The Hindi drama Stolen, directed by debutant Karan Tejpal, has arrived on Amazon Prime Video, creating waves with its tense atmosphere, raw storytelling, and hard-hitting performances. In this Stolen movie review, we look at how Abhishek Banerjee delivers a career-defining role in a socially relevant, slow-burn drama that combines a kidnapping narrative with a powerful exploration of privilege, guilt, and truth.
Whether you’re browsing through must-watch movies this week or looking for a streaming thriller, Stolen demands your attention.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐(4/5 stars)
Genre: Thriller
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Release Date: June 4, 2025 on Amazon Prime Video
- Cast: Abhishek Banerjee, Mia Maelzer, Shubham Vardhan
- Director: Karan Tejpal
- Language: Hindi
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in a desolate Rajasthani town, Stolen revolves around two affluent brothers whose visit to a train station is disrupted when a baby is abducted right before their eyes. What follows is a moral minefield where justice, self-interest, and responsibility collide. As the tension builds, the film leads to a heartbreaking and unforgettable ending.
Performances & Characters
Abhishek Banerjee, known for his character roles in Paatal Lok and Mirzapur, completely owns the screen as a man torn between doing what’s right and protecting his social image. His nuanced performance gives the film its emotional gravity. His co-stars match his intensity, especially during scenes that highlight the struggle between honesty and taking the easy way out. Abhishek Banerjee performance in Stolen is award-worthy.
Direction, Screenplay & Cinematography
Karan Tejpal’s direction is deliberate and atmospheric. There’s no rush here — the slow pace builds unease and tension. The screenplay offers layered commentary without resorting to melodrama. The cinematography captures the barren landscape beautifully, symbolizing the emotional emptiness of its characters.
Music & Sound Design
Stolen doesn’t rely on a traditional soundtrack. Rather than a full soundtrack, it uses quiet sound design and subtle tones to heighten the sense of fear. The silences speak louder than any background score could.
Initial Release and Festival Journey
Stolen first premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2023, where it won praise and a standing ovation. After Venice, the movie appeared at important festivals in Zurich, London, and Kerala. After this successful festival run, the movie became available to stream worldwide on Amazon Prime Video starting June 4, 2025.
What Works
- Abhishek Banerjee’s haunting lead performance
- Unflinching take on social inequality and justice
- Tight direction and unsettling atmosphere
- Sharp, focused writing without unnecessary subplots
- Realistic, documentary-style cinematography
What Could Be Better
- Limited character arcs outside the lead
- The slow pacing might test the patience of casual viewers
- Some may find the ending abrupt or open-ended
Final Verdict
Stolen is not your average weekend thriller. It’s a morally complex, emotionally draining, and thought-provoking film that showcases Indian independent cinema at its best.
If you’re in the mood for a cinematic experience that sticks with you, Stolen is a must-watch on Prime Video. This Stolen movie review highlights why it’s one of the strongest Hindi dramas of the year.
FAQs About Stolen Movie
Q: Where can I watch Stolen online?
A: Stolen is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India and globally.
Q: Who directed Stolen?
A: Stolen is directed by Karan Tejpal, marking his feature film debut.
Q: Is Stolen based on a true story?
A: While not officially based on a true story, the film draws from real-world socio-political themes in India.
Q: What is the runtime of Stolen?
A: The film runs for approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes
Q: Is Stolen worth watching?
A: Absolutely. It’s a well-acted, thought-provoking thriller — one of the best OTT releases of 2025 so far.