A Potpourri of Vestiges Review
By Murtaza Ali Khan
One of the biggest perks of the
content on the web is that is free from the antiquated censorship norms enforced
by the Cinematograph Act 1952. The only censorship that’s applicable is the
moral one as deemed fit by the makers themselves. In keeping up with the spirit
of the platform, RSVP Flying Unicorn Entertainment, Ronnie Screwvala’s new
venture, has recently come out with its second offering for the streaming giant
Netflix, Lust Stories, following the
success of Love Per Square Foot. A
four-part anthology film with each part directed by Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar
Banerjee, Karan Johar, and Zoya Akhtar, respectively, Lust Stories endeavors to explore the so called repressed sexuality
in Indian women. The star-studded
ensemble cast features the likes of Manisha Koirala, Neha Dhupia, Radhika Apte,
Bhumi Pednekar, Kiara Advani, Sanjay Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vicky Kaushal, Neil
Bhoopalam, and Akash Thosar (of Sairat
fame).
By Murtaza Ali Khan
Featured in IMDb Critic Reviews
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| Kiara Advani in Lust Stories |
The segment directed by Anurag Kashyap stars Radika Apte in
the role of a married college professor who is having a relationship with her
student. The segment uses an interesting trope wherein we see Radhika talking to
some unknown person. This approach is characteristic of the interviews we come
across in documentary films. As far as fiction is concerned, Mike Figgis’ 1995
film Leaving Las Vegas also employed a similar trope. While Radhika delivers a
no-holds-bar performance the segment suffers from some poor writing and
confused direction.
The second segment is directed by Zoya Akhtar. It is made
special by a brilliant performance by Bhumi Pednekar. While it begins with a
lustful game between two characters, played by Pednekar and Neil Bhoopalam, we
soon realize that it is all about Pednekar who doesn’t disappoint.
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| Bhumi Pednekar in Lust Stories |
The third segment, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, revolves
around three middle-aged people. While the segment is both long and boring, it
features intense performances from Manisha Koirala and Jaideep Ahlawat. Sanjay
Kapoor is also surprisingly good.
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| Manisha Koirala and Jaideep Ahlawat in Lust Stories |
Now, as far as my opinion is concerned, I reckon that it is
the fourth segment i.e. Karan Johar's directorial that’s by far the best in the
anthology. Probably the best moment comes when the principal reads Lolita and announces to an anxious
parent that it is a book about animals on encountering the line, "Lolita,
light of my life, fire of my loins". Assuming it to be a spelling mistake,
he actually strikes off "loins" and overwrites "lions" with
a red pen.
Veere Di Wedding was castigated for its
"masturbation" sequence but I think that Karan Johar's segment takes
it to another level with the remarkable Neha Dhupia and the lovely Kiara Advani
not leaving anything to imagination. Vicky Kaushal, however, yet again plays a
part that fails to do justice to his acting talent.
Overall, Lust Stories makes for an interesting mix of stories, catering to the different age groups, which tries to explore some interesting ideas about sexuality and expectations in modern-day relationships.
Remember, the web is a personal space and not meant for
group viewing and if you want to watch Lust
Stories in a group then do make sure that you all enjoy a certain level
of comfort!
Lust Stories - Official Trailer (YouTube)
Readers, please feel free to share your opinion by leaving your comments. As always your valuable thoughts are highly appreciated!
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