3 Storeys
3 Storeys is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language anthology thriller drama film directed by debutant Arjun Mukherjee.[1] It stars an ensemble cast including Renuka Shahane, Pulkit Samrat, Richa Chadha, Sharman Joshi, and Masumeh Makhija in lead roles.[2] Set in a Mumbai residential apartment building, the film interweaves three interconnected stories that uncover hidden secrets, past regrets, and complex human relationships among the residents.[3] The narratives explore themes of forbidden love, domestic abuse, and personal redemption through characters such as a reclusive widow attempting to sell her flat, a woman enduring an abusive marriage, and a man grappling with guilt from his past.[4] Produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Priya Sreedharan under Excel Entertainment, the movie premiered in theatres on 9 March 2018.[1][5] It received mixed critical reception, praised for its strong performances and atmospheric tension but critiqued for uneven pacing in its anthology structure.[6]Development 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 |