User reviews

This film has an amazing story. The moments are incredible. Litrally, you can not take your eyes off while watching. When you start watching you can not stop. It just like you take breathin and stuck, when film ends you feel relax. It is such an amazing film. I dont know you guys are relating these words or not. But really if you looking good cinema you just need to watch this.

Beautiful thing is this film can not free you for a moment. Its grab your attantion all the time while watching.

A friend of mine is recommend me this film. So I watched. Now I recommend you.

Applause to the director and the actors for such an amazing work.

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.

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 refreshing story and take on storytelling compared to the current-age bollywood films.

All the actors are fantastic. But the real winner is the director and producer here. Very unique shots and realistic way of creating a immersive experience.

A good light upon the India that we don't see, just scroll through. This is coming from a Tier 1 city audience.

Also what really caught my attention was that there was little to no background music. And it didn't need a loud, melodramatic score. So that was a very unconventional, brilliant choice as well.

I hope more movies like this are made that are socially relevant and entertaining!

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.

When a screenplay reaches its peak too early, there is a significant risk that intensity may drop off in the latter half of the film, particularly during the final act. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened in this particular instance.

The tale begins with a powerful introduction, swiftly immersing me in the core storyline and characters. I appreciated the urgency and grit conveyed through the storytelling. However, after the one-hour mark, the momentum and intended impact of the events begin to decline sharply. As a result, the climactic conclusion, which was meant to establish a fresh 'high', ultimately feels insufficient given the scope and circumstances.

Moreover, the final message, which I must refrain from discussing in detail to avoid spoilers, does not evoke the desired emotional response, at least in my case.

This movie is true depiction of what a little misunderstanding can lead to a whole another world for you and you're not even prepared for it. There's always another side to a story. We should never jump to conclusions by just watching a viral video on social media.

This movie showed the reality of the mobs and how they work. You can literally get killed and there will be no one to blame. Kudos to the writer director for showing the cruel part of our society with so much honesty and dedication.

Child trafficking is a sin not to be forgiven ever. A parent's worst nightmare.

The way this movie shot is mind-blowing. The one take shots. Close-ups and long take chase scenes. A true cinematic experience at its very best. This movie is one of the best thrillers I've seen from Bollywood so far.

Highly Highly recommended!!!

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.

Had a great time watching the movie, great acting, direction, production quality. The film captures the essence of Rajasthan India and the thrill builds up beautifully. One hidden gem that looks will reign for a long time because it's now on Amazon Prime. Delighted to see that someone is giving oppertunity to young directors to produce meaningful conversation cinema. The long shots, the background characters all add up to the film beautifully. Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham, Mia and Harish Chandra stand out with absolute natural performances that make this 133 minutes watch a delight though the story line and screenplay is the real winner.

Stolen 2025 started off with promise but quickly lost all logic. The man had no reason to visit that house as a witness. Fine, I accepted that. Then he gets overly emotional and blindly supports the woman. Still, I gave it the benefit of doubt.

The whole village is chasing them, bullets are flying, and now that crazy woman is hiding in the village with an axe. None of it makes sense.

Like seriously did the writers forget common sense? The whole village turns violent without asking a single question. Just because the main characters are from the city they are civil and wise, and everyone from the village acts like they have no brains? That is lazy and unfair writing.

Disappointed and annoyed.

Also, stop misusing Rajasthan and Haryana for this kind of drama.

From its opening frames, Stolen grabs hold and never loosens its grip, delivering a cinematic experience that is nothing short of fantastic. This film excels in every aspect, from its meticulously crafted visuals to its deeply resonant performances, culminating in a thriller that is a definite must-watch.

The movie's technical prowess is immediately evident. The camera work is exquisite, capturing every nuance and emotion with precision, while the cinematography paints a vivid and often breathtaking picture. Complementing this visual feast is an intense background score that masterfully amplifies the tension and emotional weight of each scene, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative.

