Indian auteur Anurag Kashyap is throwing his weight behind emerging talent, coming aboard as presenter for Anuparna Roy’s feature directorial debut “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” which will world premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival.
The human drama marks India’s only selection in Venice’s Horizons strand, joining the ranks of previous films including Chaitanya Tamhane’s “Court” and Karan Tejpal’s “Stolen,” the latter of which recently bowed on Prime Video.
Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, the Mumbai-set feature is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi and Ranjan Singh, with co-production from Navin Shetty and Roy herself.
The film follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress who navigates Mumbai by leveraging beauty and wit, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. When she sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant working a corporate job, the two women from seemingly different worlds begin sharing more than just living space.
The human drama marks India’s only selection in Venice’s Horizons strand, joining the ranks of previous films including Chaitanya Tamhane’s “Court” and Karan Tejpal’s “Stolen,” the latter of which recently bowed on Prime Video.
Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, the Mumbai-set feature is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi and Ranjan Singh, with co-production from Navin Shetty and Roy herself.
The film follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress who navigates Mumbai by leveraging beauty and wit, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. When she sublets her sugar daddy’s upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant working a corporate job, the two women from seemingly different worlds begin sharing more than just living space.
- 7/23/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Speaking with Subhash K Jha, actor Shubham Vardhan talks about the importance and the impact of playing his role in Amazon’s Stolen and more in this fascinating interview.
Would you say Stolen is your first big break?
Yes, it definitely feels like my first big break right now.
How did you land the part of the conscientious Raman Bansal in Stolen?
One day, Abhishek called me and said I should meet Gaurav and Karan in Delhi. I went in thinking it might be about a writing opportunity—I genuinely had no clue they were considering me for the role of Raman. We started chatting—Karan, Gaurav, Swapnil and I—and the conversation just flowed. We spoke about everything… from filmmaking and geopolitics to space science! Then suddenly, Karan asked me to audition for the role. It caught me off guard. I took a few days to process it, and eventually went to his office.
Would you say Stolen is your first big break?
Yes, it definitely feels like my first big break right now.
How did you land the part of the conscientious Raman Bansal in Stolen?
One day, Abhishek called me and said I should meet Gaurav and Karan in Delhi. I went in thinking it might be about a writing opportunity—I genuinely had no clue they were considering me for the role of Raman. We started chatting—Karan, Gaurav, Swapnil and I—and the conversation just flowed. We spoke about everything… from filmmaking and geopolitics to space science! Then suddenly, Karan asked me to audition for the role. It caught me off guard. I took a few days to process it, and eventually went to his office.
- 7/2/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
2025’s Best Hindi Movies Ranked By IMDb ( Photo Credit – YouTube )
The first half of 2025 has delivered an interesting mix of Bollywood films — from powerful dramas and patriotic sagas to gripping thrillers and marital stories. We have handpicked the top ten Hindi movies of the year so far and ranked them based on their IMDb user ratings. Read on to explore their IMDb scores and ranks, brief plots, and where you can watch them.
10. Mrs. Release Date – February 7, 2025 Director – Arati Kadav IMDb Rating – 6.6/10 Available On – Zee5
Plot: The film follows the story of a newly-wed woman named Richa (played by Sanya Malhotra), who struggles to meet the high expectations of her husband and her traditional in-laws. When her dream of becoming a professional dancer is put at risk, she decides to stand up for herself, determined to protect her identity, happiness, and independence. It also features Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit Singh, Aparna Ghoshal,...
The first half of 2025 has delivered an interesting mix of Bollywood films — from powerful dramas and patriotic sagas to gripping thrillers and marital stories. We have handpicked the top ten Hindi movies of the year so far and ranked them based on their IMDb user ratings. Read on to explore their IMDb scores and ranks, brief plots, and where you can watch them.
10. Mrs. Release Date – February 7, 2025 Director – Arati Kadav IMDb Rating – 6.6/10 Available On – Zee5
Plot: The film follows the story of a newly-wed woman named Richa (played by Sanya Malhotra), who struggles to meet the high expectations of her husband and her traditional in-laws. When her dream of becoming a professional dancer is put at risk, she decides to stand up for herself, determined to protect her identity, happiness, and independence. It also features Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit Singh, Aparna Ghoshal,...
- 7/1/2025
- by Pranshu Awasthi
- KoiMoi
Stolen actor, Abhishek Banerjee speaks To Subhash K Jha about his career so far and what is coming up next.
Abhishek, one after another lauded performances, how do you manage it?
Ha ha. I don’t do it. Someone up there does it. But yes, it has been a time of terrific reviews for a slew of performances. I enjoy acting and I really I don’t have any favourite genre.For me acting is like life. It’s my therapy, it’s my oxygen so every time I get to act no matter whether it’s comedy or drama or action… hero or villain… whatever… I think I’m just very happy every time I’m on set.
Which is your favourite genre of acting?
It’s very difficult to choose a particular genre. But yes , I have to say that when I when I make people happy, when...
Abhishek, one after another lauded performances, how do you manage it?
Ha ha. I don’t do it. Someone up there does it. But yes, it has been a time of terrific reviews for a slew of performances. I enjoy acting and I really I don’t have any favourite genre.For me acting is like life. It’s my therapy, it’s my oxygen so every time I get to act no matter whether it’s comedy or drama or action… hero or villain… whatever… I think I’m just very happy every time I’m on set.
Which is your favourite genre of acting?
It’s very difficult to choose a particular genre. But yes , I have to say that when I when I make people happy, when...
- 6/25/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Karan Tejpal’s debut feature “Stolen” is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. It’s a breathtaking survival thriller that will leave you awestruck and, at times, might even make you grip the edge of your seat. But it doesn’t merely entertain as a fictional drama; it explores the underbelly of our society and highlights complex issues such as illegal surrogacy, etc. And as one of the most political films in recent memory, ‘Stolen’ portrays the confrontation of two Indias.
Today, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with the film’s director, Karan Tejpal, its producer, Gaurav Dhingra, and the one and only Abhishek Banerjee, who played the character of Gautam Bansal. The socially and politically conscious cast and crew touched on multiple complex issues, both within the film industry, the festival circuits, and in society at large. Like “Stolen” itself, their answers were bold and valiant. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Today, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with the film’s director, Karan Tejpal, its producer, Gaurav Dhingra, and the one and only Abhishek Banerjee, who played the character of Gautam Bansal. The socially and politically conscious cast and crew touched on multiple complex issues, both within the film industry, the festival circuits, and in society at large. Like “Stolen” itself, their answers were bold and valiant. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
- 6/16/2025
- by Soumalya Chatterjee
- High on Films
Stolen, starring Abhishek Banerjee, began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from June 4 and has been receiving immense appreciation for its crisp storytelling, strong execution, powerful performances, and unexpected twists. Produced by Gaurav Dhingra, Stolen is not just winning over audiences but is also leaving Bollywood celebrities impressed with its unique narrative. Recently, Gaurav Dhingra shared some of the reactions from Bollywood actors and opened up about the journey behind the film.
Among the many admirers, Akshay Kumar spoke highly of Stolen and called it a powerful film. Reacting to this, Gaurav Dhingra said, “It was a pleasant surprise to see so many people writing about the film. It made me realize that the story had genuinely touched quite a few people. Akshay Kumar also shared his appreciation — that was quite shocking for me. I mean, he’s a big star. Unki nazar mein yeh film aayi. Yeh toh bahut acchi baat hai!
Among the many admirers, Akshay Kumar spoke highly of Stolen and called it a powerful film. Reacting to this, Gaurav Dhingra said, “It was a pleasant surprise to see so many people writing about the film. It made me realize that the story had genuinely touched quite a few people. Akshay Kumar also shared his appreciation — that was quite shocking for me. I mean, he’s a big star. Unki nazar mein yeh film aayi. Yeh toh bahut acchi baat hai!
