Netflix is bringing back its popular anthology franchise with a third edition. Lust Stories 3 will premiere globally on September 18, 2026, exclusively on the streaming platform. The announcement came on September 5, confirming that the third instalment will feature four new short films from four acclaimed directors.
The anthology brings together Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj, each directing a standalone segment. The ensemble cast includes Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Sana Thampi, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Ali Fazal, and Gurfateh Pirzada.
Four Directors, Four Distinct Stories
The third edition marks a fresh combination of filmmakers with distinctly different storytelling styles. Vikramaditya Motwane, known for Udaan and Sacred Games, Kiran Rao of Dhobi Ghat fame, Shakun Batra who directed Kapoor & Sons, and Vishal Bhardwaj, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Haider and Maqbool, will each offer their own perspective on desire, intimacy, and relationships.
The writing team includes Kiran Rao, Tanaji Dasgupta, Avinash Sampath, Sumukhi Suresh, Shakun Batra, Sameeha Sabnis, Ashwathi Namboodiri, Nitesh Bhatia, Utkarshini Vashishtha, and Vishal Bhardwaj.
Cast and Segment Breakdown
Reports indicate how the cast is distributed across the four segments. Motwane’s segment features Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, and Abhishek Banerjee. Shakun Batra’s story pairs Ali Fazal with Radhika Madan. Kiran Rao’s segment reportedly stars Gurfateh Pirzada alongside newcomer Sana Thampi. Vishal Bhardwaj’s story features Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth in lead roles.
The anthology continues the franchise’s tradition of exploring desire, intimacy, infidelity, and personal choices through deeply personal and contemporary lenses.
What to Expect from the Anthology
Since its debut in 2018, Lust Stories has brought conversations around desire, relationships, infidelity, agency, and intimacy into the mainstream. The first anthology featured Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar as directors. The second instalment, released in 2023, brought together Konkona Sen Sharma, R Balki, Sujoy Ghosh, and Amit Ravindernath Sharma.
The franchise has earned international recognition and was nominated at the International Emmy Awards. With each edition introducing a fresh set of directors, performers, and perspectives, reinvention has become a defining characteristic of the series.
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, spoke about what makes the franchise special:
“What gives Lust Stories its enduring appeal is its ability to reinvent itself. Each chapter begins with a shared human impulse and arrives at a completely different emotional truth. Here, desire opens a window into power, vulnerability, agency, compromise, and the things people struggle to say aloud.”
Ronnie Screwvala, Producer at RSVP, added:
“With every edition, Lust Stories has challenged conventions by bringing together exceptional filmmakers to tell deeply human stories. Over the years, the anthology has continued to evolve, reflecting the changing nuances of relationships and the many shades of modern intimacy.”
Ashi Dua, Producer at Flying Unicorn Entertainment, shared:
“What makes Lust Stories special is its ability to bring together unique creative voices while creating a shared emotional experience. Every story in this anthology is different in tone and perspective, yet they are united by their honesty and vulnerability.”
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Global Streaming Details
Lust Stories 3 will stream exclusively on Netflix in all regions where the platform is available. Viewers in India, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries can watch the anthology starting September 18, 2026. All four segments will drop together, allowing audiences to experience the complete anthology in one go.
The teaser released by Netflix offers a glimpse of the ensemble cast while keeping individual story details largely under wraps. The anthology format allows each director to approach themes of love, desire, and relationships from a different creative and emotional perspective.
Lust Stories 3 is produced by RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment. The project marks Netflix India’s first anthology franchise to reach three seasons.
Also Read: Lust Stories 3 Gets September 18 Release Date on Netflix with Four New Directors
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