At the heart of Stolen are its lead characters, brought to life by truly compelling performances. While the entire ensemble shines, Abhishek Banerjee delivers a performance that truly outshines everyone else. His portrayal is nuanced, powerful, and utterly captivating. Not to be outdone, Jhumpa and Abhishek's brother also deliver great performances, adding layers of authenticity and emotional depth to the story.

However, the greatest triumph of the movie lies in its screenplay. What initially appears to be a seemingly simple story is elevated by brilliant fictionalization and masterful pacing. The narrative is replete with well-placed twists and turns, and the "spikes" in certain scenes are so intensely crafted that you don't just watch the movie - you feel it. The emotional resonance and the sheer impact of these moments are truly remarkable.

Perhaps most importantly, Stolen is relentlessly engaging. From the very first scene to the last, the film maintains an unwavering hold on its audience, ensuring that every moment is compelling and purposeful. This consistent engagement, combined with its technical brilliance and powerful performances, makes this movie a truly unforgettable cinematic achievement.

A must-watch for sure.

Karan Tejpal's Stolen is a taut psychological thriller that unfolds like an observation of complicity under a conscientious microscope. The vision of self creeps in quietly, and leaves you staring at yourself longer than you'd like.

Set in the blistering stillness of rural India, the film begins with a crime: a baby is stolen from a mother sleeping on a railway platform. But this plot is only the surface. The deeper drama lies in how the event reverberates through the psyches of the two urban brothers who happen to be at the site of crime.

What makes Stolen compelling is its refusal to deliver catharsis. There are no heroes here, only spectators. The camera lingers on what it means to observe thus making the theft of the child a symbolic act of everything that is routinely taken from the invisible lower class by the booming higher class that watches, pities, and moves on.

The psychological tension between the characters stems from their internal dissonance, but it also triggers our own. As their silence becomes contagious, our privileges grow porous; while we ask ourselves, what have we become in our cumulative inaction?

Tejpal is particularly astute in portraying how the mind rationalises guilt. One brother intellectualises it, tries to help without awareness of ground realities, the other tries to ignore, flee from social responsibility, all the while justifying his cold-heartedness to himself. However, neither escape. The film quietly reveals how avoidance metastasises into self-estrangement. Their shared silence becomes a third character, more haunting than the crime itself.

Stolen embraces restraint, building an atmosphere of moral claustrophobia: long takes, chaotic dialogue, and a slow unravelling that mirrors how trauma often seeps in sideways.

What elevates the film is its unflinching look at the psychology of witnessing. In an age where tragedies are scrolled past, at the most just re-posted, Stolen asks:

• What is the emotional cost of observing pain and doing nothing?

• When does inaction become a form of violence?

Stolen leaves you not with answers, but with discomforting questions, the kind that don't fade with the credits.

• Were we primarily rooting for the safety of the brothers or justice for the mother?

• Throughout the film, how much did we distrust based on social status of characters?

• How many actions did we compartmentalise as 'practical' or 'emotional'?

• Is our urge of sticking to the safe zone, dangerous for those with lesser social power?

• What's our responsibility towards those with lesser power than us?

It's a reminder that sometimes, what's taken isn't just an external object, but a part within us, we didn't know was still intact.

Anwar Says: A movie backed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao and Anurag Kashyap have more than incentive to watch and this Karan Tejpal debut film showed enough potential in the beginning. A completely unusual story, a child stolen from Station platform and two brothers, one inclined and other forced to help the hysterical mother.

Abhishek Banerjee has been offered a role of lifetime and he delivered , changing from his comic image. Younger brother Shubham Vardan is idealistic and manages his brother to help the mother, Mia Maeizer, who is the soul of the movie. Her grief and pain look so realistic with her dialect of Hindi mixed Bengali makes it distinct.

The movie is disturbing and in spite of brave and noteworthy efforts of Director and actors, may not have a long lasting effect on audiences. Particularly the climax was a hush-hush and the place where all the mob lynching takes place, doesn't look real. 3 out of 5 from me.

