Konkona Sen Sharma’s short film ‘The Mirror’ in the four-part anthology ‘Lust Stories 2’ gets the assignment right. Unlike the other three stories, ‘The Mirror’ explores lust in an uncomfortable yet thought-provoking way. There are so many layers to the story that are beautifully stacked upon one another – classism, voyeurism, female pleasure, empathy, etc. that the lines between right and wrong are blurred.
There is no sexualization of the female body. The camera doesn’t focus on a woman’s breasts or her bra size (like two other stories from the anthology do). It is purely an exploration of female desire from the female gaze. And Konkona Sen Sharma is a master at it. On the one hand, we know her as a splendid actor with a wide range. On the other hand, it is surprising to see her abilities as a director and storyteller.
Konkona’s previous directorial work was ‘A Death In The Gunj’ and as far as I remember, it wasn’t a commercial release and hence, there wasn’t much buzz about Konkona’s talent as a director. However, everyone is talking about ‘Lust Stories 2’ and it is a delight to see her receive due nationwide recognition as a director.
People online have been cheering for her and lauding her directorial acumen. Here’s a look at what is being said on Twitter:
need more of konkona the director, also need more of konkona the actor. basically just need more of konkona in general!!
— Mann Gera (@manngeraa) June 30, 2023
How many more uninspired anthologies does Konkona Sen Sharma have to singlehandedly save? Asking for no one really, no one will have the right answer.
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantansunnyg) June 29, 2023
Konkona is a great actor, yes.
She is a motherfucking terrific director.— Anup (@ThePuccaCritic) June 29, 2023
Konkona Sen Sharma's second directorial lives up to my expectations. It showcases underexplored topics like female pleasure, and female voyeurism in an exemplary manner. It's an impactful short with endearing performances from Tilottama Shome and Amruta Subhash. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F87e2RzJO1
— Chaitanya. (@illusionistChay) June 29, 2023
Konkona Sen Sharma's 'The Mirror' in Lust Stories 2 is imho the only good segment out of both seasons. Doesn't try to be radical nor does it offer easy resolutions of "right"/"wrong" desires or choices. Everybody's just caught up with wants & needs. Exactly what lust asks of us.
— Nirdiganta (@SevenDeviled) June 30, 2023
A film starring Ranbir Kapoor, directed by Konkona Sen Sharma is my dream. https://t.co/xuNDtvUjEk
— Bada Jaanwar (@bada_jaanwar) June 30, 2023
Konkona Sen Sharma after giving the best films in both 'Ajeeb Daastaans' & 'Lust Stories 2' pic.twitter.com/td7JRj9Nr4
— Hitarth Desai (@filmeyshilmey__) June 29, 2023
Still can't stop thinking about these gun performances by Tillotama Shome and Amruta Subhash and Tier 1 direction by Konkona. One of the best content to come out of India wrt sex pic.twitter.com/daPqEck2XG
— RJK (@rahul_jk) June 30, 2023
Intersecting voyeurism/exhibitionism, class and gender in Konkona Sen Sharma's film in Lust Stories is pure genius. There's a gap that class brings, but empathy in a way only women can have in their symbiotic relationship.
— mallika (@mallikadandekar) June 29, 2023
Two of the male-directed Lust Stories 2 shorts are so preoccupied with looking — real abundance of cleavage shots there — that I appreciate how Konkona's short interrogates what it means to be looked at, what it means to want to
— Gayle Sequeira (@ProjectSeestra) June 30, 2023
konkona sen sharma the woman that you are
— mr veiny (@CULS420) July 1, 2023
Konkona Sensharma is such an intelligent director. Sharp and powerful. The penaltimate obsession over the object of desire is being weaved so beautifully!
I loved the way this film is being edited to create the time and space.
— Shah (@allmostsober) July 1, 2023
She ended it the Nolan way, leaving imagination to the audience. Konkona Sen Sharma’s story in Lust stories 2 was better than all the other three stories combined.
— Anuj Yadav (@anuuuuuuj) July 1, 2023
God bless Konkona Sen Sharma. What a stunning short she crafted.. my most favourite short from both the Lust Stories installments.
This woman knows how to use camera.. those Aparna Sen genes are really coming through!@konkonas 🩷 #LustStories2 pic.twitter.com/mWLtYOtTFR— ᴘɪᴀ (@beboshoe) July 1, 2023
Gosh is there a filmmaker in Bombay more precise, less sanctimonious, as attuned to the strangeness of human behaviour – as consummate as Konkona Sen Sharma? I think not. #LustStories2
— Ni Dhi (@nee_dhee) June 29, 2023
i want to be assistant director in konkona sen sharma’s team bro can u imagine
— prakritea (@cakechahiye) July 1, 2023
Konkona's short story in Lust stories 2 is brilliant
— RJK (@rahul_jk) June 29, 2023
Oh Konkona, the woman that you are!