Lust Stories 3 OTT Release Date: Netflix is bringing back one of its most talked-about Indian anthology franchises, and this time the lineup is hard to ignore.

Lust Stories 3 is set to premiere on September 18, 2026, bringing together four filmmakers with very different cinematic voices—Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj.

If the first two films in the franchise were about pushing conversations around intimacy into the mainstream, the third instalment appears ready to take those conversations into newer and perhaps messier territory.

Love, desire, marriage, emotional distance, attraction, awkward choices and complicated relationships are once again at the centre of the anthology.

But this is not simply another sequel built around a familiar name.

The combination of directors and actors is arguably the biggest reason audiences are curious about Lust Stories 3.

Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma are part of the ensemble. So are Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Ali Fazal, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi.

Netflix describes the film as four new stories dealing with love, relationships, desire and human connection through contemporary perspectives.

With the release almost here, here is a complete look at the Lust Stories 3 release date, OTT platform, cast, directors, storyline, trailer, expected themes and everything viewers should know before watching.

When Is Lust Stories 3 Releasing?

Lust Stories 3 will release on September 18, 2026.

The film will premiere directly on Netflix, so there is no theatrical release to wait for.

Netflix officially announced the September 18 premiere earlier this month and has since released the trailer for the anthology.

For viewers who have followed the franchise from the beginning, the third instalment arrives several years after Lust Stories 2 and introduces an entirely fresh collection of stories, directors and character dynamics.

That gap may actually work in its favour.

Instead of attempting to continue old characters, the anthology format allows each instalment to begin again with new people and new relationships.

Where to Watch Lust Stories 3 Online

There is only one official OTT destination:

Streaming platform: Netflix

Release date: September 18, 2026

Language: Hindi

Format: Anthology film

Netflix currently lists Lust Stories 3 under romance, drama, comedy and anthology categories.

The official Netflix page describes it as a collection of short films in which four Indian directors explore sex, relationships, desire and love.

A Netflix subscription will therefore be required to watch the film legally when it becomes available.

What Time Will Lust Stories 3 Release on Netflix?

Netflix has confirmed the release date, but viewers searching for the exact India release time should be careful about assuming a time unless it appears on the title page or Netflix app.

Netflix originals often become available according to the platform’s global release schedule, but release timing can occasionally vary.

So if you plan to watch it immediately on September 18, the safest option is to check the Lust Stories 3 Netflix page or your Netflix app on the day of release.

This also matters because “Lust Stories 3 release time in India” is likely to become a popular search query close to launch.

What Is Lust Stories 3 About?

Unlike a conventional film with one continuous plot, Lust Stories 3 contains four separate stories.

Each filmmaker takes on a different set of characters and emotional circumstances.

The common thread is relationships.

Netflix says the anthology explores themes including:

Love

Lust

Desire

Marriage

Human connection

Emotional vulnerability

Complicated relationships

Repressed feelings

Unexpected choices

That broad theme gives each filmmaker plenty of freedom.

One story may be quiet and emotional.

Another may lean into uncomfortable humour.

Another could explore a marriage under pressure.

Another may be about attraction that arrives at the worst possible time.

That contrast is exactly what has made the franchise interesting in the past.

You are not watching four episodes of the same story.

You are watching four different filmmakers interpret similar emotional territory in their own way.

Netflix’s trailer announcement also promises more drama, chaos, heartbreak and difficult choices across the anthology.

Lust Stories 3 Cast: Who Is in the Netflix Film?

One of the strongest selling points of Lust Stories 3 is its ensemble cast.

Netflix has officially listed the following performers:

Radhika Apte

Konkona Sen Sharma

Aditi Rao Hydari

Radhika Madan

Sana Thampi

Vijay Varma

Abhishek Banerjee

Siddharth

Ali Fazal

Gurfateh Pirzada

The mix is interesting because many of these actors are particularly effective in character-driven films rather than conventional star vehicles.

That suits the anthology format well.

A short film has less time to explain a character. The actor needs to make the audience understand a relationship, conflict or emotional shift quickly.

That is easier when the cast includes performers known for subtle, dialogue-heavy work.

Which Actors Appear in Which Lust Stories 3 Segment?

Reports published before the official trailer revealed some of the pairings.

Variety India reported that Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma headline Vikramaditya Motwane’s film.

Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan are associated with Shakun Batra’s segment.

Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi feature in Kiran Rao’s story.

Meanwhile, Aditi Rao Hydari leads Vishal Bhardwaj’s short.

Netflix’s broader cast announcement also includes Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee and Siddharth, so viewers can expect additional characters and relationships around these central pairings.

Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma

Even before seeing the full film, this pairing naturally stands out.

Both actors have built reputations around performances that do not need exaggerated dialogue or melodrama to hold attention.

A story featuring them under Vikramaditya Motwane immediately raises curiosity because Motwane’s work often gives characters room to breathe.

