There are some subtle hints and comparisons sprinkled throughout, like Mount Fuji bursting, adding a layer of suggestion to the narrative. Thakur shines as Veda, bringing a natural charm to her character’s curiosity and humor in dealing with her grandma. The interactions between Thakur and Gupta really stand out. Gupta delivers her lines well, but her character might feel a bit familiar due to her previous roles as a bold older woman in other films.

You know, in Lust Stories 2, Konkona Sen Sharma’s story really shines bright. She’s proven herself with Death In The Gunj, and her short film in this anthology is a real gem. It features Tillotama Shome and Amruta Subhash and brings out a smile while also delving into the complexities of caste and class divides in urban settings. The story beautifully explores female desires across different age groups and social classes, breaking stereotypes along the way. Shome portrays Ishita, a wealthy but lonely corporate woman who unexpectedly witnesses her house-help’s intimate moment with her husband. What unfolds is a tale of silent observation, personal fulfillment, and a twist when the couple realizes they’re being watched. The emotional depth and performances by Shome and Subhash truly make this story stand out. On the other hand, Sujoy Ghosh’s segment adds a thrilling touch to the anthology. Vijay Varma, continuing his streak from Dahaad, plays a character named Vijay who engages in video chats while driving through picturesque landscapes. A moment of distraction leads to a chance encounter with his long-lost ex-wife, Shanti, portrayed by Tamannaah Bhatia. The sparks between them reignite, setting the stage for a potentially intense reunion after a decade apart.