Stolen: A Gripping Exploration of Conscience and Chaos

A Deep Dive into Karan Tejpal's Directorial Debut

At the heart of this film lies a profound sense of anguish. Is Karan Tejpal's first directorial venture truly a thriller? It shares similarities with Devashish Makhija’s Joram, where Manoj Bajpayee portrays a man on the run, wrongfully accused of his wife's murder.

In Stolen, we encounter a baby and two men fleeing with a woman who may or may not be the mother of the infant, Champa. What secrets lurk beneath the veneer of civility?

Tejpal crafts a bewildering yet tragically relatable world filled with deception and disempowerment, driven by a compelling sense of urgency that resonates deeply.

This narrative unfolds in a setting where infants are abducted from railway platforms. One such incident occurs on a desolate night, where affluent brothers Gautam and Raman Bansal, portrayed convincingly by Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham Vardhan, should have ignored the chaos and continued to their mother’s wedding—a darkly humorous moment that the film’s police characters relish.

However, Raman possesses a trait that many upwardly mobile Indians lack: a conscience.

Thus begins an enthralling road trip as Raman and his hesitant elder brother Gautam embark on a journey with baby Champa and her tribal mother, Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer), a ride that will be unforgettable for all involved, including the audience.

Stolen carries a raw, unrefined essence throughout its progression. The editor, Shreyas Beltangdy, has done a commendable job, ensuring that the film’s visceral narrative reflects a genuine understanding of the intricate relationship between violence and patriarchy in rural India.

Karan Tejpal's film seems to be set in Haryana, suggested by the spoken accents and the casual brutality depicted. Yet, the themes of corrupt law enforcement, mob violence, and child abduction could resonate anywhere in India; all one needs to do is step outside and observe.

Karan Tejpal's debut is among the most remarkable in recent cinema, as he boldly captures the essence of his narrative. The authenticity of the three main actors, along with a host of supporting characters, creates an atmosphere akin to a reality show filmed with hidden cameras.

Cinematographers Isshaan Ghosh and Sachin S. Pillai employ guerrilla-style shooting techniques, particularly in a heart-stopping mob lynching scene set in a secluded village, where narrow streets conceal a dark history of violence.

Abhishek Banerjee, the most recognizable face in the cast, delivers a performance that transcends expectations, portraying a level of authenticity rarely seen in Indian cinema.

Stolen is groundbreaking for multiple reasons. It not only defies the conventions of mainstream cinema but also establishes itself as a pioneering Indie film, successfully crafting a thriller that doesn’t conform to traditional thriller norms.

The premise of two unsuspecting brothers entangled in a baby-snatching scheme may not initially sound thrilling, yet the film captivates from the outset, showcasing the evolution of Indian cinema.