- 6/16/2025
- by Divya Solanki
- Bollywood Ki Baten
Karan Tejpal’s “Stolen” (2025), backed by Anurag Kashyap, Gaurav Dhingra, Kiran Rao, Nikhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane, is a scintillating look into what Vir Das has popularised as ‘Two Indias’.
As I watched the end credits of “Stolen” roll, I screamed internally, ‘This is one of the most important films made about the current state of our country in the last decade.’ This also shows that in the last decade, how sorry has been the state of Bollywood that you cannot recall any other Bollywood film that exposes the horrors of fake news apart from Sudhir Mishra’s “Afwaah” (2023). The other Bollywood movie that comes in close comparison to “Stolen” is “Nh-10” (2015); coincidentally, released exactly a decade ago.
But “Nh-10” or “Afwaah” were good films trying to fit into the Bollywood template. “Stolen” does not do that. Yet, while watching “Stolen,” I said to myself, This can’t happen. People are not so good.
As I watched the end credits of “Stolen” roll, I screamed internally, ‘This is one of the most important films made about the current state of our country in the last decade.’ This also shows that in the last decade, how sorry has been the state of Bollywood that you cannot recall any other Bollywood film that exposes the horrors of fake news apart from Sudhir Mishra’s “Afwaah” (2023). The other Bollywood movie that comes in close comparison to “Stolen” is “Nh-10” (2015); coincidentally, released exactly a decade ago.
But “Nh-10” or “Afwaah” were good films trying to fit into the Bollywood template. “Stolen” does not do that. Yet, while watching “Stolen,” I said to myself, This can’t happen. People are not so good.
- 6/15/2025
- by Ayan Dawn
- High on Films
A Still Of Abhishek Banerjee From Stolen ( Photo Credit – YouTube )
Abhishek Banerjee is known for choosing unique stories and delivering powerful performances. His recent film Stolen is winning hearts on Amazon Prime Video. The survival thriller has been appreciated by both critics and fans. But what many don’t know is that Abhishek almost rejected the project. Yes, you read that right. He nearly quit filming because of artistic conflicts. Let’s see what actually transpired behind the scenes.
The Actor Had Serious Concerns About The Script
Abhishek Banerjee is not just the lead actor in Stolen but also one of its executive producers. When he initially read the script, he adored the plot and character. However, he noticed that some areas in the script required more work, particularly in terms of the emotional arc of his character.
According to OTTplay, Abhishek said, “Honestly, when I first read the script for Stolen,...
Abhishek Banerjee is known for choosing unique stories and delivering powerful performances. His recent film Stolen is winning hearts on Amazon Prime Video. The survival thriller has been appreciated by both critics and fans. But what many don’t know is that Abhishek almost rejected the project. Yes, you read that right. He nearly quit filming because of artistic conflicts. Let’s see what actually transpired behind the scenes.
The Actor Had Serious Concerns About The Script
Abhishek Banerjee is not just the lead actor in Stolen but also one of its executive producers. When he initially read the script, he adored the plot and character. However, he noticed that some areas in the script required more work, particularly in terms of the emotional arc of his character.
According to OTTplay, Abhishek said, “Honestly, when I first read the script for Stolen,...
- 6/13/2025
- by Rohan Verma
- KoiMoi
Subhash K Jha speaks with Mia Maelzer about her role, Jhumpa, a woman on the run, in Karan Tejpal’s excellent Stolen.
That is quite a performance a tribal woman on the run in Stolen, how did someone as urbane as you land up playing such a role?
I come from a very unique family which is from both urban and rural spaces. My father comes from a very erudite reputed Bengali family of some great people in sports, science, law, cinema and arts and mother comes from a family who belong to a tiny Himalayan village of Nepal those have decent contribution in countries democracy. Whereas,I was brought up in an English medium school in the suburban town called Panihati until I reached University of Calcutta almost unaware of our family history.
When did you become aware of the fact that you were from such a distinguished family?...
That is quite a performance a tribal woman on the run in Stolen, how did someone as urbane as you land up playing such a role?
I come from a very unique family which is from both urban and rural spaces. My father comes from a very erudite reputed Bengali family of some great people in sports, science, law, cinema and arts and mother comes from a family who belong to a tiny Himalayan village of Nepal those have decent contribution in countries democracy. Whereas,I was brought up in an English medium school in the suburban town called Panihati until I reached University of Calcutta almost unaware of our family history.
When did you become aware of the fact that you were from such a distinguished family?...
- 6/12/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Director Karan Tejpal speaks in depth with Subhash K Jha about the making of his stunning debut drama Stolen.
Where did you get the idea for Stolen?
The idea for Stolen began with a video I saw of the 2018 Karbi Anglong lynching in Assam. It left a knot of fear in my stomach—a visceral, physical reaction I couldn’t shake. I felt stuck, disturbed, and the only way I knew to process that feeling was to write. The story of the Bansal brothers grew from that moment, where two young men were brutally killed by a mob that mistakenly believed they were child kidnappers—driven by panic, misinformation, and manipulated videos circulating rapidly on WhatsApp. That tragedy became the seed for the film’s narrative and emotional terrain.
How much back-research did you do on mob lynchings?
As I began researching what came to be known as the “WhatsApp lynchings,...
Where did you get the idea for Stolen?
The idea for Stolen began with a video I saw of the 2018 Karbi Anglong lynching in Assam. It left a knot of fear in my stomach—a visceral, physical reaction I couldn’t shake. I felt stuck, disturbed, and the only way I knew to process that feeling was to write. The story of the Bansal brothers grew from that moment, where two young men were brutally killed by a mob that mistakenly believed they were child kidnappers—driven by panic, misinformation, and manipulated videos circulating rapidly on WhatsApp. That tragedy became the seed for the film’s narrative and emotional terrain.
How much back-research did you do on mob lynchings?
As I began researching what came to be known as the “WhatsApp lynchings,...
- 6/6/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Is Stolen Based On Real Events(Photo Credit –Prime Video)
Abhishek Banerjee’s film Stolen garnered widespread attention after its debut on Amazon Prime Video. The film also sparked discussion over its powerful narrative, skilled cast, and meaningful social commentary. People who have seen the film or its preview are searching for confirmation about its connection to actual events. The movie Stolen accurately portrays an actual horrific event that took place in Assam in 2018.
The 2018 Karbi Anglong Lynching Case
The film Stolen draws its inspiration from the actual Karbi Anglong lynching event, which occurred in 2018. Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath were moving through the Karbi Anglong district in Assam. A false message spread through WhatsApp, which claimed that child abductors were operating in the region. This created ultimate panic and fear in the villagers.
Believing the false information, the villagers attacked Neelotpal and Abhijit. Although both pleaded for their lives and explained their innocence,...
Abhishek Banerjee’s film Stolen garnered widespread attention after its debut on Amazon Prime Video. The film also sparked discussion over its powerful narrative, skilled cast, and meaningful social commentary. People who have seen the film or its preview are searching for confirmation about its connection to actual events. The movie Stolen accurately portrays an actual horrific event that took place in Assam in 2018.
The 2018 Karbi Anglong Lynching Case
The film Stolen draws its inspiration from the actual Karbi Anglong lynching event, which occurred in 2018. Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath were moving through the Karbi Anglong district in Assam. A false message spread through WhatsApp, which claimed that child abductors were operating in the region. This created ultimate panic and fear in the villagers.
Believing the false information, the villagers attacked Neelotpal and Abhijit. Although both pleaded for their lives and explained their innocence,...
- 6/6/2025
- by Rohan Verma
- KoiMoi
One of the more interesting revelations of the 2023 edition of the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival so far has been the way in which Indian filmmakers are employing genre templates in their storytelling but then subverting the audience’s expectations regarding what to expect from that genre. Devashish Makhija’s ‘Joram’ subverts the expected beats of the survival thriller genre to ask probing questions about tribal displacement and who bears the moral responsibility of the disenfranchisement that is caused by unchecked post-capitalist forces.
