Stolen

Karan Tejpal's Stolen is a taut psychological thriller that unfolds like an observation of complicity under a conscientious microscope. The vision of self creeps in quietly, and leaves you staring at yourself longer than you'd like.

Set in the blistering stillness of rural India, the film begins with a crime: a baby is stolen from a mother sleeping on a railway platform. But this plot is only the surface. The deeper drama lies in how the event reverberates through the psyches of the two urban brothers who happen to be at the site of crime.

What makes Stolen compelling is its refusal to deliver catharsis. There are no heroes here, only spectators. The camera lingers on what it means to observe thus making the theft of the child a symbolic act of everything that is routinely taken from the invisible lower class by the booming higher class that watches, pities, and moves on.

The psychological tension between the characters stems from their internal dissonance, but it also triggers our own. As their silence becomes contagious, our privileges grow porous; while we ask ourselves, what have we become in our cumulative inaction?

Tejpal is particularly astute in portraying how the mind rationalises guilt. One brother intellectualises it, tries to help without awareness of ground realities, the other tries to ignore, flee from social responsibility, all the while justifying his cold-heartedness to himself. However, neither escape. The film quietly reveals how avoidance metastasises into self-estrangement. Their shared silence becomes a third character, more haunting than the crime itself.

Stolen embraces restraint, building an atmosphere of moral claustrophobia: long takes, chaotic dialogue, and a slow unravelling that mirrors how trauma often seeps in sideways.

What elevates the film is its unflinching look at the psychology of witnessing. In an age where tragedies are scrolled past, at the most just re-posted, Stolen asks:

• What is the emotional cost of observing pain and doing nothing?

• When does inaction become a form of violence?

Stolen leaves you not with answers, but with discomforting questions, the kind that don't fade with the credits.

• Were we primarily rooting for the safety of the brothers or justice for the mother?

• Throughout the film, how much did we distrust based on social status of characters?

• How many actions did we compartmentalise as 'practical' or 'emotional'?

• Is our urge of sticking to the safe zone, dangerous for those with lesser social power?

• What's our responsibility towards those with lesser power than us?

It's a reminder that sometimes, what's taken isn't just an external object, but a part within us, we didn't know was still intact.

What a journey Stolen was! From the first frame to the last, it grips you by the jawbone-literally-and refuses to let go. It's one of those thrillers that doesn't just give you chills; it injects straight into your spine.

At the heart of it lies a question that hits hard: Should you help someone in need, even if they're from the fringes of society? The film doesn't hand you answers but makes sure you're asking yourself that question long after the credits roll.

The score? Absolutely electric. It doesn't just complement the scenes-it amplifies the chaos. Goosebumps are guaranteed.

The acting-ooh gosh-it was brilliant. Abhishek Banerjee delivers a career-best performance, slipping into his character with unnerving ease. And by the way... he was right after all. That's why you should always listen to your big brother. 👀

And let's not forget the surprise MVP of the film: the Fortuner. Who knew an SUV could have a bigger character arc than half the cast? At this rate, Toyota's stock is about to skyrocket. Give that car an award-or at least a Netflix spin-off. 😂

Cinematography was insane. Every shot was crafted with precision, adding depth and mood that elevated the entire experience. It wasn't just a film-it was a visual sprint.

The pacing? Fast. Very fast. But amid all the action, the film managed to explore the lives of the lowborn, highlighting their struggles without slowing the momentum. That's a tightrope walk, and they nailed it.

Hats off to the director for pulling off such a gripping, layered, and surprisingly reflective ride. This isn't just entertainment-it's a conversation starter.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 Stolen (2025) isn't just a film. It's a wild ride with heart, grit, Abhishek Banerjee at full power, and yes... a Fortuner that might just steal your heart.

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!

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.

This film has an amazing story. The moments are incredible. Litrally, you can not take your eyes off while watching. When you start watching you can not stop. It just like you take breathin and stuck, when film ends you feel relax. It is such an amazing film. I dont know you guys are relating these words or not. But really if you looking good cinema you just need to watch this.

Beautiful thing is this film can not free you for a moment. Its grab your attantion all the time while watching.

A friend of mine is recommend me this film. So I watched. Now I recommend you.

Applause to the director and the actors for such an amazing work.