Stolen (2025) Movie ft. Abhishek and Shubham
Stolen marks a breakthrough in independent Indian cinema. This survival thriller features Abhishek Banerjee in a career-defining role, supported by Mia Maelzer, Shubham Vardhan, and Harish Khanna.
Plot That Grips From Frame One
The story unfolds at a rural railway station where brothers Gautam and Raman witness a baby’s kidnapping. What starts as a simple journey to a wedding becomes a life-altering nightmare. The film uses this setup to explore class divide, fake news, and systemic injustice.
The 90-minute runtime ensures every scene matters. No moment feels wasted as the tension builds relentlessly.
Performance Excellence
Abhishek Banerjee transforms completely in this role. I was impressed by how he shifts from a privileged urbanite to a man facing harsh reality. His performance feels raw and authentic throughout.
Mia Maelzer brings genuine emotion as the desperate mother. Her rural portrayal never feels forced or stereotypical. Shubham Vardhan delivers solid work as the morally driven brother.
Technical Brilliance
Karan Tejpal’s direction shows remarkable maturity for a debut. He lets silence and atmosphere carry the weight instead of loud dramatics.
The cinematography captures rural India beautifully. Those chaotic scenes make you feel the characters’ desperation. Nearly half the film uses long continuous takes, creating documentary-like realism.
What Works
The film’s authenticity stands out most. Everything feels real rather than manufactured for drama. The social commentary on fake news and mob justice hits hard without being preachy.
Technical aspects shine throughout. The editing keeps perfect pace while the sound design creates genuine tension.
I found the character development particularly strong. Abhishek’s transformation feels earned rather than forced.
Minor Issues
The second half loses slight momentum with repetitive chase sequences. Some supporting characters could use deeper development.
The film’s raw nature might not suit all viewers. A few plot points stretch believability slightly.
Critical Success
The film earned 7.5/10 on IMDb and strong audience praise. It premiered at Venice Film Festival 2023 as India’s only selection.
International recognition followed with wins at Beijing, Japan’s Skip City, and Zurich Film Festivals. Critics consistently praise the performances and technical excellence.
Currently trending Top 10 on Prime Video in both India and US, proving audience appreciation.
My Verdict
Stolen proves content-driven stories still captivate audiences globally. Despite modest budget, it rivals bigger productions through strong performances and intelligent writing.
Karan Tejpal has crafted a thriller that entertains while making you think. The film stays with you long after watching.
I recommend this for anyone seeking authentic cinema that combines thrills with substance. Abhishek Banerjee alone makes it worth your time.
Rating: 4/5