Varun Grover’s debut feature, ‘All India Rank,’ explores the dangers of nostalgia through a coming-of-age narrative, looking back with a critical and introspective lens at some of the fault lines within the social fabric of our society that have only increased with time. Director Karan Tejpal’s debut feature ‘Stolen’ is another film of this ilk, using the overarching structure of a conventional genre film – a...
Varun Grover’s debut feature, ‘All India Rank,’ explores the dangers of nostalgia through a coming-of-age narrative, looking back with a critical and introspective lens at some of the fault lines within the social fabric of our society that have only increased with time. Director Karan Tejpal’s debut feature ‘Stolen’ is another film of this ilk, using the overarching structure of a conventional genre film – a...
- 6/4/2025
- by Virat Nehru
- High on Films
Stolen Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham Vardhan, Mia Maelzer
Director: Karan Tejpal
Stolen Movie Review: Hits Hard Like A Nightmare! (Photo Credit – Prime Video India)
What’s Good: A Gripping Storyline
What’s Bad: Nothing
Loo Break: Not Needed
Watch or Not? Not if you expect a racy Abbas-Mustan thriller!
Language: Hindi with Subtitles
Available On: Prime Video
Runtime: 90 minutes
User Rating:
Filmmaking, once upon a time, had two very balanced genres – the Masala films and the films that had a purpose. The ones that could evoke empathy and push you to ponder. But it has been a long time since there has been a good social commentary that might make us stop, take time, and think! Directed by Karan Tejpal, Stolen falls into the second category. The film connects for a reason, and it will make you feel uncomfortable for a lot of things and,...
Star Cast: Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham Vardhan, Mia Maelzer
Director: Karan Tejpal
Stolen Movie Review: Hits Hard Like A Nightmare! (Photo Credit – Prime Video India)
What’s Good: A Gripping Storyline
What’s Bad: Nothing
Loo Break: Not Needed
Watch or Not? Not if you expect a racy Abbas-Mustan thriller!
Language: Hindi with Subtitles
Available On: Prime Video
Runtime: 90 minutes
User Rating:
Filmmaking, once upon a time, had two very balanced genres – the Masala films and the films that had a purpose. The ones that could evoke empathy and push you to ponder. But it has been a long time since there has been a good social commentary that might make us stop, take time, and think! Directed by Karan Tejpal, Stolen falls into the second category. The film connects for a reason, and it will make you feel uncomfortable for a lot of things and,...
- 6/4/2025
- by Trisha Gaur
- KoiMoi
There is a visceral anguish at the core of this….this…thriller? Is director Karan Tejpal’s directorial debut a thriller? As much as Devashish Makhija’s Joram in which Manoj Bajpayee was a man on the run with a baby, wrongly accused of murdering his wife.
In Stolen, there is a baby and two men on the run with a woman who may or may not be the baby Champa’s mother. Who knows what lies underneath what we tend to think of as the civilized surface?
Tejpal’s bewildering, beguiling, but tragically identifiable world of deception and disempowerment is crusted by a powerful sense of purpose and crested by a highly contagious sense of urgency .
This is a world where babies are snatched at railway platforms. When one such incident happens one night on a deserted railway platform, well-to-do brothers Gautam and Raman Bansal(played with compelling credibility...
In Stolen, there is a baby and two men on the run with a woman who may or may not be the baby Champa’s mother. Who knows what lies underneath what we tend to think of as the civilized surface?
Tejpal’s bewildering, beguiling, but tragically identifiable world of deception and disempowerment is crusted by a powerful sense of purpose and crested by a highly contagious sense of urgency .
This is a world where babies are snatched at railway platforms. When one such incident happens one night on a deserted railway platform, well-to-do brothers Gautam and Raman Bansal(played with compelling credibility...
- 6/4/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon & Other Stars Praise Stolen! (Photo Credit – Instagram/YouTube)
The trailer for Karan Tejpal’s gripping investigative crime thriller, Stolen, starring Abhishek Banerjee, took the internet by storm. After its remarkable global screenings following a powerful debut at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, the movie generated immense excitement and anticipation among viewers waiting to stream the film.
However, the trailer not only captivated viewers but also caught the attention of actors who were already raving about it. Actors like Varun Dhawan, Rajkummar Rao, Kriti Sanon, and Mugdha Agarwal shared the trailer on their social media handles and expressed their admiration for the film, adding to the buzz surrounding its release.
What Are Bollywood Stars Saying About Stolen?
Rajkummar Rao said, “#Stolen Fab film with a brilliant performance by @nowitsabhi Coming on @primevideoin.” Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan praised Abhishek Banerjee and said, “@nowitsabhi uv poured ur heart into this and...
The trailer for Karan Tejpal’s gripping investigative crime thriller, Stolen, starring Abhishek Banerjee, took the internet by storm. After its remarkable global screenings following a powerful debut at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, the movie generated immense excitement and anticipation among viewers waiting to stream the film.
However, the trailer not only captivated viewers but also caught the attention of actors who were already raving about it. Actors like Varun Dhawan, Rajkummar Rao, Kriti Sanon, and Mugdha Agarwal shared the trailer on their social media handles and expressed their admiration for the film, adding to the buzz surrounding its release.
What Are Bollywood Stars Saying About Stolen?
Rajkummar Rao said, “#Stolen Fab film with a brilliant performance by @nowitsabhi Coming on @primevideoin.” Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan praised Abhishek Banerjee and said, “@nowitsabhi uv poured ur heart into this and...
- 5/29/2025
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Stolen Trailer Review: Anurag Kashyap Is The Og! (Photo Credit – Youtube)
What do you expect from a film by Anurag Kashyap? It would be gripping, raw, and intense at different points and all at one point! The trailer of Stolen falls into the latter category. The film is produced by Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane, and the trailer clearly showcases the stamp of such great names!
Directed by Karan Tejpal, the film is a thriller. The trailer establishes the narrative very quickly. The story follows Gautam in the early hours of the morning at a railway station, where he comes to pick up his brother Raman for a lavish wedding. But their plans unravel when they meet Jhumpa, a frantic mother searching for her kidnapped baby.
What follows next is Raman insisting on helping the lady while Gautam categorically does not want to be part of it.
What do you expect from a film by Anurag Kashyap? It would be gripping, raw, and intense at different points and all at one point! The trailer of Stolen falls into the latter category. The film is produced by Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane, and the trailer clearly showcases the stamp of such great names!
Directed by Karan Tejpal, the film is a thriller. The trailer establishes the narrative very quickly. The story follows Gautam in the early hours of the morning at a railway station, where he comes to pick up his brother Raman for a lavish wedding. But their plans unravel when they meet Jhumpa, a frantic mother searching for her kidnapped baby.
What follows next is Raman insisting on helping the lady while Gautam categorically does not want to be part of it.
- 5/28/2025
- by Trisha Gaur
- KoiMoi
Netflix Behind Jimmy Carr Comedy Podcast About Obscure Genres
Netflix is tapping into its thousands and thousands of niche sub-genres with a podcast in which comedians pitch movie ideas to host Jimmy Carr. In The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr, guests will come up with ideas to fit one of Netflix’s most 27,000 obscure sub-genres, which range from “Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s'” to “Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead.” Joining Carr will be Nick Mohammed, Phil Wang, Romesh Ranganathan, Ahir Shah, Kerry Godliman, Michelle Wolf, London Hughes, Chris McCausland, Jamali Maddix and Asim Chaudhry. The pod will drop today on podcast platforms plus visual episodes on the Netflix is a Joke YouTube channel. Netflix already makes a number of pods, mostly as companions to its big shows. The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is the first Netflix commission for the BBC Studios Audio hub. Carr,...