The interesting question is not simply what their characters are doing.

It is what they are not saying to each other.

That kind of tension can be perfect material for a short film about intimacy and relationships.

Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan

Shakun Batra’s segment brings together Ali Fazal and Radhika Madan.

Batra has repeatedly shown interest in relationships where people are carrying emotional baggage beneath apparently normal conversations.

That makes this pairing worth watching.

The trailer suggests that this instalment is not interested in presenting love as neat or uncomplicated.

And actors like Fazal and Madan can work particularly well in stories where humour, discomfort and emotional tension exist together.

Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi

Kiran Rao’s segment features Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi.

Rao has a very different storytelling personality from Batra or Bhardwaj.

Her films often pay attention to small social details and everyday human behaviour.

That could make her contribution one of the more unexpected parts of the anthology.

Rather than relying only on dramatic confrontations, the story may find humour or emotion in ordinary situations.

Aditi Rao Hydari in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Story

Vishal Bhardwaj working with Aditi Rao Hydari is another intriguing combination.

Bhardwaj’s films often deal with complicated emotions, power, attraction, betrayal and moral ambiguity.

That does not automatically tell us where this short film will go, but it gives viewers a sense of why the collaboration has generated attention.

Aditi has also been actively promoting the anthology ahead of release, adding to online conversation around the film.

Who Are the Directors of Lust Stories 3?

The four directors are:

Vikramaditya Motwane

Kiran Rao

Shakun Batra

Vishal Bhardwaj

This may be the biggest reason Lust Stories 3 feels different from a routine OTT anthology.

Each filmmaker has a recognisable approach.

Vikramaditya Motwane

Motwane is known for films that often focus deeply on characters rather than rushing toward conventional plot points.

His involvement suggests that his segment may rely heavily on performance, mood and emotional detail.

In an anthology, where every minute matters, that can be an advantage.

Kiran Rao

Kiran Rao brings a more observational voice.

Her cinema often finds stories in people and social situations that mainstream films might overlook.

That could provide the anthology with a lighter or more grounded perspective, although viewers should not assume her story will necessarily be simple.

Shakun Batra

If there is one filmmaker in this group whose name immediately fits a project about complicated relationships, it is Shakun Batra.

His films have often examined families, attraction, secrets and emotional dishonesty.

The interesting part will be seeing how he compresses those themes into a shorter format.

Vishal Bhardwaj

Vishal Bhardwaj brings a very different energy.

His storytelling can be lyrical, dark, funny and unsettling—sometimes all in the same film.

His presence gives the anthology the possibility of moving into darker emotional territory rather than staying within straightforward romance.

Together, these four directors make Lust Stories 3 feel less like four versions of the same idea and more like four arguments about what relationships actually look like.

Is There a Lust Stories 3 Trailer?

Yes.

Netflix released the official trailer ahead of the September 18 premiere.

The trailer runs for a little over two minutes on Netflix’s title page and introduces viewers to the different characters and relationship conflicts without fully revealing how the stories end.

What stands out most is the tone.

The anthology does not appear to be treating intimacy only as a serious subject.

There are moments of humour, embarrassment, confusion, attraction and emotional confrontation.

That tonal mix is important.

Real relationships are rarely one thing.

A painful conversation can also be absurd.

A romantic moment can become awkward.

A marriage can contain affection and resentment at the same time.

The trailer appears to understand that.

Is Lust Stories 3 Connected to Lust Stories 1 and 2?

Not in the traditional sequel sense.

You do not need to remember characters or plot points from the first two instalments.

The franchise works as an anthology.

Each edition contains new short films with new characters, actors and directors.

The connection lies mainly in the broader subject matter: intimacy, desire, relationships and the social conversations around them.

This makes Lust Stories 3 easy for new viewers to enter.

You can watch it even if you have never seen the earlier films.

At the same time, viewers familiar with the franchise may enjoy comparing how this new set of filmmakers approaches similar themes.

Why Lust Stories Became Such a Recognisable Netflix Franchise

When the first Lust Stories arrived in 2018, its biggest strength was not simply that it talked about sex.

Indian cinema had discussed desire before.

What made the anthology notable was the way it treated intimacy as part of everyday relationships rather than as something existing only for shock value.

Marriage, loneliness, expectations, frustration and desire were all allowed to sit in the same conversation.

Netflix notes that the original anthology was International Emmy-nominated, which helped establish the franchise beyond India as well.

The second instalment continued the format with another group of actors and directors.

Now the third film has an advantage and a challenge.

The advantage is brand recognition.

The challenge is that viewers already know what a Lust Stories anthology looks like.

So the new film needs more than provocative subject matter.

It needs memorable characters and stories that feel specific.

Why Lust Stories 3 Could Generate Strong Online Interest

There are several reasons this title could dominate entertainment conversations around its release.

First, the cast includes performers from very different corners of Hindi cinema and streaming content.

