Stolen

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.

From its opening frames, Stolen grabs hold and never loosens its grip, delivering a cinematic experience that is nothing short of fantastic. This film excels in every aspect, from its meticulously crafted visuals to its deeply resonant performances, culminating in a thriller that is a definite must-watch.

The movie's technical prowess is immediately evident. The camera work is exquisite, capturing every nuance and emotion with precision, while the cinematography paints a vivid and often breathtaking picture. Complementing this visual feast is an intense background score that masterfully amplifies the tension and emotional weight of each scene, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative.

At the heart of Stolen are its lead characters, brought to life by truly compelling performances. While the entire ensemble shines, Abhishek Banerjee delivers a performance that truly outshines everyone else. His portrayal is nuanced, powerful, and utterly captivating. Not to be outdone, Jhumpa and Abhishek's brother also deliver great performances, adding layers of authenticity and emotional depth to the story.

However, the greatest triumph of the movie lies in its screenplay. What initially appears to be a seemingly simple story is elevated by brilliant fictionalization and masterful pacing. The narrative is replete with well-placed twists and turns, and the "spikes" in certain scenes are so intensely crafted that you don't just watch the movie - you feel it. The emotional resonance and the sheer impact of these moments are truly remarkable.

Perhaps most importantly, Stolen is relentlessly engaging. From the very first scene to the last, the film maintains an unwavering hold on its audience, ensuring that every moment is compelling and purposeful. This consistent engagement, combined with its technical brilliance and powerful performances, makes this movie a truly unforgettable cinematic achievement.

A must-watch for sure.

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!

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.

An exhilarating movie from start to finish, incredibly fast-paced and ceaselessly engaging, leaving the audience perpetually guessing what's next. It perfectly blends elements of dark comedy with intense, action-packed, violent sequences.

The film explores interesting dynamics such as the complicated relationship between brothers, the disparities between rich and poor, and the contrasts between urban and rural India.

I found myself wholly absorbed and thoroughly enjoyed the movie - the only thing I didn't like was the shaky camera in parts which was a bit distracting.

I've heard some people comparing this movie to NH10, so if you liked that I highly recommend you check out Stolen.

Enjoy the ride! 👶🏼