Netflix is tapping into its thousands and thousands of niche sub-genres with a podcast in which comedians pitch movie ideas to host Jimmy Carr. In The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr, guests will come up with ideas to fit one of Netflix’s most 27,000 obscure sub-genres, which range from “Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s'” to “Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead.” Joining Carr will be Nick Mohammed, Phil Wang, Romesh Ranganathan, Ahir Shah, Kerry Godliman, Michelle Wolf, London Hughes, Chris McCausland, Jamali Maddix and Asim Chaudhry. The pod will drop today on podcast platforms plus visual episodes on the Netflix is a Joke YouTube channel. Netflix already makes a number of pods, mostly as companions to its big shows. The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is the first Netflix commission for the BBC Studios Audio hub. Carr,...
- 5/28/2025
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s When You Can Watch Stolen Online!(Photo Credit –Prime Video)
Hindi investigative crime thriller, Stolen, is set for its global digital premiere very soon. The film features a stellar cast including Abhishek Banerjee, Harish Khanna, Mia Maelzer, Sahidur Rahaman, and Shubham in key roles. It also marks the directorial debut of Karan Tejpal, who co-wrote the movie alongside Swapnil Salkar, aka Agadbumb, and Gaurav Dhingra.
Stolen is produced by Gaurav Dhingra for Jungle Book Studio and backed by an acclaimed team of executive producers, including Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane.
When Is Stolen Releasing On Ott?
The movie will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on June 4, 2025. Viewers across the world can watch the film from the comfort of their homes!
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Trending Sikandar Ott...
Hindi investigative crime thriller, Stolen, is set for its global digital premiere very soon. The film features a stellar cast including Abhishek Banerjee, Harish Khanna, Mia Maelzer, Sahidur Rahaman, and Shubham in key roles. It also marks the directorial debut of Karan Tejpal, who co-wrote the movie alongside Swapnil Salkar, aka Agadbumb, and Gaurav Dhingra.
Stolen is produced by Gaurav Dhingra for Jungle Book Studio and backed by an acclaimed team of executive producers, including Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane.
When Is Stolen Releasing On Ott?
The movie will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on June 4, 2025. Viewers across the world can watch the film from the comfort of their homes!
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A post shared by prime video In (@primevideoin)
Trending Sikandar Ott...
- 5/26/2025
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
The second edition of India’s Cinevesture International Film Festival (Ciff) has unveiled its CinéV-chd Market lineup featuring 22 diverse projects from established and emerging filmmakers, with more than half being women-oriented ventures.
The curated selection, which will run alongside the festival from March 20-23, in Chandigarh, spotlights creative forces who have made significant contributions to Indian cinema, spanning languages including Chinese, English, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Urdu, Gujarati, Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada.
“Sister Midnight” actor Radhika Apte steps into the director’s chair for “Koyta” (Sickle), produced by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane (“Black Warrant”). The Hindi/Marathi action-fantasy follows a young migrant sugarcane cutter who gains superpowers after a forced medical procedure and uses them to free her family from debt.
Veteran director Hansal Mehta, known for “Shahid” and “Scam 1992,” produces “Hanere De Panchi” (Birds in the Dark), a drama in the Punjabi, Urdu and Kashmiri languages, from emerging director Shashank Walia,...
The curated selection, which will run alongside the festival from March 20-23, in Chandigarh, spotlights creative forces who have made significant contributions to Indian cinema, spanning languages including Chinese, English, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Urdu, Gujarati, Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada.
“Sister Midnight” actor Radhika Apte steps into the director’s chair for “Koyta” (Sickle), produced by acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane (“Black Warrant”). The Hindi/Marathi action-fantasy follows a young migrant sugarcane cutter who gains superpowers after a forced medical procedure and uses them to free her family from debt.
Veteran director Hansal Mehta, known for “Shahid” and “Scam 1992,” produces “Hanere De Panchi” (Birds in the Dark), a drama in the Punjabi, Urdu and Kashmiri languages, from emerging director Shashank Walia,...
- 3/6/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Director Karan Tejpal, whose debut “Stolen” (2023) premiered in Venice’s Horizon’s strand before screening at BFI London Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, and SXSW Sydney, has boarded Indian psychological horror feature “Ummeed” (Hope). The project, selected for the Berlin European Film Market’s Fiction Toolbox Program at Berlinale 2025, is aiming for a November production start.
The film follows a same-sex couple in small-town India pursuing parenthood through illegal sperm donation. When Tithi cannot conceive, her partner Rahi becomes pregnant, leading to a descent into paranoia fueled by societal harassment and dark secrets about the pregnancy itself.
“Though it’s wrapped in thick atmospheric dread, ‘Ummeed’ deeply moved me with the emotional complexity of the characters and their resilience against societal prejudice,” says Tejpal. “More than a psychological horror film, this is a story about redemption and hope.”
The screenplay comes from Abhishek Banerjee, known for the horror film “Pari...
The film follows a same-sex couple in small-town India pursuing parenthood through illegal sperm donation. When Tithi cannot conceive, her partner Rahi becomes pregnant, leading to a descent into paranoia fueled by societal harassment and dark secrets about the pregnancy itself.
“Though it’s wrapped in thick atmospheric dread, ‘Ummeed’ deeply moved me with the emotional complexity of the characters and their resilience against societal prejudice,” says Tejpal. “More than a psychological horror film, this is a story about redemption and hope.”
The screenplay comes from Abhishek Banerjee, known for the horror film “Pari...
- 2/12/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Sunday, the directorial debut of Uzbekistan’s Shokir Kholikov, has claimed the grand prize at Japan’s Skip City International D-Cinema Festival.
Indian thriller Stolen, which debuted at last year’s Venice, picked up best director for Karan Tejpal and the audience award while Yoshihiko Taniguchi’s Happy Life, which received its world premiere at the festival in Japan, won the special jury prize and Skip City Award.
Scroll down for full list of winners
The awards were presented at a closing ceremony of the 21st edition of Skip City, which ran July 13-21 in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture.
The grand...
Indian thriller Stolen, which debuted at last year’s Venice, picked up best director for Karan Tejpal and the audience award while Yoshihiko Taniguchi’s Happy Life, which received its world premiere at the festival in Japan, won the special jury prize and Skip City Award.
Scroll down for full list of winners
The awards were presented at a closing ceremony of the 21st edition of Skip City, which ran July 13-21 in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture.
The grand...
- 7/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
The world premiere of Takeshi Kushida’s Acting For Beginners has been set as the opening film of Japan’s Skip City International D-Cinema Festival (July 13-21), which has also revealed its international and Japanese competition titles.
It marks a return to the festival for Japanese filmmaker Kushida, whose psychological thriller My Mother’s Eyes premiered in competition at Skip City last year, having won the festival’s top award in 2020 with Woman Of The Photographs.
Kushida’s latest centres on a man who moves between dreams and reality against the backdrop of an abandoned factory where time seems to have stopped.
It marks a return to the festival for Japanese filmmaker Kushida, whose psychological thriller My Mother’s Eyes premiered in competition at Skip City last year, having won the festival’s top award in 2020 with Woman Of The Photographs.
Kushida’s latest centres on a man who moves between dreams and reality against the backdrop of an abandoned factory where time seems to have stopped.
- 6/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Skip City International D-Cinema Festival which started in 2004 in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, has been held every year as a “gateway for emerging talent” centered on the International Competition and the Japanese Film Competition (features and shorts). The festival launched the careers of Kazuya Shiraishi (Lesson in Murder), Ryota Nakano (The Asadas), Shinichiro Ueda (One Cut of the Dead), Shinzo Katayama (Missing) and many other directors who are leading the Japanese film industry as top runners and whose new movies audiences are looking forward to seeing.
The 21st edition will be held both at theaters and online as a hybrid festival again.
