We don’t often get to see frivolity presented intelligently on Indian screens. But Lust Stories 3 gives us just that and more. Starring Radhika Apte, Konkona Sensharma, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Gurfateh Pirzada, Sana Thampi, Radhika Madan, Ali Fazal, Siddharth, and Aditi Rao Hydari, the four stories in this anthology are all unique. However, two of these stories stand out for how unexpectedly beautiful they turn out.

Lust Stories 3: Begins strong, ends stronger

The first story, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, stars Radhika Apte and Konkona Sensharma as friends stuck in sexless marriages. When they plan a weekend getaway to fix their respective relationships, their strategy goes from terrible to catastrophic incredibly fast. A great choice for the first story, this one stands out for the crackling chemistry between the two friends, Padma and Shonali. Vijay Varma and Abhishek Banerjee play the unsuspecting husbands; one of whom is not as bad as he seems, and the other is much worse than his wife imagined.

The second story, directed by Kiran Rao, stars Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi. Gurfateh plays a double role as Karan and Arjun, twin brothers trying to make it in Mumbai. Even though it’s an entertaining mix of crime and lust, this is the weakest story in the anthology. The twists are not as clever as they were intended to be, which feels like a downer after a strong start.

Thankfully for the anthology, the third story brings it back with a bang. And this is one of the two standouts in Lust Stories 3. Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan play Varun and Sailee, an estranged couple who can’t keep their hands off each other. This is one story in this anthology that really isn’t about lust. Sex, for Sailee and Varun, is a manifestation of a deep emotion they’ve never addressed in their marriage or divorce. This story doesn’t have the humour of the first two, and rightfully so. The intense grief and realisation play out slowly but hit you deep in the feels.

Saved the best for last

A visual and emotional feel-good story, the last part of Lust Stories 3 makes for a wonderful end to the anthology. Set in the late ’80s, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth play Saira and Badruddin, a shy, married couple based in Hyderabad. This story is an ode to literature with nods to Saadat Hassan Manto. For anyone familiar with his work, this story is unmistakably Vishal Bhardwaj. A visual delight in its old-world charm, this story is also a treat for the ears because of how it presents erotica as poetry. The obvious chemistry between Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth doesn’t hurt either. Special mention to Gajraj Rao, who proves once again that a talented actor doesn’t even need words to make an impact.

Lust Stories 3 is a fun weekend watch, especially if you want to plan a romantic night-in with your partner. The anthology is now streaming on Netflix.

Can you watch Lust Stories 3 with family? If the name didn’t give it away, let us tell you plainly. No, why would you?

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