The Lust Stories franchise returns with its third instalment, bringing together four filmmakers who approach intimacy and relationships from very different perspectives. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj, the anthology moves between contemporary Mumbai, complicated urban relationships and 1987 Hyderabad.
At its core, Lust Stories 3 is less interested in lust as a purely physical emotion and more focused on what lies underneath it—loneliness, emotional dissatisfaction, communication gaps and the human desire to feel wanted. The film has an A certificate and a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes.
Vikramaditya Motwane's Story Brings Relatable Relationship Drama
The opening segment, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, focuses on two married couples whose relationships have gradually lost their spark. Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma play friends who openly discuss the lack of intimacy in their respective marriages.
Their conversations eventually lead them towards an unusual idea inspired by the romantic dynamics they watch in Korean dramas. What sounds outrageous at first becomes a humorous way of examining how entertainment can influence expectations about love, marriage and intimacy.
Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma bring natural chemistry to their friendship, while Vijay Varma and Abhishek Banerjee add another layer through their portrayals of emotionally distant husbands. The segment works because it keeps the subject grounded in everyday marital frustrations instead of turning it into broad comedy.
Kiran Rao Adds Mystery and Unpredictability
Kiran Rao's segment changes the tone considerably. It follows Karan, played by Gurfateh Pirzada, a pizza delivery worker who develops an attraction towards Lisa, portrayed by debutante Sana Thampi.
Their initial connection appears simple, but the arrival of Karan's brother Arjun changes the equation. Attraction soon becomes intertwined with deception, manipulation and shifting power dynamics.
The story takes its time before revealing its real direction, but once the pieces begin falling into place, it becomes more intriguing. Gurfateh handles his dual role effectively, while Sana Thampi makes a confident debut. Compared with the first segment, this chapter relies more heavily on suspense and its central twist.
Shakun Batra Focuses on Emotional Disconnection
The third story is arguably the most emotionally driven. Shakun Batra brings together Radhikka Madan and Ali Fazal as Sailee and Varun, a married couple whose relationship has reached the point of separation.
Although they were once deeply connected, their marriage has gradually become more about responsibilities than companionship. Sailee wants emotional closeness and intimacy, while Varun believes that providing financial security is his way of expressing love.
Their conflict highlights a familiar relationship problem: two people may love each other but still fail to communicate what they actually need.
Radhikka Madan and Ali Fazal give the segment considerable emotional weight, particularly in scenes involving resentment, frustration and lingering affection. Rajat Kapoor also adds perspective as their therapist.
Vishal Bhardwaj Brings a Period-Drama Twist
The anthology concludes with Vishal Bhardwaj's story, set in Hyderabad in 1987. Aditi Rao Hydari plays Saira, a married woman whose emotional and physical needs remain largely unaddressed by her husband Badru, played by Siddharth.
The period setting gives the story a distinctive visual and cultural identity, while Saira's imagination becomes an important window into desires that she struggles to express openly.
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth create convincing chemistry, while Gajraj Rao provides warmth and humour as Saira's supportive father-in-law. Bhardwaj balances humour with social observation, making this chapter a fitting conclusion to the anthology.
Final Verdict on Lust Stories 3
Lust Stories 3 does not maintain exactly the same emotional impact across all four stories, but its biggest strength lies in the variety of perspectives. Each director approaches desire differently, giving the anthology a changing rhythm instead of making all four chapters feel identical.
The performances, particularly across the relationship-focused segments, give the film its emotional foundation. The anthology also attempts to place female desire and intimacy within conversations about relationships rather than treating them merely as provocative subjects.
Overall, Lust Stories 3 is an uneven but sincere anthology that uses desire as a starting point to discuss loneliness, marriage, communication and the need for emotional connection. For viewers interested in relationship-driven anthology cinema, the Netflix release offers four distinct stories with plenty to discuss after the credits roll.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment