 "Stolen: Backed by Kiran Rao & Vikramaditya Motwane, how Abhishek Banerjee’s film is a victory for India’s storytelling")
Abhishek Banerjee’s film is a victory for India’s storytelling. Each and every frame of Stolen is truly gripping and that’s what makes this film a must-watch. Usually, films that gain recognition at film festivals are seen as hard-hitting and niche. But Stolen seems to have hit it out of the park. Stolen shows how powerplay is real in our society. There is a constant conflict between two brothers, Raman (Shubham Vardhan) and Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) who love each other dearly, but they think differently. Stolen will steal your heart to see the plight of a mother in search of her baby Champa. This crime thriller tells the story of two brothers who are entangled in a scary search for a baby that has been kidnapped.
The film is earning praise from all quarters, despite dealing with a powerful and intense subject. Such films are indeed rare, those that not only make waves on the festival circuit but also receive widespread appreciation globally.
Stolen follows the story of two urban brothers who witness a baby being kidnapped from an impoverished mother at a rural railway station in India. Driven by a sense of moral duty, one brother convinces the other to help the mother and join a perilous investigation to find the child. Already acclaimed at multiple international film festivals, the film has now been released, and the response has been phenomenal.
Stolen ’s journey in festivals
Looking at its journey through the festival circuit: following its Venice premiere in 2023, Stolen went on a remarkable festival run, collecting accolades across the globe. At the Beijing International Film Festival, it won Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Actress. Japan’s Skip City International D-Cinema Festival awarded it Best Film and Best Director, while the Zurich Film Festival honored it with a Special Mention. In India, the film premiered at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and was also screened at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala.
Stolen’s OTT release was good for the film
Stolen may have been seen as a ‘so-called festival film,’ but its OTT release has turned the tables, proving that it resonates deeply with audiences too. It’s a true cinematic masterpiece that is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Perhaps not many expected it, but the film is now making waves far and wide globally.
When all characters are important
Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) is a true screen stealer. Both Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham Vardhan) has done a fantastic job.
WATCH the trailer of Stolen movie here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the Entertainment Editor of Firstpost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. She is a 'Rotten Tomatoes' certified critic. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes a huge interest in world cinema. She has been the winner of the prestigious Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until it's a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.