Lust Stories 3 has been released on Netflix and in this one, the anthology stars the directors Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj. There is a star-studded cast in this film including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Ali Fazal, Radhika Madan, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth.
Yes, this film does have some good scenes.
Like the previous Lust Stories films, this one is basically about relationships, attraction, desire and the complicated stuff that happens between people. Some stories are surprisingly funny, some are uncomfortable, and a few actually make you sit and think for a bit.
The biggest positive for me is the performances. Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma, in particular, bring a lot of personality to their characters. Vijay Varma and the rest of the cast also fit nicely into the strange, sometimes messy situations the stories put them in.
But the anthology isn’t equally strong throughout. That’s probably the main issue. One story grabs your attention and you’re completely into it, then the next one feels a little slow or predictable. So your experience will probably depend on which segment connects with you.
Shakun Batra’s style of dealing with complicated relationships is familiar territory, while Vishal Bhardwaj brings his own slightly darker flavour. However, Motwane and Kiran Rao also keep the film interesting by including different aspects in their own sections. Although the elements aren’t always seamlessly combined, there are some changes that prevent the viewer from experiencing boredom.
Moreover, do not anticipate a romance film here. The point of the film is the fact that everyone makes mistakes and sometimes people have to suffer for them.
Overall, although Lust Stories 3 is far from perfection, it offers good performances, uncomfortable situations and unusual ideas that can interest the viewer. While some stories will leave a lasting impression on the viewer, others will be quickly forgotten.
Rating: 3/5
If you enjoy relationship dramas, anthology films and controversial stories, check it out. However, not all of the stories will appeal to you.