On Friday, June 7th, we held a press conference to announce the full line-up consisting of the titles of the whole line-up. This year's festival will open with Acting for Beginners, directed by Takeshi Kushida, who won the 2020 Skip City Award for Woman of the Photographs, the nomination...
The 21st edition will be held both at theaters and online as a hybrid festival again.
On Friday, June 7th, we held a press conference to announce the full line-up consisting of the titles of the whole line-up. This year's festival will open with Acting for Beginners, directed by Takeshi Kushida, who won the 2020 Skip City Award for Woman of the Photographs, the nomination...
- 6/9/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, after making waves at the Venice Film festival 2023, is now heading to 28th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala. The film will be showcased in the ‘Festival Kaleidoscope’ section at the festival.
The International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) is organised and hosted by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs Kerala. This year, the film festival is scheduled to be held from December 8 to December 15. ‘Stolen’ will premiered at the festival on December 9, December 11 and December 13.
The film narrates the tale of a five-month-old baby who has been abducted from her mother. The incident is witnessed by two city-bred brothers. Their strained relationship becomes even more complex as they involve themselves in the investigation, attempting to help the distressed mother.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra said: “After the glorious and heartwarming reception for ‘Stolen’ globally and in Mumbai,...
The International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) is organised and hosted by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs Kerala. This year, the film festival is scheduled to be held from December 8 to December 15. ‘Stolen’ will premiered at the festival on December 9, December 11 and December 13.
The film narrates the tale of a five-month-old baby who has been abducted from her mother. The incident is witnessed by two city-bred brothers. Their strained relationship becomes even more complex as they involve themselves in the investigation, attempting to help the distressed mother.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra said: “After the glorious and heartwarming reception for ‘Stolen’ globally and in Mumbai,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, after making waves at the Venice Film festival 2023, is now heading to 28th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala. The film will be showcased in the ‘Festival Kaleidoscope’ section at the festival.
The International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) is organised and hosted by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs Kerala. This year, the film festival is scheduled to be held from December 8 to December 15. ‘Stolen’ will premiered at the festival on December 9, December 11 and December 13.
The film narrates the tale of a five-month-old baby who has been abducted from her mother. The incident is witnessed by two city-bred brothers. Their strained relationship becomes even more complex as they involve themselves in the investigation, attempting to help the distressed mother.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra said: “After the glorious and heartwarming reception for ‘Stolen’ globally and in Mumbai,...
The International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk) is organised and hosted by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs Kerala. This year, the film festival is scheduled to be held from December 8 to December 15. ‘Stolen’ will premiered at the festival on December 9, December 11 and December 13.
The film narrates the tale of a five-month-old baby who has been abducted from her mother. The incident is witnessed by two city-bred brothers. Their strained relationship becomes even more complex as they involve themselves in the investigation, attempting to help the distressed mother.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra said: “After the glorious and heartwarming reception for ‘Stolen’ globally and in Mumbai,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Prior to its screening, the makers of the Abhishek Bannerjee-starrer film ‘Stolen’ released the clip of what is one of the movie’s most special scenes. One of its darkest moments, the actor called it the film’s “most emotionally painful scene.”
A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.
‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.
The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.
A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.
‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.
The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.
- 10/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Prior to its screening, the makers of the Abhishek Bannerjee-starrer film ‘Stolen’ released the clip of what is one of the movie’s most special scenes. One of its darkest moments, the actor called it the film’s “most emotionally painful scene.”
A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.
‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.
The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.
A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.
‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.
The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.
- 10/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Karan Tejpal’s Indian action thriller has played at Venice, Zurich and London film festivals.
Charades has sold Karan Tejpal’s Indian action thriller Stolen to Blue Finch Films for the UK and Ireland and to ASC Distribution in France following film’s world premiere in Venice Horizons Extra.
The debut feature about two brothers drawn into the kidnapping of a baby in a rural Indian town was the only Indian film in Venice’s 2023 selection before going on to screen at BFI London Film Festival and earning a special mention in the Feature Film Competition at the Zurich Film Festival.
Charades has sold Karan Tejpal’s Indian action thriller Stolen to Blue Finch Films for the UK and Ireland and to ASC Distribution in France following film’s world premiere in Venice Horizons Extra.
The debut feature about two brothers drawn into the kidnapping of a baby in a rural Indian town was the only Indian film in Venice’s 2023 selection before going on to screen at BFI London Film Festival and earning a special mention in the Feature Film Competition at the Zurich Film Festival.
- 10/25/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Starring Abhishek Banerjee, the thrilling drama Stolen is receiving critical acclaim from all over the world. The film earned rave reviews at the Zurich Film Festival and received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival premiere. Continuing its success, the Karan Tejpal directorial debut recently screened at the prestigious 67th BFI London Film Festival and Stolen again received an outstanding response.
Along with Banerjee, the gripping thriller also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer. In Stolen, worlds collide when two siblings find themselves drawn into the kidnapping of a tribal woman’s baby in a rural Indian town. Stolen narrates what happens when the kidnapping draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions.
Stolen was part of the Thrill strand at the festival, and present for the screening were Producer Gaurav Dhingra, Director Karan Tejpal, and actors Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham.
Along with Banerjee, the gripping thriller also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer. In Stolen, worlds collide when two siblings find themselves drawn into the kidnapping of a tribal woman’s baby in a rural Indian town. Stolen narrates what happens when the kidnapping draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions.
Stolen was part of the Thrill strand at the festival, and present for the screening were Producer Gaurav Dhingra, Director Karan Tejpal, and actors Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham.
- 10/9/2023
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Each of the winners takes home festival’s Golden Eye trophy and a Chf 20,000 cash prize.
Turkish drama Hesitation Wound by Selman Nacar has won the Feature Film Competition prize at the 19th Zurich Film Festival.
Hesitiation Wound, which world premiered last month in Venice’s Horizons section, is the story of a female Turkish lawyer fighting both a murder case and her own personal issues.
The Swiss festival awarded the top prize in its Focus competition, which is for films from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, to the Afghanistan set documentary Hollywoodgate by Ibrahim Nash’at.
Hollywoodgate, which world premiered out...
Turkish drama Hesitation Wound by Selman Nacar has won the Feature Film Competition prize at the 19th Zurich Film Festival.
Hesitiation Wound, which world premiered last month in Venice’s Horizons section, is the story of a female Turkish lawyer fighting both a murder case and her own personal issues.
The Swiss festival awarded the top prize in its Focus competition, which is for films from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, to the Afghanistan set documentary Hollywoodgate by Ibrahim Nash’at.
Hollywoodgate, which world premiered out...
- 10/8/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Director Karan Tejpal’s feature film debut “Stolen” is a nail-biting thriller about two privileged, big-city boys who unwittingly embark on a harrowing adventure as they help an impoverished young woman find her kidnapped baby in rural India.
The film, which is produced by Gaurav Dhingra’s Jungle Book Studio (Toronto titles “Angry Indian Goddesses” and “Faith Connections”), is also a commentary on the alarming number of child abductions in India in recent years, and the explosion of often misguided vigilantism that accompanied the widespread adoption of instant messaging apps, particularly in rural areas.
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, earned a special mention in the Feature Film Competition at the Zurich Film Festival this week, and heads next to the BFI London fest.
The film follows brothers Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham), who try to help the desperate Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) find her five-month-old child...
The film, which is produced by Gaurav Dhingra’s Jungle Book Studio (Toronto titles “Angry Indian Goddesses” and “Faith Connections”), is also a commentary on the alarming number of child abductions in India in recent years, and the explosion of often misguided vigilantism that accompanied the widespread adoption of instant messaging apps, particularly in rural areas.
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, earned a special mention in the Feature Film Competition at the Zurich Film Festival this week, and heads next to the BFI London fest.
The film follows brothers Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham), who try to help the desperate Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) find her five-month-old child...