#amazonprime #anwarsays #moblynching #surrogate #uniqueplot #AbhishekBanerjee.

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! 👶🏼

The film starts very interestingly and unusually as two brothers get embroiled in a child kidnapping case that they were merely a witness to. One of them is willing to help the mother get back her child while the other believes this is none of his business. Evidently, the story is about the change of heart of the callous brother and how he finally helps solve the case.

This basic premise that forms the major part of the first half is interesting. But in raising the stakes against our heroes by getting them on a roller-coaster journey (quite literally), the storytelling gets convoluted, and you also lose interest. Suddenly, the victims are confused to be the kidnappers, and a whole village chases them to death as if they have nothing better to do. The pace increases, the action gets adrenaline-pumping but the narrative strays from the central plot.

By the time the story comes back to the core theme of kidnapping and when you finally get to know the motive behind the crime, you just lose connect and interest in the film. The expectations go rife but the execution is tame.

Performances are good - particularly from the mother (Mia Maelzer) who is amazing. Shubham Vardhan, as the sorted brother, reminds of Abhay Deol in his dialogue delivery and performance and is as much nuanced. Abhishek Bannerjee gets his moments in the second half and does well.

What a journey Stolen was! From the first frame to the last, it grips you by the jawbone-literally-and refuses to let go. It's one of those thrillers that doesn't just give you chills; it injects straight into your spine.

At the heart of it lies a question that hits hard: Should you help someone in need, even if they're from the fringes of society? The film doesn't hand you answers but makes sure you're asking yourself that question long after the credits roll.

The score? Absolutely electric. It doesn't just complement the scenes-it amplifies the chaos. Goosebumps are guaranteed.

The acting-ooh gosh-it was brilliant. Abhishek Banerjee delivers a career-best performance, slipping into his character with unnerving ease. And by the way... he was right after all. That's why you should always listen to your big brother. 👀

And let's not forget the surprise MVP of the film: the Fortuner. Who knew an SUV could have a bigger character arc than half the cast? At this rate, Toyota's stock is about to skyrocket. Give that car an award-or at least a Netflix spin-off. 😂

Cinematography was insane. Every shot was crafted with precision, adding depth and mood that elevated the entire experience. It wasn't just a film-it was a visual sprint.

The pacing? Fast. Very fast. But amid all the action, the film managed to explore the lives of the lowborn, highlighting their struggles without slowing the momentum. That's a tightrope walk, and they nailed it.

Hats off to the director for pulling off such a gripping, layered, and surprisingly reflective ride. This isn't just entertainment-it's a conversation starter.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 Stolen (2025) isn't just a film. It's a wild ride with heart, grit, Abhishek Banerjee at full power, and yes... a Fortuner that might just steal your heart.

At its core, Stolen is a meditation on humanity, justice, and the consequences of misinformation. The film delves into the complexities of mob mentality, the exploitation of the marginalized, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in crisis. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases, making it a timely and thought-provoking piece of cinema. It is a film that not only entertains but also educates and provokes thought. With its gripping narrative, outstanding performances, and powerful social message, it sets a new benchmark for Indian thrillers. In an era where Bollywood often leans heavily on spectacle, Stolen emerges as a stark, unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability and societal fractures.

This film's narrative has potential, but the execution is marred by questionable casting choices. Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham Vardhan, as Gautam and Raman, struggle to convincingly portray their characters' upscale background, which detracts from the story's overall impact.

In my opinion, Mohit Raina would have been a strong fit for Gautam's role, bringing the necessary depth and nuance to the character. Similarly, Pankit Thakker would have been well-suited to Raman's role, leveraging his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle performances. Actors with understated approaches, like Mohit Raina and Pankit Thakker, might have elevated the film's emotional resonance.

