Cinema VinesOn Friday, September 18, 2026, the anthology film Lust Stories 3 premiered, offering a fresh take on desire, intimacy and complex relationships through the lenses of four distinct directors. Each segment is self-contained, yet the collective tapestry showcases a wide spectrum of storytelling styles, from the unsettling to the humorous, from the emotionally grounded to the period‑set. The film’s premise—four filmmakers given the same broad territory but complete creative freedom—results in a collection that feels both cohesive and surprisingly varied.
Vikramaditya Motwane opens the anthology with a daring experiment that centers on partner swapping. The cast, featuring Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma and Abhishek Sharma, navigates a plot that feels deliberately unpredictable and unsettling. Motwane’s approach, inspired by Korean fiction, reframes the subject matter in a way that demands attention rather than merely provoking shock. The result is a bold, visually striking opening that sets a high bar for the rest of the film.
Next comes Kiran Rao, who shifts the tone entirely. With Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi leading a breezy narrative about drugs, money and deception, Rao injects humor and energy into the story. The con‑game element keeps the audience guessing, as the plot continually pivots and refuses to settle into a predictable pattern. Rao’s segment stands out for its lightness and clever twists.
Shakun Batra returns the anthology to familiar emotional terrain, focusing on a marriage that is caught between desire, therapy, family expectations and lingering feelings. Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan portray a couple whose relationship is strained by the consequences of lust rather than lust itself. Batra’s storytelling emphasizes the emotional fallout and the complexities of navigating a marriage that is both intimate and fraught.
Vishal Bhardwaj delivers the most distinctive setting of the four. Set in 1987, his segment stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Sidharth and Gajraj Rao and uses the period backdrop to explore sex education. The quirky references to Nux Vomica and Belladonna add an eccentric layer that makes this story feel unlike the others. Bhardwaj’s direction provides a unique blend of historical context and contemporary themes, creating a memorable final act.
While the anthology’s unevenness is noticeable—some stories land with greater impact than others—the diversity of styles prevents the film from becoming repetitive. The directors’ refusal to copy one another results in distinct rhythms, moods and interpretations of desire. Overall, Lust Stories 3 offers an inventive and entertaining journey through the many facets of intimacy, even if it falters in places. The film earns a solid 3.5 out of five stars for its originality and the way it challenges conventional portrayals of lust and love.
