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3 Storeys
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| 3 Storeys | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Arjun Mukherjee |
| Written by | Althea Delmas Kaushal |
| Produced by | Ritesh Sidhwani Farhan Akhtar Priya Sreedharan |
| Starring | Renuka Shahane Sharman Joshi Pulkit Samrat Masumeh Richa Chadda Sonal Jha Aisha Ahmed Ankit Rathi |
| Cinematography | William Humphris |
| Edited by | Arindam Ghatak |
| Music by | Clinton Cerejo |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | AA Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
3 Storeys is a 2018 Hindi-language thriller drama film directed by Arjun Mukherjee starring Renuka Shahane, Sharman Joshi, Pulkit Samrat, Masumeh, Richa Chadda, Sonal Jha, Aisha Ahmed, Ankit Rathi and produced by Priya Sreedharan, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.[1][2] The film was released on 9 March 2018.[3][4]
Plot
[edit]Mayanagar is a three-story chawl in Mumbai. Flory Mendonca, a Catholic widow, wants to sell part of her house but struggles to find buyers due to its high price. Eventually, Vilas, eager for a home near the station, buys it. In the same building, Varsha endures daily abuse from her unemployed, alcoholic husband while still harboring feelings for her past lover, Shankar. She bonds well with a neighbor and takes care of her young son. Suhail and Malini, from different faiths, fall in love, much to their parents' dismay. On the ground floor lives glamorous Leela, who exudes a seductive aura towards the men around. The lives of Mayanagar’s residents are filled with hidden secrets, revealed at the end when it's disclosed that Leela authored all three stories.
In the first part, Flory attends to a prospective buyer, Vilas, frustrated by his search for accommodation in Mumbai. Vilas doesn’t hesitate at the high price. As she goes to make tea, Vilas examines family photos and learns about her son’s troubled past and his fatal involvement in a robbery. As Vilas listens, he becomes anxious and starts gulping his tea, sweating. Flory reveals she never met the accomplice who escaped and informed the police about her son's location, but she knew he would come for the hidden diamonds. Vilas is the accomplice, and Flory has poisoned his tea. Vilas dies, and Flory buries him in her house, avenging her son. Now, she can leave her wretched home.
The story then shifts to Varsha, a woman tortured by her husband. Before marriage, Varsha loved Shankar and asked him to propose. Her father warned her that if Shankar didn’t come, he would marry her off. Shankar didn't show up. Varsha forms a close bond with a sympathetic neighbor, only to discover her husband is Shankar. They clear up a misunderstanding about their past, and Flory leaves her plot to Varsha, who begins a new, independent life.
Next, we follow Suhail, from a Muslim family, and Malini, the daughter of a pitiful mother. They elope but are soon caught. Malini’s mother seeks help from Suhail’s family, revealing Suhail and Malini share the same father. This revelation devastates them.
The narrative, filled with suspense and surprise, reveals Leela, the author of these stories, as a simple woman in a wheelchair, reading a newspaper about her anonymously published story. The headlines praise the captivating tale of Mayanagar's residents. Leela shows how she crafted a fictional narrative from the dark realities of human intimacy and love.
In reality, Varsha is a dominant, happy woman, not tortured at all, and rides a scooter with her loving husband. Suhail and Malini are just friends, and Flory is far from evil.
Cast
[edit]- Renuka Shahane as Flory Mendonca
- Sharman Joshi as Shankar Varma
- Pulkit Samrat as Vilas Naik
- Masumeh as Varsha Atre (Joshi)
- Richa Chadda as Leela
- Sonal Jha as Malini's mother
- Aisha Ahmed as Malini Mathur
- Ankit Rathi as Suhail Ansari
- Laksh Singh as Dominic
- Himanshu Malik as Policeman Ganpatrao
Soundtrack
[edit]| 3 Storeys | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Clinton Cerejo and Amjad Nadeem | |||||
| Released | 27 February 2018[5] | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 16:56 | ||||
| Language | Hindi | ||||
| Label | Zee Music Company | ||||
| |||||
| Singles from 3 Storeys | |||||
| |||||
The music of the film has been composed by Clinton Cerejo and Amjad Nadeem while lyrics are penned by Puneet Krishna, Alaukik Rahi, Amjad Nadeem, Shellee and Pushaan Mukherjee. The first song of the film Bas Tu Hai which is sung by Arijit Singh and Jonita Gandhi was released on 14 February 2018 on the occasion of Valentine's Day. The second track of the film titled as Raasleela which is sung by Sumedha Karmahe was released on 21 February 2018. The third song to be released was Azaadiyaan which is sung by Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes was released on 27 February 2018. The soundtrack album of the film consists of 4 songs and was officially released by Zee Music Company on 27 February 2018.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Bas Tu Hai" | Puneet Krishna | Arijit Singh, Jonita Gandhi | 4:23 |
| 2. | "Raasleela" (Music by: Amjad Nadeem) | Alaukik Rahi, Amjad Nadeem | Sumedha Karmahe | 4:07 |
| 3. | "Azaadiyaan" | Shellee | Clinton Cerejo, Bianca Gomes | 4:22 |
