Stolen

A gripping top class thriller which keeps you on the edge of your seat for most part. It is like a car starting up, getting into the first gear, speeding up fast on to top gear and finally getting into overdrive. A baby is stolen, two brothers are the suspects, the cops are not in a mood to listen and there are a number of angry villagers.

The director takes you along in a wild ride and you are in middle of the chaos, frenzy, suspense and excitement as the characters get into a high speed chase. Some superb action here with high class cinematography and editing to keep you engrossed throughout. The plot twists match the twists and turns of the terrain as the vehicle chased by bikers navigates the ravines and roads Full marks to the director, actors, cinematographer and editor for turning out a well made thriller.

Story: The film uses the framework of a kidnapping to explore weightier themes-the corrupting influence of money, the abuse of surrogacy rights, and the modern plague of fake news. This layered narrative makes the film more than just a thriller; it's a mirror to our times.

The result is an atmospheric thriller that resonates well beyond its runtime.

Screenplay: The screenplay is taut and unrelenting. Every scene adds weight to the narrative, ensuring the tension remains high without ever feeling forced. It's a masterclass in how to balance storytelling economy with emotional heft.

Direction: Karan Tejpal's direction is commendably restrained. He maintains a tight grip on the story, choosing to let silence and atmosphere do the heavy lifting rather than overt dramatics.

Performances: Abhishek Banerjee delivers a standout performance, bringing intensity and vulnerability to his role. Mia Maelzer, as Jhumpa, is a revelation-her portrayal is raw, grounded, and heartbreakingly human.

Cinematography: The use of sparsely populated, almost desolate locations reinforces the psychological landscape of the characters.

Music: The minimalist score is used sparingly but effectively, never intruding upon the storytelling. It enhances rather than dictates emotion-a refreshing change.

Editing: Crisp and calculated, the editing keeps the narrative tight. The decision to avoid flashbacks helps maintain the film's forward momentum and adds to its real-time urgency.

Highlights: The biggest triumph of the film is its refusal to be preachy. Despite tackling multiple social issues, the messaging is woven seamlessly into the plot-never delivered at the cost of entertainment.

Drawbacks: The only notable shortcoming is its somewhat soft ending. After such a tightly wound buildup, the resolution feels slightly underplayed, leaving one craving a more impactful close.

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes. It's a smart, moody thriller that builds atmosphere and tension without resorting to clichés.

Will I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Especially to viewers who appreciate thrillers with substance and social relevance.

A great thriller keeps you hooked without unnecessary distractions, and this movie does exactly that. Every scene unfolds in its own unique setting, keeping things fresh and engaging. The raw, unpolished filmmaking style adds to the realism, making the experience feel even more immersive. The performances are truly impressive-not just from the actors but from the entire crew, who bring the story to life with skill and intensity. The pacing keeps you on edge, making it a gripping watch.

If this film were Korean, it would likely receive endless praise, yet Stolen hasn't gotten the recognition it truly deserves. It delivers everything a solid thriller should, but somehow remains underappreciated. Definitely worth checking out!

#KiduMovie 200/2025.

An exhilarating movie from start to finish, incredibly fast-paced and ceaselessly engaging, leaving the audience perpetually guessing what's next. It perfectly blends elements of dark comedy with intense, action-packed, violent sequences.

The film explores interesting dynamics such as the complicated relationship between brothers, the disparities between rich and poor, and the contrasts between urban and rural India.

I found myself wholly absorbed and thoroughly enjoyed the movie - the only thing I didn't like was the shaky camera in parts which was a bit distracting.

I've heard some people comparing this movie to NH10, so if you liked that I highly recommend you check out Stolen.

Enjoy the ride! 👶🏼

Stolen is a raw and rustic survival drama that starts setting up the plot right from the first frame. The characters step in quickly, and the drama begins to unfold in a real and raw manner. The acting performances are both rustic and impressive. Abhishek Banerjee balances both sides of his character-being a rich, stiff kind of guy and a man trapped in gory danger. Mia Maelzer is organic in her rural Bengali portrayal and expresses emotions in a very real way.

Shubham plays his part well.

The movie is a survival drama where the characters keep getting caught in a loop of traps. The best part of the film is the way it's shot-especially the chaotic scenes, where you feel the intensity and suffocation. Somewhere in the second half, the movie loses momentum with its repeatedly long chase sequences, despite a crisp 90-minute runtime. Towards the end, the dots connect, and everything starts to make sense. Overall, Stolen may not be a trendy commercial film, but it has all the elements of a gritty, rustic survival drama, with action and realism in storytelling, showcasing different themes of society such as misinformation and classism.

OVERALL 7/10.