Anticipated Release and Creative Lineup
The third installment of the anthology series ‘Lust Stories’ is reportedly set to premiere on Netflix on September 18, 2026, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama, as cited by The Economic Times. The Times of India also reported the premiere date for Netflix India. Neither Netflix nor the filmmakers have officially confirmed the release date.
The upcoming film will feature four distinct stories, each directed by a different filmmaker: Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj. The Economic Times notes that these directors have previously explored complex themes in their work, contributing to anticipation for the project.
Cast and Production Details
According to both The Economic Times and The Times of India, the cast includes Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Ali Fazal, Radhika Madan, Siddharth, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Gurfateh Pirzada. Sana Thampi is listed as a newcomer in the ensemble. The trailer is expected to be released in early September, as reported by The Times of India.
Franchise Background and Milestones
The ‘Lust Stories’ franchise began in 2018 with four segments directed by Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar, as reported by The Economic Times. The second installment, released on Netflix in 2023, featured directors Amit Ravindernath Sharma, R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh, according to the same source.
With the third season, the series will mark a significant milestone for Netflix India as its first three-season anthology, as reported by The Times of India. The upcoming edition continues the franchise’s exploration of love, desire, intimacy, and human connection, with each segment offering a distinct narrative perspective.
What the Filmmakers and Cast Say
In a statement shared through The Times of India, the filmmakers collectively noted: “Each short film explores how desire and relationships are shaped by context, vulnerability, and the unspoken. Our aim is to reflect the contemporary nuances of love and longing.” The statement added that the four stories would collectively expand the conversation around intimacy and emotional connections, offering audiences a modern perspective on these themes.
Anticipated Premiere and Trailer
A report by Bollywood Hungama, referenced by both The Economic Times and The Times of India, indicates that ‘Lust Stories 3’ is scheduled to premiere on Netflix India on September 18, 2026. While Netflix and the filmmakers have not yet made an official announcement regarding the release date, the trailer is expected to arrive in the first week of September, according to the same report.
The film continues the anthology’s format of four distinct stories, each helmed by a different director. The upcoming season marks the third instalment of the franchise, which began in 2018 with directors Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Joharalert. The second instalment, released in 2023, featured segments by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh.
Official Statements
The filmmakers have described the new season as a continuation of the franchise’s exploration of human connection. As reported in February 2026, they stated: “Each film approaches human connection from a distinct point of view, reflecting how desire and relationships are shaped by context, silence, and vulnerability.” They added that the four stories would collectively expand the conversation around love and longing, offering audiences a contemporary perspective on intimacy.
The production marks a significant milestone for Netflix India, as ‘Lust Stories 3’ would become the platform’s first three-season anthology, according to The Times of India.
Sources and Verification
The premiere date and creative details have been reported by The Economic Times and The Times of India, both citing a report by Bollywood Hungama. The Economic Times states the film is “reportedly” set to premiere in September 2026, while The Times of India gives a specific date of September 18, 2026. Neither Netflix nor the filmmakers have officially confirmed the premiere date yet, as both articles rely on the Hungama report.
The cast list, directors, and the trailer’s expected release in early September are consistent across both reports. The trailer timing was noted by The Times of India as “expected in the first week of September.”
Background of the Franchise
The ‘Lust Stories’ anthology began in 2018, with the first installment featuring segments by Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar, as reported by The Economic Times. The second installment, released on Netflix in 2023, was directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Sujoy Ghosh, according to the same report.
‘Lust Stories 3’ will mark Netflix India’s first anthology to reach a third season, as noted by The Times of India. The series has been nominated for the International Emmy Awards in its previous seasons.