| 4. | "Zaroori Bewakoofi" | Pushaan Mukherjee | Mohit Chauhan | 4:04 |
| Total length: | 16:56 | |||
Critical reception
[edit]Lasyapriya Sundaram of The Times of India gave the film a rating of 3.5 out of 5 saying that, "3 Storeys cleverly demonstrates the art of skillfully telling a story wherein all the loose ends of a plot are tied together into a neat whole."[6] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV praised the performances of the actors specially Renuka Shahane but found the conclusion of the story to be weak. The critic gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 and said that, "For all its flaws, 3 Storeys is still worth watching because it seeks to engage with the audience in a manner that is anything but run of the mill."[7] Rajeev Masand of News18 gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 saying that "it's a half-baked experiment with a few shining moments."[8] Sweta Kausal of Hindustan Times gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 saying that, "It is a film that weaves together thriller, love story, social issues, realities and life all in one package, without being too messy. The actors' brilliant performances are added bonus."[9]
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 saying that the movie "comes off nice in bits but uneven overall. Everyone plays it quite competently, despite the predictable beats."[10] Rohit Bhatnagar of Deccan Chronicle was impressed with the performances of all actors and felt Renuka Shahane's act was "flawless."[11] The critic gave the film a rating of 3 out of 5 and said that, "With predictable moments scattered all over the film, debutant director Arjun Mukherjee still takes a brave attempt of making an unconventional thriller."[11] Udita Jhunjhunwala of Live Mint reviewed the film saying that, "Arjun Mukherjee's film has some convincing performances but is tonally inconsistent."[12] Suparno Sarkar of IBTimes gave the film a rating of 3 out of 5 saying that, "3 Storeys is an unconventional drama that could have been much better."[13]
References
[edit]- ^ "3 Storeys teaser: Farhan Akhtar's next production venture uncovers stories hidden inside a chawl". The Indian Express. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
- ^ "After the success of Fukrey Returns, Excel to start the year with 3 Storeys". mid-day. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
- ^ "3 storeys". bookmyshow.com.
- ^ "3 Storeys Movie Review: Renuka Shahane's Film Is Worth Your Time". NDTV.
- ^ "3 Storeys (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018.
- ^ "3 Storeys Movie Review". The Times of India.
- ^ "3 Storeys Movie Review: Renuka Shahane's Film Is Worth Your Time". NDTV.
- ^ "3 Storeys Movie Review: It's a Half-baked Experiment With a Few Shining Moments". News18. 10 March 2018.
- ^ "3 Storeys movie review: Renuka Shahane returns in style with an unconventional thriller". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
- ^ "3 Storeys movie review: Sharman Joshi and Renuka Shahane shine in uneven drama". The Indian Express. 9 March 2018.
- ^ a b "3 Storeys movie review: Convenient yet engaging thriller". Deccan Chronicle. 9 March 2018.
- ^ "Film Review: 3 Storeys". Live Mint.
- ^ "3 Storeys movie review: Great concept, fine performances, but drama is underutilized". IBTimes. 10 March 2018.
External links
[edit]3 Storeys
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and production
Development
3 Storeys marked the feature film directorial debut of Arjun Mukerjee, who conceived the project as an exploration of interconnected lives within Mumbai's chawl communities, capturing the nuances of the city's urban underbelly.[7] The screenplay was written by Dubai-based Althea Kaushal, drawing from real-life observations of chawl existence and personal anecdotes, including her mother's bedtime stories, to address social issues such as regret, hidden secrets, and complex relationships. Originally structured as a 120-page script encompassing four narratives, it was refined to three interwoven stories set across different floors of a single chawl building, a deliberate creative choice to highlight themes of human connection amid isolation without relying on elaborate production elements.[7][8] Production began in early 2017, spearheaded by Excel Entertainment, B4U Motion Pictures, and Open Air Films, with Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Priya Sreedharan as producers; the modest-budget endeavor, estimated at ₹5-7 crore, prioritized intimate, character-focused storytelling over high spectacle.[9][10][11]Casting and filming
The casting for 3 Storeys assembled an ensemble of actors to portray the film's intertwined narratives, with Renuka Shahane cast as the matriarch Flory Mendonca after auditions that highlighted her ability to convey emotional depth in the role. Sharman Joshi was selected as Shankar Varma, while Pulkit Samrat played Vilas Naik, emphasizing the need for performers who could capture the nuances of ordinary urban lives. The production team prioritized chemistry among the leads to support the interconnected structure of the stories.[7] Supporting roles were filled by Masumeh Makhija as Varsha Atre, Richa Chadha as Leela, and Aisha Ahmed in a pivotal role as Malini Mathur, alongside Ankit Rathi as Suhail. The entire cast participated in extensive acting workshops led by Atul Mongia to build authenticity and ensemble dynamics for the chawl setting.[7] Filming took place primarily in Mumbai's chawls to authentically depict urban decay and the close-knit community atmosphere central to the film's theme.[12]Synopsis and characters
