Lust Stories 2018

Kalindi, portrayed by Radhika Apte, is a college professor who finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship with her student, Tejas, played by Akash Thosar. In the aftermath of their intimate encounter, she attempts to reassure herself that it was merely a fleeting moment. However, her conscience begins to weigh heavy as she contemplates the ethical complexities of a student-teacher relationship. Throughout the narrative, various scenes illustrate Kalindi’s internal struggles, often presented in an interview format where she reflects on her life. She opens up about her marriage to Mihir, who is twelve years her senior and serves as her anchor amidst her turmoil.

Driven partly by Mihir’s adventurous tales of romance, Kalindi seeks to embrace her own sexual liberation. In her quest for self-discovery, she begins an affair with her colleague, Neeraj, played by Randeep Jha. However, their relationship fizzles due to Neeraj’s ardent belief in monogamy and his awkwardness in intimate situations. As her feelings for Tejas deepen, she learns that he is dating a classmate named Natasha. Refusing to accept this, Kalindi descends into obsessive behavior, stalking the couple and confronting both Tejas and Natasha in a bid to uncover the truth. In her emotional confrontation with Tejas, she admits her feelings and wishes him well with Natasha, only to learn that Tejas is willing to choose her over Natasha, which leaves him in a state of disbelief as she reminds him of her marital commitments.

Among the other intertwining stories, we meet Sudha, played by Bhumi Pednekar, who is secretly involved with Ajit, interpreted by Neil Bhoopalam. Sudha, who works as his maid, carries a heavy heart while navigating her unreciprocated love as Ajit’s family pays him a visit. During their stay, her hidden affection is palpable as she observes Ajit on the cusp of an arranged marriage. Sudha’s pain becomes evident as she serves the family tea, all while grappling with her emotions as Ajit flirts with his future bride.

On another front, Reena, depicted by Manisha Koirala, is enmeshed in an extramarital relationship with Sudhir, played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Their three-year affair faces scrutiny when Sudhir’s friend Salman, featuring Sanjay Kapoor, threatens to expose their secret. Reena’s unhappiness in her marriage leads her to confess everything to Salman, who implores her to prioritize their children over her desires. As the story unfolds, Reena’s confrontation with her marital constraints brings her to the harrowing realization that she must choose between love and familial duty.

Lastly, we follow Megha, portrayed by Kiara Advani, a young teacher caught in the throes of societal expectations after her marriage to Paras, played by Vicky Kaushal. Despite their union, she feels trapped by her husband’s obsession with fatherhood, alongside pressures from his family to conceive. A moment of enlightenment strikes when she witnesses her colleague Rekha, played by Neha Dhupia, in a compromising situation that blooms into her own awakening as she experiments with a vibrator. This steamy moment is hilariously complicated by the arrival of Paras, leading to an unexpected public display that shocks everyone around them. After a tumultuous month filled with misunderstandings, Paras discovers his wife’s needs as he expresses an eagerness to please her, going beyond just the notion of having children.

Through these intricate narratives, the film explores themes of desire, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships, leaving the audience both intrigued and reflective.