Stolen

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!!!