The story starts off strong, engaging the viewer with its urgency and grit. However, the momentum wanes after the first hour, leading to an underwhelming conclusion. Mia Maelzer shines as the distraught mother, delivering a powerful and restrained performance that adds depth to the narrative.

Overall, the film's potential is hindered by casting choices. While fans of character-driven dramas may find it interesting, the missteps in casting and pacing hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Watched this gem of a film at the MAMI film festival. It's a tight 90 minute thriller which keeps you hooked till the last moment. A well crafted film by the technical crew, reminds of Children of men car scene but more intense.

As a screenplay, it's superb with it's structure Abhishek Banerjee is brilliant throughout the movie & Carrie's this film really well as a protagonist Themes of what Whatsaap, mistrust among people have done to us as a society. Violence. Child kidnapping are well explored.

Do watch it in a cinema near you. Trust me it won't disappoint you if you are a lover of the thriller genre.

One night turns into a nightmare for brothers Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham Vardhan) as they try to help an underprivileged woman Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) find her kidnapped infant. The baby gets stolen from a railway station, where Gautam has come to receive Raman. The brothers (at least one of them) wants to steer clear of any trouble. They have their mother's wedding to attend. "Who's wedding?" asks a flabbergasted cop as he questions Raman. This detail is not just for gags.

Writers Karan, Gaurav Dhingra and Swapnil Salkar, subtly inform what kind of family Gautam and Raman hail from, one that is both loaded and liberal. Each brother, however, sticks to only one of these facets. Raman is the prisoner of his conscience while Gautam runs by apathy. As Jhumpa frantically searches for her baby, Gautam keeps away, arguing with a vendor on call over flower decoration. "I said orchids, not carnations."

Stolen can seem convenient at instances. Raman can come off as too do-goody, while Gautam seems to give in too easy. But once the film kicks in, it flies like a bullet. Out to find the infant, the brothers find themselves being mistaken for child-kidnappers. Soon their death warrants are signed by WhatsApp.

Karan's direction takes on a necessary, feverish urgency as mobs throng around the SUV Gautam, Raman and Jhumpa are in. The themes and the logical and moral flaws were soon jettisoned as Isshaan Ghosh and Sachin S Pillai's camera-work grabbed me by the throat. A lynching scene is so gut-wrenchingly shot that it will send shivers down your spine. There is also an in-car sequence when Gautam and gang are being chased by a blood-thirsty, brainwashed mob.

Stolen belongs to the Navdeep Singh, Sudeep Sharma brand of cinema which has lost its space on the big screen. It is raw, gritty and eye-opening. It's privilege coming face-to-bloodied-face with the rest of India. Raman, Gautam and Jhumpa all undergo a stressful ride but what is most cathartic is Gautam's arc. He is a stand-in for the gated society-dwelling urban Indian, who is quick to speed away if he spots an accident on the road. Who probably declares himself apolitical during heated discussions. Who thinks giving money is a way out of everything, but who soon realises that you can't bargain with bigots.

Abhishek Banerjee is superb in his first leading role in a feature film. His character goes through a lot - from an arrogant chap who can get away with the help of money to the one who gets humbled by the circumstances - and he gets it right perfectly. Shubham Vardhan has a fine screen presence and plays his part with aplomb. He's sure to get noticed by the film industry, thanks to this film. Mia Maelzer is an even bigger surprise and is an actor to watch out for. Harish Khanna (Pandit ji; constable), Sahidur Rahaman (Inspector Shakti Singh) and Saarthak Dewan (Acchelal) lend able support. Bhanu (Tea Boy) is fair.

The film is inspired by a 2018 lynching case in Assam, where two urbane travellers were beaten to death by a mob who confused them for child-traffickers. In the era of information inundation, we, as viewers, have become numb to news and videos of mob lynchings. Hence, even though Stolen tells a tale of our time, it can feel dated, not revelatory enough. It is nothing you haven't read already, scrolled past or posted stories about. It might not provide enough answers but it poses questions, which although repetitive, are still worth asking.