Plot
3 Storeys is an anthology film that weaves three parallel stories set in a rundown Mumbai chawl named Mayanagar, interconnected through themes of hidden regrets and chance encounters among its residents. The narrative structure highlights the isolation and intimacy of urban living, where seemingly unrelated lives intersect to reveal deeper layers of human connection and vulnerability. The stories are observed and narrated by Leela, a resident who ties the tales together.[1][13] The first story focuses on Flory Mendonca, a widowed woman attempting to sell part of her house at a high price to Vilas Naik, a potential buyer, while guarding the family secret surrounding her son's death that complicates her interactions.[14] The second storyline centers on Varsha Atre, a woman enduring an abusive marriage to her alcoholic husband, who confronts lingering feelings for her former lover Shankar Varma from a past decision that strained their relationship. Shankar, now a tailor, grapples with guilt over their separation.[15] The third narrative follows Leela, a single mother facing societal pressures and rumors, whose observations and interactions with the chawl's inhabitants expose the intricate social dynamics, including an interfaith romance between young residents Malini and Suhail, and unspoken histories within the community.[16] These tales converge as characters' paths cross in subtle yet pivotal ways, culminating in revelations that underscore themes of trust and redemption amid the chawl's confined urban landscape. Performances by leads like Sharman Joshi heighten the emotional resonance of these intersections.[13][17]Cast
The cast of 3 Storeys features an ensemble of performers bringing to life the intertwined stories of chawl residents in Mumbai, emphasizing themes of regret, abuse, and societal judgment through nuanced portrayals. Renuka Shahane stars as Flory Mendonca, the resilient widow holding her family together amid personal losses following the death of her son.[12] Sharman Joshi portrays Shankar Varma, a tailor haunted by a past romantic decision that led to his separation from his love, seeking to move forward in his daily routine.[12] Pulkit Samrat plays Vilas Naik, the charming newcomer and businessman whose interactions with residents, particularly Flory, gradually expose the chawl's hidden undercurrents and secrets.[12] Masumeh Makhija embodies Varsha Atre, an enigmatic housewife enduring lifelong abuse from her husband, her concealed suffering infusing thriller elements into the narrative.[18] Richa Chadha is Leela, the film's narrator and a single mother facing societal pressures as a rumored sex worker while fiercely protecting her young son and aspiring for a better life.[4] The supporting cast includes Aisha Ahmed as Malini Mathur, a young woman in an interfaith romance; Tarun Anand as Rajesh Atre, Varsha's abusive husband; Ankit Rathi as Suhail, Malini’s love interest; and others depicting the everyday lives of chawl inhabitants, contributing to the film's atmospheric tension.[19]Release
Theatrical release
The film had its theatrical release in India on 9 March 2018.[1] It received a U rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), indicating suitability for unrestricted public exhibition.[20] Distributed by B4U Motion Pictures in association with Excel Entertainment.[21] Marketing efforts included the release of an official trailer on 7 February 2018, which highlighted the suspenseful interwoven narratives of residents in a Mumbai chawl, along with the ensemble cast including Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, and Sharman Joshi; promotional posters emphasized the film's chawl setting and themes of hidden secrets.[21][22] The campaign featured a trailer launch event attended by the cast, focusing on the film's exploration of interconnected lives and social undercurrents.[22]Home media and distribution
The soundtrack rights for 3 Storeys were acquired by Zee Music Company, which released the original motion picture album in 2018, featuring compositions by Clinton Cerejo and enhancing the film's reach through digital music platforms.[23] As of November 2025, the film is not available for streaming, rent, or purchase on major digital platforms in India, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies.[24]Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack album for 3 Storeys was released on February 27, 2018, by Zee Music Company, comprising four original songs with a total runtime of 16:56. The music was composed by Clinton Cerejo, with additional composition by Amjad Nadeem.[25]| No. | Title | Composer(s) | Lyricist(s) | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Bas Tu Hai" | Clinton Cerejo | Puneet Krishna | Arijit Singh, Jonita Gandhi | 4:20 |
| 2 | "Raasleela" | Amjad Nadeem | Alaukik Rahi, Amjad Nadeem | Sumedha Karmakar | 3:44 |
| 3 | "Azaadiyaan" | Clinton Cerejo | Shellee | Clinton Cerejo, Bianca Gomes | 4:30 |
| 4 | "Zaroori Bewakoofi" | Clinton Cerejo | Pushaan Mukherjee | Mohit Chauhan | 4:22 |