Exploring the intricate tapestry of sex, desire, and love, Lust Stories 2 takes us on an enthralling cinematic ride through the lenses of four distinguished Indian directors. This sequel to the Emmy-nominated 2018 masterpiece, ‘Lust Stories’, delves deeper into the realms of human longing, raising the question of whether it can captivate our senses as intensely as its predecessor.
In this unique anthology, the directors skillfully balance the central theme of lust while delivering fresh and innovative narratives that leave an indelible mark on the audience.
Vijay Varma’s extraordinary performance shines as he effortlessly embodies his character, immersing himself so deeply that his mere presence conveys a world of emotions. With a single glance, Varma’s expressive eyes reveal the essence of a nymphomaniac, sustaining the authenticity throughout the film. His portrayal stands out with a remarkable simplicity that sets the character aglow.
Kajol delivers the second-best performance in the anthology, capturing the essence of her character with remarkable nuance. Through her facial expressions, she subtly conveys hidden intentions, leaving viewers in awe of her talent. The climax of her performance is a masterstroke, leaving us yearning for more of this side of Kajol, seldom seen in contemporary cinema. She captivates with sheer brilliance.
Tamannaah not only exudes irresistible sex appeal but also showcases her impeccable acting prowess. Her character may lack depth, but she breathes life into it with perfectly fitting facial expressions. It’s astounding how she flawlessly portrays the scene, leaving viewers wondering at her impeccable execution. The magnetic allure she brings to the character ensures its lasting impact.
Tillotama Shome, known for her innovative portrayals, unfortunately doesn’t dazzle as expected. While she performs with simplicity, reminiscent of her usual brilliance, the character fails to evoke the marveling sentiments experienced with her previous roles in films like ‘Qissa’ and ‘Delhi Crime’. Emotional ups and downs bring out the best in Shome, but beyond that, it feels somewhat plain for an artist of her caliber.
Neena Gupta, cast as a bold and nonchalant grandmother, once again delivers perfection on screen. She effortlessly embodies the essence of a regular grandmother, but her candid discussions about sexuality infuse a refreshing and cool angle into the character. Gupta challenges the stereotypical portrayal of grandparents, reminding us that they too can be forward-thinking and modern.
Kumud Mishra, like Vijay Varma, convinces us in the very first two minutes in Lust Stories 2 that he is the character and not merely an actor. Despite his limited screen time compared to his co-stars, his intense performance captures the gravity of the character’s punishment. While Kajol’s brilliance dominates the film, it is Mishra’s equally powerful performance that complements and elevates the overall impact.
Amruta Subhash, regrettably, finds herself once again typecast in a role depicting a character from a low-income background. Although she delivers a believable and commendable performance, it offers nothing new or groundbreaking. It’s high time we witness her versatility in portraying different characters, showcasing the full extent of her talent.
Mrunal Thakur showcases her acting finesse through subtle facial expressions and body language, demonstrating that dialogue is not always essential to deliver a standout performance. As a coy granddaughter seeking life lessons from her grandmom, her expressions speak volumes, particularly her coy smiles that add charm to the narrative. However, her character lacks substantial depth beyond this.
One cannot help but wonder why Angad Bedi was even included in the film. He appears as a mere prop throughout, and any other good-looking model could have easily fulfilled the role. With just one dialogue to his name, Bedi’s talent feels wasted in this context. It’s a missed opportunity to utilize his potential and contribute meaningfully to the anthology.
Lust Stories 2: What makes the sequel more interesting?
Moving beyond the performances, Lust Stories 2 proves to be a thought-provoking experience, thanks to the exceptional work of directors R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Amit Ravindernath Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh. The latter two directors push the boundaries of the central theme, offering narratives that transcend mere lust. Ghosh’s storytelling evokes a sense of horror, while Sharma delivers a gripping thriller. Each director brings a fresh perspective, infusing lust with new meaning and shedding light on societal issues. The collaborative effort of the entire team results in a captivating mixed bag, leaving viewers with a bittersweet aftertaste.
The cinematography by Tapan Tushar Basu, PC Sreeram, and Anand Bansal deserves praise, as their beautifully shot scenes transport us to captivating locales. The visuals enhance the storytelling, leaving us yearning for more.
The music, composed by Raja Narayan Deb, Amit Pant, Sagar Desai, and Subhajit Mukherjee, holds its ground, providing a decent background score and an above-average opening theme song. Although music takes a backseat in anthologies like this, the composers manage to complement the narratives effectively.
The editing by Urvashi Saxena, Nayan HK Bhadra, Sanyukta Kaza, and Chandrashekhar Prajapati maintains a crisp pace, ensuring a seamless flow between the four distinct stories. Despite their contrasting nature, the editing achieves a harmonious amalgamation, keeping us engaged and eagerly anticipating what comes next. The placement of the stories is another commendable decision, gradually improving from the least favored to a climactic finale that leaves a lasting impact.
In terms of its suitability for different age groups, Lust Stories 2 offers a watchable experience. It’s the final two stories that truly push the boundaries and elevate the film to an orgasmic level. Remarkably, all four films can be enjoyed with the entire family, as they strike a delicate balance, preventing any discomfort. Ultimately, Lust Stories 2 stands as a worthy sequel to its 2018 predecessor, providing a breezy and engaging one-time watch.
Cast: Mrunal Thakur, Neena Gupta, Angad Bedi, Tillotama Shome, Amruta Subhash, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vijay Varma, Mukti Mohan, Jennifer Piccinato, Kajol, Kumud Mishra, Zeeshan Nadaf, Payal Pande, Anushka Kaushik.
Streaming on On: Netflix
Duration: 2 Hours 12 Minutes
Rating: 3.5/5