When Lust Stories 2 hit the screens last week, cinephiles were abuzz with anticipation, eager to witness the intriguing tales that awaited them. Among the four short films in the anthology, Konkona Sen Sharma’s The Mirror emerged as the unanimous winner, surpassing even the offerings from seasoned directors like Sujoy Ghosh and R. Balki.
The film delves into the delicate subject of voyeurism and desire, presenting a thought-provoking narrative that captivated audiences. Interestingly, Konkona recently revealed that her film was inspired by a real-life incident, lending it an even more intriguing dimension.
Konkana Sen Sharma’s The Mirror: Lust Stories 2 Plot
In Konkona’s directorial venture, viewers were introduced to a woman, played by Tillotama Shome, who inadvertently stumbles upon her maid, portrayed by Amruta Subhash, engaging in an intimate act on her own bed. Rather than reacting with repulsion or taking disciplinary action, the protagonist becomes a voyeur, clandestinely observing the secret sexual encounters between the maid and her husband. Meanwhile, the maid seizes the opportunity to enjoy intimate moments with her spouse, fully aware of being watched, putting on a performance for her employer. The story navigates the complex dynamics of desire, voyeurism, and consent.
Inspiration from Real Life
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Konkona Sen Sharma unveiled the inspiration behind her intriguing short film. She disclosed that the idea originated from a real-life incident shared by a friend during a dinner party. The friend recounted walking in on her domestic help and engaging in sexual activity within her own home. This intriguing anecdote sparked Konkona’s creative curiosity, compelling her to further explore the other aspects hidden within such situations.
While sharing the details, Konkana said, “My fantastic producer Ashi Dua approached me asking me if I’d like to direct for Lust Stories. I said, sure let me try. I was thinking about stories and whether I could come up with anything worthwhile. I wanted to create something interesting around lust. So I was thinking from a mom’s angle, from the looking angle, or a being watched angle. Then I came across a friend at a dinner party who told me how she’d walked in on her bai having sex in her house. And I knew that was something I wanted to explore further because there are a lot of things happening there.”
Konkana’s Film: The Only Good Thing About Lust Stories 2
Konkona’s film has been applauded for its sensitive portrayal of voyeurism, desire, and consent. By presenting a unique perspective and delving into the unexplored territories of human emotions, the short film has challenged societal norms and taboos surrounding these themes. While other films in the anthology may have boasted bigger stars and glitz, the success of Konkona Sen Sharma’s creation serves as a powerful reminder that quality content will always triumph in the end.
Konkona Sen Sharma’s The Mirror, a part of Lust Stories 2, has made a lasting impact on viewers with its daring exploration of voyeurism, desire, and consent. Drawing inspiration from a real-life incident, Konkona skillfully weaves together a narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of human relationships. As Konkona’s film continues to garner praise, it serves as a testament to the power of narratives that dare to explore uncharted territories.
In case you haven’t watched it yet, you can stream it on Netflix [Also Read: What’s new on Netflix this month]. And, here’s the trailer:
How did you like the movie? Tell us in the comments below.