“Lust Stories” has emerged as a popular Indian web series, particularly captivating the youth audience. With the arrival of “Lust Stories 2” on Netflix, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia, Vijay Verma, Neena Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, and Kajol in prominent roles, viewers are eager to explore what this series offers.
Plot Summary:
The anthology comprises four distinct narratives. In the first tale, titled “Made For Each Other,” portrayed by Mrunal Thakur and Angan Bedi, a couple decides to tie the knot with the blessing of their parents. However, Neena Gupta, essaying the role of Mrunal’s grandmother, suggests they assess their sexual compatibility before marriage. “The Mirror,” the second story, follows a professional woman, played by Tillotama Shome, who discovers her maid engaging in intimate acts within her household. Subsequently, Tillotama, devoid of a personal sex life, finds solace in witnessing her maid’s encounters.
The third installment, “Sex With Ex,” features Vijay Varma as a CEO with a family, encountering his ex-wife unexpectedly, leading to unforeseen consequences. Lastly, “Tilchatta” revolves around a prostitute portrayed by Kajol, who marries into royalty but faces mistreatment from her lustful spouse.
Highlights:
“The Mirror” stands out as the most exceptional narrative, offering a unique perspective on character development and surprising viewers with unexpected twists. Konkona Sen Sharma’s adept portrayal of human sexual fantasies adds depth to the storyline. Kajol’s performance in “Tilchatta” is noteworthy, delivering a message amidst a tale filled with intrigue and well-executed plot twists. Tillotama Shome and Neena Gupta shine in their roles, delivering stellar performances, alongside commendable acting by Mrunal Thakur, Kajol, Tamannaah, Vijay Verma, and Kumud Mishra.
Critique:
However, the tale featuring Tamannah and Vijay Verma disappoints, lacking coherence and a clear message for the audience. Similarly, “Made For Each Other” suffers from repetitive scenes and a lackluster presentation, failing to maintain engagement. The pacing in the final story feels sluggish.
Technical Aspects:
The music composition by Raja Narayan Deb, Aman Pant, Sagar Desai, and Subhajit Mukherjee complements the series, while cinematography, particularly in the last story, enhances visual appeal. Editing is adequate, though subpar CGI work in Tamannaah’s episode detracts from the viewing experience.
Directorial Contributions:
R Balki’s direction in the first story falls short of expectations, lacking narrative depth despite a relevant premise. Conversely, Konkona Sen Sharma’s narrative shines through with well-fleshed-out characters. Sujoy Ghosh’s story fails to deliver the essence effectively, while Amit Ravindernath Sharma’s direction shows promise but could have been more gripping.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “Lust Stories 2” fails to fully capitalize on its potential, with some narratives proving engaging while others fall short. Despite commendable performances by the cast, the overall impact remains underwhelming. Viewers may find enjoyment in the second and last stories while considering skipping the others.