Netflix’s Lust Stories 2 is a captivating sequel to the 2018 anthology with a straightforward concept. Four renowned filmmakers bring four bold and unapologetic stories of sex, love, lust and desire. There are various underlying elements like class divide, kink, consent, greed and more to which directors R Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh and Amit Ravindernath Sharma turn their cameras. Be it Neena Gupta‘s mature conversation about premarital sex and the importance of orgasm or Sen’s short film “The Mirror” on voyeurism with a rugged view on power and class divide (where Tillotama Shome and Amruta Subhash are the true winners) or Tamannaah’s never-before-seen sex appeal (an apt requirement for the character) or Kajol’s facial expressions that says it all – Lust Stories 2 has all the elements that make it worth the hype.
However, this isn’t the first time Indian filmmakers have experimented with erotic movies. In the past, many directors have explored captivating and thought-provoking themes where sex, lust, desire and love have taken centre stage. Check out seven erotic Indian movies that brought stories on sex, passion, desire and more to the big screen before Lust Stories 2.
7 Indian erotic movies that explored sex, lust, love, and desire way before Netflix’s Lust Stories 2
1. Gandu (2010) – Netflix
Directed by Qaushiq Mukherjee, Gandu, a black-and-white film, was an audacious attempt at exploring a young man’s sexual desires and frustrations. Through his movie, Mukherjee challenged societal norms and embraced the raw, unfiltered portrayal of eroticism.
2. Fire (1996): Prime Video
Deepa Mehta’s Fire was the first mainstream Indian movie about homosexual love. The path-breaking narrative of two women discovering love and passion within a loveless marriage created quite a controversy. Mehta’s film fearlessly broke the silence around same-sex love and marked a significant milestone in Indian LGBTQ+ cinema.
3. Sins (2005): YouTube
Vinod Pande’s Sins touched a tricky territory of forbidden love, lust, and the consequences that come along. The film revolves around a Catholic priest’s illicit affair with a woman and delves into passion, guilt, and redemption. Starring Shiney Ahuja and Seema Rahmani, the movie delved into the complexities of human desires and wants, exploring the conflicts between faith, temptation, and societal expectations.
4. Maya Memsaab (1993): Netflix, YouTube and Apple TV+
Made by acclaimed director Ketan Mehta, the movie Maya Memsaab depicts the true meaning of illusion and magical realism and how humans often fall into its trap. It’s based on the classic French novel “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert. Mehta adapted the story and set it in a contemporary Indian context. It featured Shah Rukh Khan, Deepa Sahi, Raj Babbar and Farooq Shaikh. The film explores Maya’s sensual journey as she seeks fulfilment through various relationships and encounters outside her marriage. It was one of the rare movies in the 90s to capture the essence of infidelity, desire, sexuality and satisfaction. Apart from the story, what also sets the movie apart is its cinematography, intricate set designs and musical storytelling.
5. Khwaish (2003): YouTube
Not known by many, Govind Menon’s Khwaish featuring Mallika Sherawat was one of the early erotic movies to showcase a young couple’s sexual awakening within the confines of a traditional Indian society. The movie boldly spoke about the societal pressure one faces regarding sexual expression and its impact on relationships.
6. Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016): Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, the movie was a much-needed conversation that our society needed to have but refrained from. Shrivastava’s attempt to explore themes of repression, sexuality, personal freedom, desire, and fantasy by telling stories of four women from small-town Bhopal is worth a watch. Watch how lipstick can start a revolution.
7. Kamasutra: A Tale of Love (1996): Vudu & Prime Video
To date, Mira Nair’s Kamasutra: A Tale of Love is one of the boldest erotic movies ever made that explores the sensuality and eroticism of ancient India. Nair, known for her filmmaking, artfully showcased a tale of love, desire, passion and power. The movie is simply a brief analysis of female empowerment and a quick script on lessons of love.
Enjoyed reading this article? To receive more articles like this, sign up for the GQ Newsletter
