Karan Tejpal’s directorial debut, Stolen, is an emotionally searing thriller that grabs your attention with a missing baby case and refuses to let go. Set against the harsh terrain of Rajasthan, the film weaves social commentary into a tense, nerve-wracking narrative, making for an unforgettable experience.
Plot:
At a remote railway station in Rajasthan, Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer), a poor woman who lives beneath the platform, wakes up to a nightmare — her infant daughter has vanished. At the same time, Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee), a well-off man waiting for his younger brother Raman (Shubham Vardhan), is pulled into the chaos. With Raman initially suspected and quickly cleared, the police hold both brothers as witnesses. But things spiral when a photo of their SUV goes viral, painting them as child abductors and triggering a wave of mob outrage and online hysteria.
Performance & Direction:
Abhishek Banerjee is exceptional, internalizing anxiety and fear without melodrama. Shubham Vardhan delivers a steady performance as the more composed sibling, creating a dynamic contrast. But it’s Mia Maelzer who devastates as Jhumpa — her silent panic and hopelessness feel all too real. Tejpal’s grounded direction focuses on realism rather than spectacle, relying on natural settings, tight editing, and minimal music to maintain tension.
What Works:
No unnecessary subplots or flashbacks — the story stays sharp and focused.
Atmosphere and realism: the dusty platforms, local dialects, and natural silences build an authentic world.
The emotional core: a mother’s pain, misunderstood intentions, and public outrage hit hard without theatrics.
What Doesn’t:
While impactful, the film doesn’t offer closure — which may leave some viewers unsettled.
A few character decisions feel under explained, likely a result of the film’s minimalist storytelling approach.
Final Words:
Stolen doesn’t try to moralize or dramatize. It reflects. It observes. And it leaves you with discomfort — the kind that lingers. A suspenseful tale rooted in social commentary, it’s a tight, well-acted film that values emotion over exposition. If you’re looking for a thriller that respects your intelligence and emotions, Stolen is well worth your time.