- 10/8/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
“Hesitation Wound” and “Hollywoodgate” were named winners at the Zurich Film Festival, as the 19th edition of the Swiss festival came to a close.
Selman Nacar’s drama “Hesitation Wound” impressed the Feature Film Competition jury.
“Moral issues are a frequent underlying theme in many films, but the dilemma facing the main character in this film is really strongly felt here,” argued the jury, which comprised president Anton Corbijn, Finola Dwyer, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Juho Kuosmanen and Bryce Nielsen.
Praising “wonderful” Tülin Özen, cast as a lawyer struggling at home and at work – “a woman forever on the verge of either breakthrough or breakdown,” wrote Variety – they added: “It’s a film that stayed with the majority of the jury throughout the festival and even though it was a fight with two other contenders, it became our favorite. Selman Nacar, thank you so much for this delicious film.”
Iris Kaltenbäck...
Selman Nacar’s drama “Hesitation Wound” impressed the Feature Film Competition jury.
“Moral issues are a frequent underlying theme in many films, but the dilemma facing the main character in this film is really strongly felt here,” argued the jury, which comprised president Anton Corbijn, Finola Dwyer, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Juho Kuosmanen and Bryce Nielsen.
Praising “wonderful” Tülin Özen, cast as a lawyer struggling at home and at work – “a woman forever on the verge of either breakthrough or breakdown,” wrote Variety – they added: “It’s a film that stayed with the majority of the jury throughout the festival and even though it was a fight with two other contenders, it became our favorite. Selman Nacar, thank you so much for this delicious film.”
Iris Kaltenbäck...
- 10/7/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, has been chosen under the Feature Film Competition Category at the Zurich Film Festival this year. The film will be screened alongside the likes of notable international features, including Saudi Arabian feature ‘Mandoob’ by Ali Kalthami, US director Chloe Domont’s ‘Fair Play’ and Pietro Castellitto’s ‘Enea’, among others.
The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.
The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.
Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...
The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.
The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.
Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, has been chosen under the Feature Film Competition Category at the Zurich Film Festival this year. The film will be screened alongside the likes of notable international features, including Saudi Arabian feature ‘Mandoob’ by Ali Kalthami, US director Chloe Domont’s ‘Fair Play’ and Pietro Castellitto’s ‘Enea’, among others.
The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.
The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.
Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...
The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.
The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.
Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Swiss festival programmes 148 films for this year’s edition.
The Zurich Film Festival (Zff) has unveiled a line-up of 148 films for its 2023 edition which takes place from September 28 to October 8.
The festival’s Focus Competition – which showcases feature films and documentaries from Germany, Austria and Switzerland - has six world premieres. They include Swiss films The Driven One by Piet Baumgartner, a long-term study of students at the elite university Hsg St. Gallen, and road movie Return To Alexandria by Zurich-based Tamer Ruggli, which stars Nadine Labaki and Fanny Ardant.
Scroll down for Focus and Feature Film Competition line-up
Other...
The Zurich Film Festival (Zff) has unveiled a line-up of 148 films for its 2023 edition which takes place from September 28 to October 8.
The festival’s Focus Competition – which showcases feature films and documentaries from Germany, Austria and Switzerland - has six world premieres. They include Swiss films The Driven One by Piet Baumgartner, a long-term study of students at the elite university Hsg St. Gallen, and road movie Return To Alexandria by Zurich-based Tamer Ruggli, which stars Nadine Labaki and Fanny Ardant.
Scroll down for Focus and Feature Film Competition line-up
Other...
- 9/14/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Timm Kröger’s feature debut title is being sold by Paris-based sales outfit Charades.
Picturehouse Entertainment has taken UK and Ireland rights for Timm Kröger’s Venice competition title The Theory Of Everything from Paris-based sales outfit Charades.
German director Kröger’s black-and-white metaphysical noir is set in the Swiss Alps in the winter of 1962. It centres on a young doctor-to-be attending an international convention where he finds a mysterious pianist, a bizarre cloud formation in the sky and a dark, booming secret under the mountain, all part of the titular “theory of everything.”
The genre-hopping film is produced by Germany’s ma.
Picturehouse Entertainment has taken UK and Ireland rights for Timm Kröger’s Venice competition title The Theory Of Everything from Paris-based sales outfit Charades.
German director Kröger’s black-and-white metaphysical noir is set in the Swiss Alps in the winter of 1962. It centres on a young doctor-to-be attending an international convention where he finds a mysterious pianist, a bizarre cloud formation in the sky and a dark, booming secret under the mountain, all part of the titular “theory of everything.”
The genre-hopping film is produced by Germany’s ma.
- 9/13/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
It’s late at night on the station platform where Jumpha (Mia Maelzer) has taken shelter with her baby for the night. She is asleep when her little girl is taken from her arms, an event that will set in motion a thriller that snowballs as it goes, although subtlety is never its strong point. Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) is also asleep at the station, although in the distinctly more plush surroundings of a high-end SUV. He’s waiting for his brother Raman (Shubham) to arrive for their mother’s wedding. This is the brisk set-up for Karan Tejpal’s debut feature, which sets the haves and have nots of Indian society on a collision course.
Raman arrives just in time to catch a glimpse of the baby snatcher but soon finds himself a suspect in the kidnapping. It's a melodramatic start that indicates neither the rich nor the poor get a lot of help.
Raman arrives just in time to catch a glimpse of the baby snatcher but soon finds himself a suspect in the kidnapping. It's a melodramatic start that indicates neither the rich nor the poor get a lot of help.
- 9/3/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The first look of actor Abhishek Banerjee from his upcoming film ‘Stolen’ has been unveiled and it shows the actor wounded and battered with a swollen eye and scars on his face. The film had its special premiere at the Venice Film Festival alongside impressive international features notably David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’, Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’ and Sofia Coppola’s true-story movie ‘Priscilla’ recently.
Abhishek Banerjee said: “‘Stolen’ is such an extraordinary film and it has been incredible working on it. It feels so special and I’ve immense gratitude to have received so much love for our film during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The standing ovation that our film received was an unforgettable moment and has been the biggest reward as an actor.”
He further mentioned: “Here we are unveiling the first look image to thank our audiences for all the love they are sending...
Abhishek Banerjee said: “‘Stolen’ is such an extraordinary film and it has been incredible working on it. It feels so special and I’ve immense gratitude to have received so much love for our film during its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The standing ovation that our film received was an unforgettable moment and has been the biggest reward as an actor.”
He further mentioned: “Here we are unveiling the first look image to thank our audiences for all the love they are sending...
- 9/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Los Angeles, Aug 30 (Ians) The Abhishek Banerjee- starrer film ‘Stolen’ had earlier gained the distinction of being India’s sole selection for the 80th Venice Film Festival impressing audiences. Director Karan Tejpal said that he chose a raw approach for the film, to depict life’s many unseen realities.
Speaking to Variety, Tejpal said: “In crafting ‘Stolen,’ I deliberately chose to embrace a raw, unapologetic cinema verite style. By immersing the viewers in the experience alongside my characters, I aimed to engage them fully in the search for truth and justice.”
“‘Stolen’ is my earnest attempt to bring to light the unseen realities that shape our society and to provoke introspection on the issues that matter most. I hope that this cinematic journey will not only entertain but also encourage meaningful conversations about the complexities of our world, ultimately paving the way for a better, more empathetic future,” he added.
Speaking to Variety, Tejpal said: “In crafting ‘Stolen,’ I deliberately chose to embrace a raw, unapologetic cinema verite style. By immersing the viewers in the experience alongside my characters, I aimed to engage them fully in the search for truth and justice.”
“‘Stolen’ is my earnest attempt to bring to light the unseen realities that shape our society and to provoke introspection on the issues that matter most. I hope that this cinematic journey will not only entertain but also encourage meaningful conversations about the complexities of our world, ultimately paving the way for a better, more empathetic future,” he added.
