Karan Tejpal’s Stolen is a tight, socially charged thriller powered by Abhishek Banerjee’s commanding performance and breakneck storytelling.
Abhishek Banerjee, widely recognized for his breakout role in Stree, delivers yet another standout performance in the intense thriller Stolen. Directed by newcomer Karan Tejpal, the film dives into unsettling social realities while never losing grip on its momentum. Tejpal’s directorial debut doesn’t just mark the arrival of a fresh talent—it commands your attention from the very first frame. Stolen is available to be streamed on Amazon Prime Videos from June 4, 2025.
The story kicks off with a chilling event: a child is abducted from her sleeping mother at a bustling railway station. This sets the stage for a harrowing journey involving two brothers—Gautam, played with raw conviction by Banerjee, and Raman, brought to life by Shubham Vardhan. The siblings are on their way to their mother’s destination wedding, but a chance encounter with a mysterious woman named Jhumpa (portrayed by Mia Maelzer) derails their plans in the most unexpected way.
As local authorities step in, the narrative becomes more complex. Suspicion quickly clouds the brothers’ intentions, pulling them deeper into a vortex of distrust, where urban outsiders are viewed with suspicion and hostility. What begins as a simple road trip morphs into a nightmarish descent into a world governed by paranoia, fear, and buried prejudice.
What makes Stolen stand out isn’t just its suspenseful pacing—it’s the way it weaves weighty social commentary into its high-octane storytelling. Themes of caste, socio-economic divide, and mob violence are addressed without ever slowing down the narrative. In just over 90 minutes, the film races through twists and emotional turns like a runaway vehicle, never losing its grip on the audience.
Despite minor imperfections, Stolen succeeds in leaving a lasting impression. Its raw depiction of a mother’s despair, the relentless tension, and the nuanced portrayal of class and trust issues make it a film worth watching. Karan Tejpal’s first outing is a bold, nerve-racking, and socially aware thriller that grabs your attention—and doesn’t let go.
