Abhishek Banerjee is making waves with his latest project, "Stolen," a film that promises to be a thrilling ride for audiences. Contrary to assumptions about its tone, Banerjee clarifies that "Stolen" isn't a dark film, but rather an entertaining, action-packed thriller. This statement offers a glimpse into the actor's perspective on the movie and sets expectations for viewers.
"Stolen," directed by Karan Tejpal, delves into the unsettling reality of mob hysteria and its rapid escalation, particularly in rural India. The narrative commences with a heart-wrenching incident: the kidnapping of a baby from her sleeping mother, Jhumpa, at a railway station. Brothers Raman (Shubham Vardhan) and Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) become entangled in the chaos as they join Jhumpa in a relentless search for the missing child. Their journey takes them through treacherous terrains, where they face hostile locals, turning their quest into a desperate struggle for survival.
Banerjee's portrayal of Gautam is particularly noteworthy. Initially, Gautam comes across as cynical and classist, eager to distance himself from the unfolding mess. However, as the story progresses, Banerjee skillfully unveils the character's layers, showcasing his transformation. By the time Gautam rises to the occasion, his actions feel earned, marking a significant shift in his moral compass. Mia Maelzer, as Jhumpa, delivers a compelling performance, capturing the raw grief and desperation of a mother who has lost her child.
Inspired by the real-life lynching of two men in Assam in 2018, who were falsely accused of being child traffickers, "Stolen" draws its urgency from these tragic events. However, rather than imitating news footage or adopting a docu-drama approach, the film crafts its own cinematic language, employing shadows, whispers, and narrow roads to create a tense atmosphere.
The film is produced by Gaurav Dhingra under the Jungle Book Studio banner, with backing from prominent filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane. The ensemble cast, including Harish Khanna and Sahidur Rahaman, contributes to the film's raw and engaging performances.
"Stolen" premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 4, 2025, and has been lauded as a taut thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Critics have praised Tejpal's direction, the film's tight narrative, and its ability to explore dark social themes without resorting to excessive drama. The film runs for 93 minutes. "Stolen" has been described as a game changer for thriller fans, offering a gripping and emotional cinematic experience.