Second, the filmmakers themselves have dedicated audiences.

Third, anthologies naturally create discussion because viewers often disagree about which segment is best.

One person may prefer Motwane’s film.

Another may connect more with Kiran Rao’s.

Someone else may find Vishal Bhardwaj’s contribution the strongest.

That creates several different search trends after release:

Lust Stories 3 review

Lust Stories 3 ending explained

Lust Stories 3 best story

Lust Stories 3 cast

Lust Stories 3 Radhika Apte story

Lust Stories 3 Aditi Rao Hydari story

Lust Stories 3 Ali Fazal Radhika Madan story

Lust Stories 3 Netflix release time

For entertainment websites, that means the title can generate more than one article rather than disappearing after release day.

Should You Watch Lust Stories 3?

Before release, it would be unfair to give the film a rating or claim that it is good or bad.

The full anthology has not yet been available long enough for a genuine viewing-based assessment at the time this guide is being prepared.

What can be said is that the creative lineup is promising.

If you enjoy:

relationship dramas,

anthology films,

character-focused storytelling,

modern Hindi cinema,

dark humour,

stories about marriage and attraction,

or films that leave some emotional questions unresolved,

then Lust Stories 3 is likely to be worth keeping on your watchlist.

If you prefer action-heavy or plot-driven entertainment, the anthology format may not be your first choice.

The important thing is to judge it for what it is trying to be rather than expecting a conventional Bollywood romance.

Lust Stories 3 Age Rating and Content

Netflix India currently lists the film with an A rating on its India title page.

That means this is not intended as family viewing for children.

The subject matter deals directly with adult relationships, intimacy and desire.

Netflix also describes the film using labels such as steamy, raunchy, marriage, dramedy and romance.

Viewers should therefore expect mature themes and choose accordingly.

Who Is Producing Lust Stories 3?

Netflix says the anthology is produced by RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment.

Industry listings also associate producers Ronnie Screwvala and Ashi Dua with the project.

The franchise has historically brought established filmmakers into a compact anthology format, and this edition continues that approach.

Lust Stories 3: Quick Details

Title: Lust Stories 3

Release date: September 18, 2026

OTT platform: Netflix

Language: Hindi

Format: Anthology film

Number of stories: Four

Directors: Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj

Cast: Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Sana Thampi, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Ali Fazal and Gurfateh Pirzada

Genre: Romance, drama, comedy, anthology

India rating: A

Produced by: RSVP and Flying Unicorn Entertainment

Netflix has officially confirmed the release, cast and creative team.

What to Expect After Lust Stories 3 Releases

The most interesting phase may actually begin after September 18.

Anthology films tend to produce individual conversations around each story.

Viewers will likely debate:

Which story was the strongest?

Which performance stood out?

What did a particular ending mean?

Which segment was funniest?

Which one was darkest?

Did Lust Stories 3 improve on the previous instalment?

These are the kinds of questions that can keep the film trending beyond its first day.

It is also why viewers who want to avoid spoilers should be careful with social media once the film becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lust Stories 3

When is Lust Stories 3 releasing?

Lust Stories 3 will premiere on September 18, 2026.

Where can I watch Lust Stories 3?

The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.

Is Lust Stories 3 a movie or web series?

It is an anthology film consisting of four separate short stories.

Who are the directors of Lust Stories 3?

The anthology is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj.

Who is in the cast?

The ensemble includes Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Sana Thampi, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Siddharth, Ali Fazal and Gurfateh Pirzada.

Is Lust Stories 3 connected to the previous films?

It is part of the same anthology franchise, but it features new characters and stories. You do not need to watch the earlier instalments first.

Is Lust Stories 3 suitable for children?

No. Netflix India lists the title with an A rating, and it deals with mature relationship and intimacy themes.

How many stories are there in Lust Stories 3?

There are four separate stories, each directed by a different filmmaker.

Is there a Lust Stories 3 trailer?

Yes. Netflix has released an official trailer ahead of the film’s September 18 premiere.

Is Lust Stories 3 releasing in theatres?

The announced release is a direct Netflix premiere, not a theatrical release.

Final Thoughts

The most exciting thing about Lust Stories 3 is not simply that a popular Netflix franchise is returning.

It is the people telling the stories.

Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj do not make films in the same way.

That matters.

An anthology becomes far more interesting when its stories do not feel interchangeable.

Add performers such as Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Ali Fazal, Vijay Varma and Radhika Madan, and there is enough talent here to make the release difficult to ignore.

Whether all four films work equally well is something audiences will discover only after watching them.

But the central idea remains timely.

Modern relationships are complicated.

People want closeness and independence.

Honesty and secrecy often exist side by side.

Love does not automatically eliminate desire, insecurity, jealousy or loneliness.

Those contradictions give filmmakers endless material.

And that is probably why the Lust Stories format continues to return.

Lust Stories 3 arrives on Netflix on September 18, 2026.

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