Neena Gupta
Dadi
Overview
Four eminent Indian directors explore sex, desire and love through short films in this sequel to 2018's Emmy-nominated 'Lust Stories'.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readFour Rooms, Four Desires: The Uneven Alchemy of Lust Stories 2
I’ve always liked the idea of anthologies—how they let a single film feel like a gallery, each room offering a different shade of the same emotion. Lust Stories 2 is that kind of gallery, but with a problem: some of the rooms are lit like a museum, and others like a neon motel. The four directors here—R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh, and Amit Ravindernath Sharma—each take a crack at desire, and the results are as uneven as the lighting.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Desire itself is uneven, after all. But when one segment leaves you breathless and the next feels like a lecture, the anthology’s seams start to show.
Konkona Sen Sharma’s The Mirror is the film’s standout, a quiet gut-punch that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s the kind of story that unfolds in the spaces between what’s said and what’s seen. Tillotama Shome plays a domestic worker who discovers her employer’s hidden camera, and what begins as a violation slowly curdles into something more complicated.
The camera isn’t just watching—it’s remembering. Shome’s performance is a masterclass in restraint; her face is a landscape of small betrayals, each flicker of emotion revealing another layer of her character’s interior life. The Hindu called it a "stunner," and that’s exactly right.
It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just show you desire—it makes you feel the weight of it, the way it can be both a prison and a kind of freedom.
Then there’s R. Balki’s Made for Each Other, which feels like the opposite of The Mirror in almost every way. Where Sharma’s segment is all nuance, Balki’s is all slogans.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.2/10
"A mixed anthology with standout performances but uneven storytelling that leaves some viewers underwhelmed."
The film’s segments are praised for their bold exploration of modern relationships and strong performances, particularly from Kajol and Tillotama Shome. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, the anthology format leads to inconsistency, with some stories feeling rushed or unsatisfying, and the overall impact diluted by weaker entries.
What viewers praise
- Strong performances Kajol and Tillotama Shome are highlighted for delivering powerful, nuanced portrayals that elevate their segments.
- Bold themes The film’s exploration of desire, agency, and modern relationships resonates with viewers who appreciate its unflinching approach.
- Visual storytelling Some segments are praised for their stylish direction and cinematography, adding depth to the narrative.
Common complaints
- Uneven quality The anthology format results in a mix of strong and weak segments, leaving some viewers frustrated by the inconsistency.
- Rushed narratives A few stories feel underdeveloped or abrupt, failing to fully explore their potential.
- Disjointed experience The lack of cohesion between segments makes the film feel more like a collection of shorts than a unified movie.
Recommended for
Anthology film enthusiasts Fans of bold relationship dramas Kajol and Tillotama Shome admirers Viewers open to experimental storytelling
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside Lust Stories 2: The Anthology’s Bold Return with Star Power and Fresh Voices
Lust Stories 2 (2023) marks the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2018 Emmy-nominated anthology that pushed boundaries in Indian cinema. This time, four acclaimed directors—R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Amit Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh—reunite to explore themes of sex, desire, and modern relationships through four distinct short films 
. latestnetflix.com's read is that with a cast featuring heavyweights like Kajol and Neena Gupta alongside rising stars such as Mrunal Thakur and Tamannaah Bhatia, the sequel promises a mix of raw storytelling and star power .
A Director-Driven Anthology
The original Lust Stories (2018) became a cultural talking point for its unflinching portrayal of female desire, and the sequel doubles down on that legacy. Each director brings a unique lens to the project:
- R. Balki, known for Pad Man and Cheeni Kum, is a first-time contributor to the franchise.
- Konkona Sen Sharma, who also directed a segment in the first installment, returns with her signature introspective style.
- Amit Sharma, whose work includes Badhaai Ho, steps into the anthology format.
- Sujoy Ghosh, the mind behind Kahaani, rounds out the quartet .
The anthology structure allows each filmmaker to experiment with tone—from dark comedy to poignant drama—while maintaining the series’ core focus on intimacy and societal taboos .
The Cast: A Blend of Veterans and New Faces
Lust Stories 2 assembles a diverse ensemble, with Kajol and Neena Gupta leading the charge. Kajol, a Bollywood icon, reportedly takes on a role that contrasts sharply with her usual on-screen persona, though details remain tightly guarded . Neena Gupta, who delivered a standout performance in the first film, returns in another complex part .
The supporting cast includes:
- Mrunal Thakur (Dhadak, Ginny Weds Sunny), who has been vocal about choosing roles that challenge stereotypes.
- Tamannaah Bhatia (Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy), known for her versatility in Telugu and Hindi cinema.
- Tillotama Shome (Sir, Manto), a critically acclaimed actor who often collaborates with indie filmmakers.
- Amruta Subhash (Sacred Games, Bombay Begums), another powerhouse performer in the mix .
The inclusion of Angad Bedi, Hemant Kher, Mukti Mohan, and Anushka Kaushik suggests a deliberate balance between established talent and fresh faces, ensuring the anthology feels both familiar and new .
Behind the Scenes: What We Know (and What’s Still Rumored)
Unlike the first film, which was produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies and released on Netflix, Lust Stories 2’s production and distribution details are scarce. The original’s Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie likely raised expectations, but no official confirmation about its streaming platform or release strategy has surfaced .
Rumors suggest that each short film was shot independently, with directors given creative freedom to explore their narratives without interference. Konkona Sen Sharma, who also acted in the first film, may have taken on a dual role again, though this remains unconfirmed . The absence of Vijay Varma—listed in early IMDb credits but not in later cast updates—hints at possible last-minute changes .
Why the Hype?
Lust Stories 2 arrives at a time when Indian cinema is increasingly embracing bold, female-driven narratives. The first film’s success proved there’s an audience for stories that center desire without sensationalism, and the sequel’s star-studded lineup only amplifies the anticipation. Whether it matches—or surpasses—its predecessor’s impact remains to be seen, but the combination of A-list talent and acclaimed directors ensures it won’t be ignored.
For now, fans are left parsing the sparse details, waiting for an official trailer or release date. One thing’s certain: Lust Stories 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a statement.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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