Karan Tejpal’s “Stolen” is a thrilling and chilling ride into the brutality of how a mob works when misled by wrong information. What begins as a random moment—two brothers, Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham Vardhan), simply being present at the scene of a child’s abduction—quickly spirals into a nightmare. Mistaken for the kidnappers of young Champa, they find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of suspicion, violence, and chaos.
But “Stolen” is more than just a real-life inspired taut thriller. It’s a piercing commentary on mob mentality, misinformation, and the price of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. At its core, it’s also a story about human decency—about two men fighting not only for their survival but also for justice, doing all they can to reunite a mother, Jhumpa, with her missing child. A rare thriller that rises above genre conventions, “Stolen” grips you with urgency while confronting you with uncomfortable truths. If the film left you shaken and stirred, here are 10 other similar movies that echo its themes of chaos, conscience, and collective hysteria.
10. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, “No One Killed Jessica” is a gripping dramatization of the real-life murder of model Jessica Lal, shot in front of a crowd at a party in Delhi. The film splits its focus between her sister Sabrina’s quiet resilience and a fearless journalist’s explosive crusade for justice. Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji anchor the film with powerful performances, as it dissects how privilege, power, and political connections distort the course of justice. The film captures the despair of the powerless and the rage of a public denied closure. Fans of “Stolen” will resonate with its portrayal of systemic failure, wrongful blame, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst social and institutional chaos.
9. Ariyippu (2022)
“Ariyippu” is a slow-burning Malayalam drama set in the grim industrial outskirts of Noida. It follows a migrant couple working at a glove factory whose lives spiral into paranoia and distrust after a personal video surfaces online, blurring truth and manipulation. Mahesh uses quiet frames and minimalistic storytelling to build a mood of unease, focusing on fractured relationships, class struggle, and moral ambiguity. The performances by Kunchacko Boban and Divya Prabha are haunting in their restraint, reflecting ordinary people caught in extraordinary moral dilemmas. Those who liked “Stolen” will appreciate “Ariyippu” for its grounded realism, slow dread, and how a simple misunderstanding snowballs into life-altering consequences.
8. After My Death (2017)
“After My Death” is a bleak and emotionally shattering Korean drama that explores the aftermath of a high school girl’s disappearance. When Young-hee is accused of driving her missing friend to suicide, she’s abandoned by classmates, doubted by adults, and tormented by a community desperate for closure. The film unfolds like a psychological descent, immersing us in Young-hee’s isolation, despair, and growing loss of identity. Kim Ui-seok crafts a suffocating atmosphere where grief turns into suspicion, and guilt is assigned without evidence. “Stolen” fans will connect with “After My Death” for its intense emotional realism, social critique, and the horrifying weight of being wrongly judged by an unforgiving public.
7. Jai Bhim (2021)
“Jai Bhim” is a searing legal drama based on real events, centered around the wrongful incarceration and brutal police torture of a tribal man. The film follows Advocate Chandru, played with steely conviction by Suriya, as he unearths systemic caste oppression and exposes the violent machinery that protects the powerful. With grounded performances, immersive writing, and powerful courtroom sequences, Gnanavel doesn’t just tell a story—he builds a case against apathy and institutionalized injustice. The emotional core lies in the quiet endurance of the victim’s wife, whose courage fuels the fight, much like “Stolen,” equally powerful for its raw portrayal of innocence crushed by authority and the terrifying consequences of simply being powerless in the wrong system.
6. Vazhakku Enn 18/9 (2012)
Directed by Balaji Sakthivel, “Vazhakku Enn 18/9” is a gritty Tamil crime drama that delves into the lives of marginalized youth caught in a web of betrayal, social injustice, and harsh realities. The film focuses on two teenagers whose lives collide amidst a tragic incident fueled by power, exploitation, and corruption. Sakthivel’s naturalistic storytelling and authentic performances create a raw, unvarnished look at how the vulnerable are often crushed by systemic neglect and societal apathy. The film’s realistic portrayal of urban poverty and youth struggles is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Those who liked “Stolen” will appreciate “Vazhakku Enn 18/9” for its relentless exploration of injustice, the brutal consequences of false accusations, and the way ordinary lives get caught in violent social forces beyond their control.
5. Article 15 (2019)
Anubhav Sinha’s “Article 15” is a hard-hitting crime drama inspired by true incidents of caste-based discrimination in rural India. The film follows a principled police officer, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who uncovers the grim realities of social injustice, police apathy, and entrenched prejudice while investigating the disappearance of three girls. Sinha’s unflinching direction and sharp screenplay expose the systemic rot beneath India’s democratic ideals, highlighting the gap between law and lived experience. The film combines gripping investigative drama with potent social commentary, making it both intense and eye-opening. Fans of Stolen will connect with “Article 15” for its raw portrayal of institutional failure, the fight against injustice, and the tension arising when ordinary people become victims of a broken system.
4. Peepli Live (2010)
“Peepli Live” is a dark satire that exposes the tragic absurdity of farmer suicides in India and the media circus that follows. The story centers on Natha, a desperate farmer who contemplates suicide to secure government compensation for his family, only to become a pawn in a frenzy of political agendas and sensationalist news coverage. Rizvi masterfully balances humor with heartbreak, using sharp wit to critique how suffering is commodified and exploited by those in power. The film’s nuanced portrayal of rural struggles and media hypocrisy resonates deeply. The ones who admire “Stolen” will appreciate “Peepli Live” for its incisive social critique, its depiction of marginalized lives caught in larger systems, and the way it exposes the often cruel intersection of personal tragedy and public spectacle.
3. Silenced (2011)
“Silenced” is a harrowing South Korean drama based on true events, exposing the systemic sexual abuse of hearing-impaired children at a school. The film follows a newly appointed teacher who uncovers the horrific truth and battles institutional cover-ups and apathy to seek justice. Hwang’s direction is unflinching and raw, confronting the audience with disturbing realities and the chilling consequences of silence. The performances are powerful, evoking both anger and sorrow, while the story illustrates the urgent need for accountability and reform. If you liked “Stolen,” you will find “Silenced” compelling for its relentless examination of institutional failure, the devastating impact of injustice on the vulnerable, and the courage required to confront brutal truths.
2. Memories of Murder (2003)
“Memories of Murder” is a masterful South Korean crime thriller based on the true story of the country’s first known serial murders. Set in the 1980s, the film follows two detectives struggling against a backdrop of rural ignorance, limited forensic tools, and bureaucratic indifference as they chase a cunning killer. Bong expertly blends suspense with dark humor and social critique, portraying the frustration of justice delayed and the desperation that festers in a community gripped by fear. The film’s haunting atmosphere and complex characters elevate it beyond a typical whodunit. Fans of “Stolen” will be drawn to “Memories of Murder” for its exploration of systemic failure, the terrifying ripple effect of unresolved crimes, and the profound human cost of living under suspicion and chaos.
1. Visaranai (2015)
Directed by Vetrimaaran, “Visaranai” is a brutal, unflinching Tamil crime drama that exposes the darkest corners of police brutality and systemic corruption. Based on true events, it follows four migrant laborers who are wrongfully accused and subjected to merciless torture to extract false confessions. Vetrimaaran’s raw storytelling and stark visuals immerse the audience in a world where justice is twisted into a tool of oppression. The film’s harrowing realism and relentless pace make it a searing indictment of institutional violence and the vulnerability of the powerless.
For fans of Stolen, “Visaranai” resonates deeply with its portrayal of innocent lives destroyed by corrupt systems, and its uncompromising look at how quickly innocence can be shattered by unchecked authority. This film is a devastating wake-up call on the cost of silence and complicity.
