Directed by Karan Tejpal, “Stolen” is a special movie. It doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of themes or story, but the filmmaking itself is so staggering that you cannot help but marvel at it. One of the best kinds of movies is those that keep unfolding with every passing second you watch them, revealing new layers and keeping you on edge. And that’s exactly what “Stolen” does — from start to finish, you never feel safe watching it. It’s like sitting beside a drunk driver who could take the car anywhere at any moment, with no warning.
The movie begins in a very normal, almost familiar way — a child has been abducted, and the search begins. It’s a run-of-the-mill setup that many movies have explored before. But what unfolds after that initial premise is anything but normal. The story takes a sharp turn into something far more complex and intense. The focus isn’t just on the abduction itself but also on the intertwined lives of the characters involved, especially Gautam and Raman, two brothers traveling to their mother’s wedding. From the start, the film plants subtle suspicions, especially around Jhumpa, the woman who claims to be the baby’s mother. This suspicion isn’t portrayed in a typical way; it hangs in the background, quietly unsettling.
What makes “Stolen” truly compelling is how it slowly peels back its layers. On the surface, it seems straightforward: a search for a missing child. But beneath that, there’s a social commentary simmering — about class divides, about privilege, about how quickly people can jump to conclusions. The tension escalates when the brothers and Jhumpa find themselves in a nightmarish situation after a wrongly presented viral video spreads on social media. This misinformation turns public opinion sharply against them, and what should have been a search for justice turns into a hunt against them.
The moment the villagers turn hostile and go after Gautam, Raman, and Jhumpa, the movie’s tension spikes to a fever pitch. The sense of dread is palpable, and the directing here is nothing short of stupendous. The way Karan Tejpal captures this escalating hysteria is one of the film’s strongest points — you feel the suffocating pressure on the characters as the mob closes in. The viral video, a simple clip taken out of context, spirals into chaos, demonstrating how easily misinformation can destroy lives in an instant.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Gautam and Raman’s lives have been changed forever. They become unwilling players in a much larger narrative — a reflection on how society treats those who are different or accused, often without any real proof. This is not just a thriller; it’s a harsh mirror held up to the reality of how fast people judge, how social media can amplify fear and hatred, and how those judgments can lead to real-life consequences. The movie never preaches but allows the audience to feel the weight of these social issues through its characters.
The performances in “Stolen” deserve particular praise. Abhishek Banerjee as Gautam delivers one of his most nuanced performances. He embodies a man caught between privilege and morality, initially reluctant to get involved but gradually drawn into a harrowing journey that forces him to reevaluate everything he believes. Banerjee’s restraint — his ability to show so much with just a glance or a subtle shift in expression — adds layers to his character, making Gautam’s transformation believable and heartfelt.
Shubham Vardhan as Raman offers a strong counterbalance. His character is empathetic, grounded, and unafraid to stand up for what is right, even when it puts him in danger. Raman’s steadfastness provides an emotional core to the film, giving audiences someone to root for amid the chaos. Mia Maelzer as Jhumpa is equally compelling. Her portrayal of a desperate mother, fighting against both societal bias and personal loss, is raw and authentic. Her grief and determination feel real, grounding the film’s emotional stakes.
Despite the many dark and pessimistic moments throughout the narrative, “Stolen” ends on a surprisingly hopeful note. That glimmer of optimism is subtle but powerful — a reassurance that even in the bleakest situations, humanity can find a way to persist. This ending doesn’t tie everything up neatly, nor does it pretend that all is well. Instead, it offers a sense of cautious hope, reminding us that amidst pain and injustice, there is still space for compassion and change.
Karan Tejpal’s direction deserves special mention for how he handles the film’s pacing and atmosphere. The tension never lets up, and yet the film never feels rushed. The gradual unfolding of events and the carefully constructed suspense keep you glued to the screen, never allowing a moment of complacency. Visually, the film uses its rural settings and claustrophobic interiors to full effect, amplifying the feeling of unease and urgency. The camera work often puts you right inside the action, like the intense sequences when the characters are cornered or pursued, creating a feeling of being trapped alongside them.
What also stands out is how the film tackles the theme of social media’s impact on real life without resorting to clichés. The viral video that sparks the mob’s wrath is a chilling reminder of how easily misinformation spreads and the devastating consequences it can have. The film’s treatment of this issue feels timely and necessary, holding a mirror up to society without being didactic.
“Stolen” is a film that grabs you and never lets go. It is intense, unsettling, and at times heartbreaking, but it also leaves you with a quiet hope — hope that even in the darkest times, there is a spark of goodness worth fighting for. This movie is an important watch, not just for its storytelling but for its bold reflection on the world we live in today.
