Karan Tejpal’s directorial debut, Stolen, plunges into chaos under the cover of night and only emerges into clarity by dawn. Based on true events, this tense crime drama wastes no time building suspense. It grips you from its opening moments — a baby disappears without a sound — and doesn’t loosen its hold until the final frame. What unfolds is a compact yet intense 90-minute thriller that plays with your expectations, explores human frailty, and paints a stark portrait of how fear and rumour can quickly spiral into danger.
Plot Overview: A Night Turns Into a Nightmare
The story kicks off at an almost deserted railway station, where Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) arrives to collect his younger brother Raman (Shubham Vardhan). At the same time, a sleeping woman, Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer), wakes up to discover her baby has vanished. In her panic, she points the finger at Raman, triggering a chaotic public reaction. A crowd gathers, tempers flare, and suspicions rise. Gautam’s intervention defuses the immediate tension, but the worst is far from over.
From there, Stolen careens from one unnerving scene to another, as the trio is interrogated — not just by the police, but also by an increasingly hostile public. As they try to prove their innocence, the brothers stumble upon a series of truths that are far more disturbing than they could have imagined.
Direction & Screenplay: Smart, Subtle, and Razor-Sharp
Co-written by Tejpal alongside Gaurav Dhingra and Swapnil Salkar, Stolen is both lean and layered. The screenplay doesn’t dwell in exposition but still manages to paint rich psychological portraits of the central characters. Tensions simmer beneath the surface of every interaction, especially between the brothers, whose complex relationship is laid bare through understated yet effective dialogue.
The direction is laser-focused — Tejpal keeps the viewer locked in, thanks in part to the immersive cinematography by Isshaan Ghosh. Long takes and strategic point-of-view shots drop you right into the panic and paranoia the characters are experiencing. The film also delivers a sharp commentary on how misinformation, suspicion, and mob justice can take root almost instantly — especially in isolated, digitally connected communities.
Performances: Quiet Power and Raw Emotion
Abhishek Banerjee delivers a standout performance as Gautam — measured, methodical, and increasingly desperate as the night spirals out of control. He subtly conveys the emotional weight of being the “responsible” sibling while slowly unravelling under pressure. Shubham Vardhan brings restraint and sincerity to Raman, embodying a younger brother caught in a moral storm. Together, they craft a believable and touching sibling bond.
Mia Maelzer is riveting as Jhumpa — her anguish is palpable, yet she balances vulnerability with unwavering resolve. Harish Khanna also makes a strong impression as Panditji, a local police officer navigating the chaos with his own limitations.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Ride with a Slightly Soft Landing
Stolen excels in maintaining taut suspense, with moments that genuinely rattle. The ending, while hopeful and perhaps a touch too neat, doesn’t undo the dread-soaked journey that precedes it. It’s a thought-provoking look at how quickly lives can unravel when fear and blame take control.
Karan Tejpal has crafted a striking debut — one that is gripping, relevant, and emotionally resonant. Stolen doesn’t just tell a story; it forces you to question how you’d react if caught in a similar storm. A must-watch for fans of smart, socially aware thrillers.
