‘Stolen’ is one of those films that surprises you with how quietly it pulls you in. At just 90 minutes long, this taut thriller doesn’t waste time with detours or distractions. It tells its story with a rawness and simplicity that feels rare in Hindi cinema. Set over the course of a single day, the film explores the terrifying consequences of a child going missing at a railway station—and the chain of events it triggers for two unsuspecting brothers.
But beneath the surface, ‘Stolen’ is also about class, power, and the uncomfortable gap between two Indias that coexist but rarely collide. Director Karan Tejpal keeps a tight hold on the narrative, resisting the urge to make it flashy or melodramatic. Instead, what we get is a stripped-down, emotionally charged film that keeps you on edge without ever raising its voice.
A mistake sparks chaos
The plot kicks off when Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee), the older of the two brothers, comes to the station to pick up Raman (Shubham Vardhan), who’s arriving by train after missing a flight to their mother’s destination wedding. The mood is casual at first, but things escalate quickly when a young tribal mother named Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) wakes up to find her five-month-old baby missing.
In her panic, she accuses Raman of stealing the child—he’s holding a woollen cap that had fallen on the ground, a small but suspicious detail. The police intervene, and the misunderstanding is cleared up, but the case isn’t closed. A chai seller nearby is overheard discussing the incident on the phone, and soon the authorities trace the baby’s possible abductors. What follows next is a tense, disorienting sequence of events as the brothers, particularly Raman, are pulled deeper into a situation that begins to spiral out of control.
Tension, emotion and social commentary in equal measure
What’s remarkable about ‘Stolen’ is how much it manages to convey without spelling everything out. There’s a constant, simmering tension running through the film, but it’s never amped up unnecessarily. Instead, the fear and frustration are allowed to build naturally—through minimal music and restrained performances. It’s also a film that understands the weight of silence. Scenes aren’t overexplained, and emotions are often conveyed with glances or gestures rather than dramatic speeches.
At its core, it’s not just a mystery or a chase film—it’s about the emotional weight of helplessness, the fragility of assumptions, and the invisible wall between those who can demand answers and those who are forced to beg for them. While the middle portion—especially the brothers’ repeated confrontations with angry villagers—starts to feel a little repetitive, the overall pacing is tight and effective.
Also read: Criminal Justice Season 4 to Khauf: List of binge-worthy shows streaming on OTT
Performances drive the film
The film is anchored by some impressive performances. Abhishek Banerjee plays Gautam with a sharp edge—he’s practical, cynical, and a firm believer in the power of money to fix any situation. But beneath the swagger is a brother who, despite his flaws, will go to great lengths to protect his own. Shubham Vardhan as Raman offers the perfect contrast—his calm, grounded presence gives the film its emotional balance.
He plays a man guided more by principle than impulse, and the moral conflict between the two brothers adds an interesting layer to the narrative. Mia Maelzer as Jhumpa is heartbreaking. Her performance is stripped of all artifice—just raw panic, grief, and desperation. Even without many lines, she makes you feel her agony.
Atmosphere and authenticity elevate this gritty drama
A lot of what makes ‘Stolen’ work is its atmosphere. The cold weather and the sparsely populated locations create a sense of isolation that never quite lifts. You feel the chill of the wintry night, the indifference of bystanders, and the quiet menace of the unknown. It’s a film that understands how setting can heighten emotion.
Also read: Kamal Haasan to High Court: We won't not release Thug Life in Karnataka
Executive produced by a team of known names from the industry - Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Nikkhil Advani—there’s a clarity of vision that keeps the film from drifting. And while it is inspired by a real incident, the film avoids preachiness, opting instead for subtle commentary. ‘Stolen’ is far from perfect, but it’s powerful in its restraint and quietly unsettling in the best way possible. It lingers, not because it shouts, but because it whispers truths we often choose to ignore.
Cast: Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham Vardhan, and Mia Maelzer
Director: Karan Tejpal
Rating: 3.5/5
(‘Stolen’ is currently streaming on ‘Prime Video’)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