- 8/30/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Paris-based sales company Charades has boarded international sales on “Stolen,” the only Indian feature selected at the Venice Film Festival.
The film, which will bow within the festival’s Horizons Extra strand, tells the story of the havoc that ensues when opposite worlds collide after two urban young men become embroiled in an impoverished mother’s desperate journey to be reunited with her child. It is described as a “breathtaking action thriller” and the “hidden gem in world cinema” by Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera.
“Stolen” marks the feature debut of Karan Tejpal who started his career working in large-scale Bollywood films including “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” and “3 Idiots” and directed short “No Anaesthesia.” It is produced by Gaurav Dhingra under his banner Jungle Book Studio. Sol Bondy, founder of Berlin-based One Two Films, serves as executive producer.
The film is written by Tejpal, Agadbumb and Dhingra. The cast...
The film, which will bow within the festival’s Horizons Extra strand, tells the story of the havoc that ensues when opposite worlds collide after two urban young men become embroiled in an impoverished mother’s desperate journey to be reunited with her child. It is described as a “breathtaking action thriller” and the “hidden gem in world cinema” by Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera.
“Stolen” marks the feature debut of Karan Tejpal who started his career working in large-scale Bollywood films including “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” and “3 Idiots” and directed short “No Anaesthesia.” It is produced by Gaurav Dhingra under his banner Jungle Book Studio. Sol Bondy, founder of Berlin-based One Two Films, serves as executive producer.
The film is written by Tejpal, Agadbumb and Dhingra. The cast...
- 8/30/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mumbai, Aug 26 (Ians) The Abhishek Banerjee-starrer ‘Stolen’ will be showcased at the World Premiere of the Venice Film Festival 2023 as India’s sole selection.
A suspense thriller film helmed by debutant Karan Tejpal, ‘Stolen’ will be showcased alongside impressive international features, notably David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’, Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’ and Sofia Coppola’s true-story movie ‘Priscilla’.
Reacting to the news, Abhishek said: “‘Stolen’ representing India at the prestigious Venice Film Festival is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I am honuored beyond words.”
He added: “This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend borders. I am eagerly anticipating how audiences on the global stage will connect with our film.”
Set in a remote rural railway station in India, ‘Stolen’ tells the gripping tale of a five-month-old baby abducted from her mother, a woman named Jhumpa Mahato.
This dark and grievous incident draws the attention of two urban brothers,...
A suspense thriller film helmed by debutant Karan Tejpal, ‘Stolen’ will be showcased alongside impressive international features, notably David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’, Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’ and Sofia Coppola’s true-story movie ‘Priscilla’.
Reacting to the news, Abhishek said: “‘Stolen’ representing India at the prestigious Venice Film Festival is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I am honuored beyond words.”
He added: “This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend borders. I am eagerly anticipating how audiences on the global stage will connect with our film.”
Set in a remote rural railway station in India, ‘Stolen’ tells the gripping tale of a five-month-old baby abducted from her mother, a woman named Jhumpa Mahato.
This dark and grievous incident draws the attention of two urban brothers,...
- 8/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
La BêteCOMPETITIONComandante (Edoardo De Angelis)The Promised Land (Nikolaj Arcel)Dogman (Luc Besson) La Bête (Bertrand Bonello) Hors-Saison (Stéphane Brizé) Enea (Pietro Castellitto) Maestro (Bradley Cooper)Priscilla (Sofia Coppola)Finalmente L’Alba (Saverio Costanzo)Lubo (Giorgio Diritti) Origin (Ava DuVernay) The Killer (David Fincher)Memory (Michel Franco)Io capitano (Matteo Garrone)Evil Does Not Exist (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi)The Green Border (Agnieszka Holland)The Theory of Everything (Timm Kröger)Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos)El conde (Pablo Larrain)Ferrari (Michael Mann)Adagio (Stefano Sollima)Woman OfHolly (Fien Troch)Out Of COMPETITIONFictionSociety of the Snow (J.A. Bayona)Coup de Chance (Woody Allen)The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Wes Anderson)The Penitent (Luca Barbareschi)L’Ordine Del Tempo (Liliana Cavani)Vivants (Alix Delaporte)Welcome to Paradise (Leonardo di Constanzo)Daaaaaali! (Quentin Dupieux)The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (William Friedkin)Making of (Cedric Kahn)Aggro Dr1ft (Harmony Korine)Hitman (Richard Linklater)The Palace (Roman Polanski...
- 7/29/2023
- MUBI
Mumbai, July 27 (Ians) The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which has been officially selected for screening at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, is a story of a newborn belonging to a tribal community and follows the events after it is snatched away from its mother.
The film stars Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham, and Mia Maelzer, and has been directed by Karan Tejpal. It has been written by Agadbumb, Karan Tejpal and Gaurav Dhingra, the latter is known for ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’.
Talking about the film, Abhishek Banerjee shared, “I am proud to be part of a project that’s standing abreast with the finest of world cinema talent (with reference to selection at the Venice Film Festival). After almost five years of mainstream acting, I was looking for edgy exciting work beyond the confines of popular cinema. When Karan and Gaurav presented me with the script, I was thrilled by the original concept...
The film stars Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham, and Mia Maelzer, and has been directed by Karan Tejpal. It has been written by Agadbumb, Karan Tejpal and Gaurav Dhingra, the latter is known for ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’.
Talking about the film, Abhishek Banerjee shared, “I am proud to be part of a project that’s standing abreast with the finest of world cinema talent (with reference to selection at the Venice Film Festival). After almost five years of mainstream acting, I was looking for edgy exciting work beyond the confines of popular cinema. When Karan and Gaurav presented me with the script, I was thrilled by the original concept...
- 7/27/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
On the heels of yesterday’s TIFF announcement, the first major fall festival of the season––Venice International Film Festival––is unveiling its lineup. Taking place August 30-September 9, the competition jury this year is chaired by Damien Chazelle.
Highlights include new films from David Fincher, Michael Mann, Wes Anderson, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sofia Coppola, Bradley Cooper, Bertrand Bonello, Frederick Wiseman, Roman Polanski, William Friedkin, Ava DuVernay, Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, and more.
Competition
Adagio; dir. Stefano Sollima
The Beast; dir. Bertrand Bonello
Io Capitano; dir. Matteo Garrone
Comandante; dir. Edoardo de Angelis
El Conde; dir. Pablo Larraín
Die Theorie von Allem; dir. Timm Kröger
Dogman; dir. Luc Besson
Enea; dir. Pietro Castellitto
Evil Does Not Exist; dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ferrari; dir. Michael Mann
Finalmente L’Alba; dir. Saverio Costanzo
Green Border; dir. Agnieszka Holland
Holly; dir. Fien Troch
Hors-Saison; dir. Stéphane Brizé
The Killer; dir. David Fincher
Lubo; dir. Giorgio Diritti
The Promised Land; dir.
Highlights include new films from David Fincher, Michael Mann, Wes Anderson, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sofia Coppola, Bradley Cooper, Bertrand Bonello, Frederick Wiseman, Roman Polanski, William Friedkin, Ava DuVernay, Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, and more.
Competition
Adagio; dir. Stefano Sollima
The Beast; dir. Bertrand Bonello
Io Capitano; dir. Matteo Garrone
Comandante; dir. Edoardo de Angelis
El Conde; dir. Pablo Larraín
Die Theorie von Allem; dir. Timm Kröger
Dogman; dir. Luc Besson
Enea; dir. Pietro Castellitto
Evil Does Not Exist; dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ferrari; dir. Michael Mann
Finalmente L’Alba; dir. Saverio Costanzo
Green Border; dir. Agnieszka Holland
Holly; dir. Fien Troch
Hors-Saison; dir. Stéphane Brizé
The Killer; dir. David Fincher
Lubo; dir. Giorgio Diritti
The Promised Land; dir.
