Stolen is a gripping Hindi thriller-drama directed by debutant Karan Tejpal, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Storyline
The story kicks off in a rural Indian railway station: a young photographer, Raman, steps off a train while a woman named Jhumpa is frantically crying out that her baby has been stolen. As a crowd gathers, suspicion quickly falls on Raman, who is accused of abduction. His elder brother Gautam, who has arrived to pick him up for a wedding, finds himself pulled into the chaos and defuses the situation with the police.
While the authorities treat Jhumpa’s cries with indifference, Raman is moved by her desperation and the brothers, battling a moral dilemma, decide to help the mysterious woman. One thing leads to another and what begins as a journey to wedding venue spirals into a dark and dangerous ride filled with tension, violence, and uncertainty.
Who is Jhumpa really? Will she be reunited with her child? And what will the brothers have to endure to uncover the truth?
Our critique
From the very first scene, Stolen pulls you in. The film presents a simple scenario: a mother in distress, a compassionate yet confused young man, and a pragmatic elder brother who just wants to stay out of trouble. As the trio move together, the film steadily builds tension, one incident at a time, culminating in a chilling encounter with mob violence — a crucial turning point that test the characters’ sense of right and wrong.
The screenplay and direction work in perfect sync. The storytelling remains focused, grounded, and thankfully free from melodrama. The events unfold with in an unpredictable way, yet they seem believable.
The cinematography effectively captures the gritty atmosphere and emotions of each scene. The background score is subtle but effective, complementing the film’s tone.
Screen Performances
The cast delivers powerful performances. Abhishek Banerjee stuns as Gautam — effortlessly transitioning from aloof confidence to vulnerability and fear. Shubham Vardhan impresses as Raman, showing a compelling mix of innocence and moral dilemma. But it’s Mia Maelzer who stands out as Jhumpa, delivering a raw, haunting performance that forms the emotional core of the film.
Overall opinion
Stolen is a must-watch — for its taut storytelling, sharp direction, immersive cinematography, and stellar performances.
Our rating
