Review: Lust Stories 2 - An Engaging Anthology Exploring Love, Lust, and Desire


Name: Lust Stories 2


Directors: Sujoy Ghosh, R Balki, Amit Sharma, Konkona Sen Sharma


Cast: Angad Bedi, Mrunal Thakur, Neena Gupta, Vijay Varma, Kajol Devgn, Tillotama Shome, Tamannah Bhatia, Amruta Subhash


Rating: 3 / 5


Lust Stories 2, the sequel to the original anthology directed by Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar, has been released by producers Ronnie Screwvala and Ashi Dua Sara. This time, Konkona Sen Sharma, R Balki, Sujoy Ghosh, and Amit Ravindernath Sharma take the director's chair, presenting four short stories that delve into the subjects of love, lust, and desire. Here's my take on the four stories featured in the second instalment of this Netflix-backed show.


Plot

Lust Stories 2 kicks off with Balki's approximately 25-minute film, featuring Mrunal Thakur, Angad Bedi, and Neena Gupta. The story revolves around the importance of sexual compatibility in a successful marriage. Following this, Konkona's short film showcases Tillotama Shome and Amruta Subhash, delving into desire, fantasy, and the lengths one goes to fulfil them. The third film in the anthology, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, masterfully blends thriller elements with the theme of lust, with an unfaithful character at its core. Amit's segment, which spans a little over 30 minutes, stars Kajol and Kumud Mishra, narrating the story of Devyani Singh, her destiny, and why the latter remains the ultimate truth despite all efforts. In the end, destiny prevails.


What's Hot?

The greatest strength of Lust Stories 2 lies in the diverse genres it explores throughout its approximately 2-hour and 5-minute runtime. Balki treats the subject with humour, while Konkona delves into its darker aspects in her film featuring Tillotama and Amruta. Sujoy's portion satisfies fans' expectations of a thrilling narrative, while Amit combines suspense and intense emotions that leave viewers shocked by the end. The anthology culminates in a cinematic orgasm, with much credit going to Amit and Sujoy's segments. What I appreciate about the last two shorts is the use of lust as a core ingredient without confining the narrative solely to that aspect. The stories elevate by incorporating other elements such as loyalty, passion, aspiration, greed, and treachery. The background music across the four shorts provides excellent support to the stories, while the settings in Amit and Sujoy's films stand out as key ingredients. Credit should be given to the directors of photography and production designers for their contributions. The runtime is appropriate, and none of the films feels stretched or pretentious at any point.


What's Not?

While Sujoy and Amit's films transcend the theme of lust, Balki and Konkona's shorts seem limited in imagination. They come across as more anecdotal than complete stories. For example, I hoped Balki's directorial in Lust Stories 2 would explore more than just "sexual compatibility in marriage," but unfortunately, it remains confined to that theme throughout. The same goes for Konkona's story. Apart from feeling anecdotal, I couldn't connect with the climax, which seemed contrived for the sake of effect and reaction. These shortcomings become evident and prevent full engagement. Additionally, the inclusion of Mrunal Thakur's English lines while conversing with her onscreen grandmother (Neena Gupta) felt forced. Although the intention might have been to portray a modern family, it doesn't come across convincingly and feels rather awkward.


Performances

Every actor delivers exceptional performances. Neena Gupta shines in Balki's portion of Lust Stories 2, portraying her character with grace. Angad Bedi and Mrunal Thakur deliver pleasant performances, while Tillotama Shome and Amruta Subhash fully immerse themselves in their respective roles. Amruta, in particular, stands out with her stellar performance. Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma, paired together for the first time, not only have great chemistry but also excel individually in their roles. Finally, both Kajol and Kumud Mishra deliver outstanding performances in the anthology. Pay attention to the array of emotions Kajol portrays throughout the film and how they shift with each change in the scenario, showcasing her acting prowess.


Final Verdict

Despite a few lacklustre portions, Lust Stories 2 is an entertaining and engaging anthology that captivates viewers.

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