- 7/25/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Includes films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Venice Film Festival announced the programme for its 80th edition, including a 23-strong Competition with new films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Scroll down for full line-up
The selection was announced by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera. The SAG-AFTRA strike in the US has had a “quite modest” impact on the selection according to Barbera, who was forced to pull Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers as the opening film over the weekend due to the strike.
Venice Film Festival announced the programme for its 80th edition, including a 23-strong Competition with new films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Scroll down for full line-up
The selection was announced by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera. The SAG-AFTRA strike in the US has had a “quite modest” impact on the selection according to Barbera, who was forced to pull Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers as the opening film over the weekend due to the strike.
- 7/25/2023
- by Ben Dalton¬Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
This year’s selection will be announced at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by Roberto Cicutto and Alberto Barbera.
The line-up for the 80th Venice International Film Festival (August 30-September 9) will be revealed this morning at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera
The press conference will be live-streamed below, and this page will be updated with the films as they are announced.
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers was originally set to open the festival but was pulled by MGM amid the actors’ strike. It was replaced by Edoardo De Angelis’ Comandante.
The closing film...
The line-up for the 80th Venice International Film Festival (August 30-September 9) will be revealed this morning at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera
The press conference will be live-streamed below, and this page will be updated with the films as they are announced.
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers was originally set to open the festival but was pulled by MGM amid the actors’ strike. It was replaced by Edoardo De Angelis’ Comandante.
The closing film...
- 7/25/2023
- by Ben Dalton¬Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Mira Nair-produced Three And A Half and Amitav Kaul’s Interpreter Of Maladies are among the 32 projects selected for the Co-production Market of this year’s Film Bazaar (Nov 20-24) in Goa, India.
Three And A Half will be directed by Mira Nair’s long-time collaborator Sooni Taraporewala, while Interpreter Of Maladies is based on Pultizer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story.
Organised by India’s National Film Development Corp (Nfdc), the co-production market has previously selected projects such as Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox, Kanu Behl’s Cannes title Titli and Chaitanya Tamhane’s recent Venice winner Court. This year’s selection comprises 18 projects from India and 14 from overseas.
The Indian line-up also includes six projects previously selected for Nfdc Screenwriters Lab, such as Aamir Bashir’s Winter and The Boyfriend from Vidur Nauriyal and Ashim Ahluwalia.
The international line-up includes two projects from the Us, two from Sri Lanka and projects from Pakistan, Afghanistan...
Three And A Half will be directed by Mira Nair’s long-time collaborator Sooni Taraporewala, while Interpreter Of Maladies is based on Pultizer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story.
Organised by India’s National Film Development Corp (Nfdc), the co-production market has previously selected projects such as Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox, Kanu Behl’s Cannes title Titli and Chaitanya Tamhane’s recent Venice winner Court. This year’s selection comprises 18 projects from India and 14 from overseas.
The Indian line-up also includes six projects previously selected for Nfdc Screenwriters Lab, such as Aamir Bashir’s Winter and The Boyfriend from Vidur Nauriyal and Ashim Ahluwalia.
The international line-up includes two projects from the Us, two from Sri Lanka and projects from Pakistan, Afghanistan...
- 10/13/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc) announced thirty-two projects selected for the Co-Production Market to be held during Film Bazaar in Goa from November 20-24, 2014.
The lineup includes 18 Indian and 14 international projects. The international projects include two films from the Us, two from Sri Lanka, a film from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Norway, France, Germany, Singapore and United Kingdom each and an Ifp project which is selected through Nfdc collaboration with Independent Filmmaker Project, USA.
Indian projects:
• By/Two – Directed by Devashish Makhija and produced by Dutta Dave
• The School – Directed by Suchita Bhhatia and produced by Vivek Kajaria
• Blossoms (Pallavi)- Directed and produced by Nila Madhab Panda
• Nuclear Hearts – Directed by Bornila Chatterjee and produced by Tanaji Dasgupta
• Seven (Saat)- Directed by Ashish Bende and produced by Suhrud Godbole
• Medium Spicy – Directed by Mohit Takalkar and produced by Nikhil Mahajan
• The Invisible One – Directed by Amit Datta...
The lineup includes 18 Indian and 14 international projects. The international projects include two films from the Us, two from Sri Lanka, a film from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Norway, France, Germany, Singapore and United Kingdom each and an Ifp project which is selected through Nfdc collaboration with Independent Filmmaker Project, USA.
Indian projects:
• By/Two – Directed by Devashish Makhija and produced by Dutta Dave
• The School – Directed by Suchita Bhhatia and produced by Vivek Kajaria
• Blossoms (Pallavi)- Directed and produced by Nila Madhab Panda
• Nuclear Hearts – Directed by Bornila Chatterjee and produced by Tanaji Dasgupta
• Seven (Saat)- Directed by Ashish Bende and produced by Suhrud Godbole
• Medium Spicy – Directed by Mohit Takalkar and produced by Nikhil Mahajan
• The Invisible One – Directed by Amit Datta...
- 10/13/2014
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
In its eighth edition, the first stage of the Nfdc Screenwriters’ Lab was recently held at the Sarajevo Film Festival (15 – 23 August 2014) and the second stage is scheduled during Film Bazaar (20- 24 November 2014) in Goa.
DearCinema profiles all the six selected projects:
Aamir Bashir
Winter by Aamir Bashir
Winter is the second installment of what I hope will be a trilogy. It is the story of a village woman in Kashmir whose husband is a militant. She is a shawl weaver, a traditional Kashmiri skill, that helps her fend for herself. By juxtaposing this traditional craft with the current conflict, it is an exploration of questions of identity, love, duty and freedom through a woman’s eyes. read more
The Boyfriend by Ashim Ahluwalia & Vidur Nauriyal
The Boyfriend follows two social outcasts who, trapped in a storm of violence, embark on a forbidden love affair. It is a sweeping romance, an...
DearCinema profiles all the six selected projects:
Aamir Bashir
Winter by Aamir Bashir
Winter is the second installment of what I hope will be a trilogy. It is the story of a village woman in Kashmir whose husband is a militant. She is a shawl weaver, a traditional Kashmiri skill, that helps her fend for herself. By juxtaposing this traditional craft with the current conflict, it is an exploration of questions of identity, love, duty and freedom through a woman’s eyes. read more
The Boyfriend by Ashim Ahluwalia & Vidur Nauriyal
The Boyfriend follows two social outcasts who, trapped in a storm of violence, embark on a forbidden love affair. It is a sweeping romance, an...
- 8/27/2014
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
The Sunset Club by Karan Tejpal & Tia Tejpal
Karan Tejpal
What is your project about? What language will the film be in?
The Sunset Club is adapted from one of Khushwant Singh’s last novels. It captures the election year of 2009 in India through the eyes of a 40 year old friendship between three octogenarians. An incredible commentary on independent India, the book beautifully captures the desires and despair of urban New Delhi. It is an intimate tale of daily meetings at the Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi; woven with arousing memories from the past of the three old men.
The film will be true to urban north India and hence in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu.
At what stage of development is it?
The screenplay is raring to go from our side but we are looking forward to incorporating inputs from the Lab to take this project to fruition.
We are looking for Producers/Financing.
Karan Tejpal
What is your project about? What language will the film be in?
The Sunset Club is adapted from one of Khushwant Singh’s last novels. It captures the election year of 2009 in India through the eyes of a 40 year old friendship between three octogenarians. An incredible commentary on independent India, the book beautifully captures the desires and despair of urban New Delhi. It is an intimate tale of daily meetings at the Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi; woven with arousing memories from the past of the three old men.
The film will be true to urban north India and hence in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu.
At what stage of development is it?
The screenplay is raring to go from our side but we are looking forward to incorporating inputs from the Lab to take this project to fruition.
We are looking for Producers/Financing.
- 8/21/2014
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
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