Abhishek Banerjee's award-winning crime-drama Stolen to release in June 2025

India Today

26-05-2025

The teaser for Abhishek Banerjee's award-winning crime-thriller 'Stolen' has been released by Prime Video. The film, which has been screened at multiple international film festivals, is all set to be available for streaming from June 2025. It made its debut at the Venice Film Festival 2023, where it received a standing ovation.'Stolen' has been backed by Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani and Vikramaditya Motwane who are executive producers of the crime-thriller. The film is directed by Kara Tejpal and co-written by Tejpal, Swapnil Salkar -Agadbumb and Gaurav Dhingra who is also credited as the producer.advertisement'Stolen' follows the intense journey of two urbane brothers who witness a baby being kidnapped from an impoverished mother at a railway station in rural India. One brother, guided by moral duty, convinces the other to help the mother and join a perilous investigation to find the child.
Speaking about the film, Manish Menghani, director and head – content licensing, Prime Video India, said, "'Stolen' exemplifies Prime Video's commitment to championing bold, meaningful storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. This edge-of-the-seat thriller is more than entertainment—it holds a mirror to society, delving into powerful themes of justice, trauma, and human resilience."He further said, "The film's recognition at prestigious international festivals, along with the support of our acclaimed executive producers Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani and Vikramaditya Motwane reinforces our belief in backing distinctive voices. We're proud to present this impactful story from producer Gaurav Dhingra and debut director Karan Tejpal to a global audience, further strengthening Prime Video's position as a destination for compelling, thought-provoking cinema."advertisementWhile speaking about his association with 'Stolen', Kashyap opined, "Cinema that is strong, unflinching, relentless and emotionally raw will always grab you from the first frame and not let go—that's exactly what Stolen did to me. What I love about this film is its refusal to conform. For me, cinema must be fearless, and Karan Tejpal has made a film that embodies that spirit. I'm excited it's found its home on Prime Video, and the world can finally see this masterpiece thriller. This is the kind of film that challenges you, makes you jealous as a filmmaker and also inspires you at a time when you are clutching at straws for some homegrown cinematic hope and that's always worth championing. 'Stolen' did all of that to me, and I'm proud to support it."Speaking about Stolen's thrilling narrative, Rao said, "'Stolen' is a rare film that combines thrilling narrative tension with a deeply humane core. The character of Jhumpa stayed with me long after I watched the film—her vulnerability and resilience are a reminder of the strength that lies in the most unexpected places. It's that rare kind of cinema that captivates while drawing the audience deeper with every frame. It's heartening to bring this powerful film to Prime Video, I'm truly honoured to support this compelling film."advertisementAdvani reflected on challenging conventions and stated, "I've always been drawn to stories that challenge convention and spark conversation - 'Stolen' does exactly that. While its narrative is tense and gripping, it's ultimately anchored in deep emotional resonance. My collaboration with Prime Video has always been about bringing compelling content to audiences, and I'm thrilled to continue that journey with this riveting film."Motwane, while highlighting the brilliance of storytelling, also said, "The brilliance of 'Stolen' lies in how it delivers suspense with soul—it's fast-paced, yet never loses its emotional core. What drew me to the film was its razor-sharp narrative—every moment is deliberate, every beat purposeful. I'm proud to be part of a project like 'Stolen' that is bold, urgent, and deeply transfixing. Karan, Gaurav, and Swapnil Salkar - Agadbumb have crafted something truly special, brought to life by a phenomenal cast. I'm excited that Stolen will stream on Prime Video, taking this story to audiences around the world."The film's co-writer and producer Dhingra concluded, "'Stolen' is a taut, emotionally resonant thriller — a human story wrapped in urgency and suspense. As both writer and producer, crafting this narrative and watching it resonate so powerfully on the global festival circuit has been a deeply moving experience. Since its inception, Jungle Book Studio has always strived to create cinema that touches, moves & inspires audiences around the world. Karan Tejpal's directorial debut brings a distinct cinematic voice, and our phenomenal cast brings depth and authenticity to every frame. With the support of our visionary executive producers — Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane — and our partnership with Prime Video, we've been able to realise our creative vision and take this story to audiences around the world."advertisementApart from Banerjee, 'Stolen' also features Harish Khanna, Mia Maelzer, Sahidur Rahaman and Shubham, in crucial roles. The film won Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Female Actor at the Beijing International Film Festival. At Japan's Skip City International D-Cinema Festival, it was awarded Best Film and Best Director. The Zurich Film Festival also honoured 'Stolen' with a Special Mention, further cementing its reputation on the global stage.In India, the film premiered at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and was later showcased at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala.'Stolen' releases on June 4, 2025 worldwide across 240 countries. It will be exclusively available for streaming on Prime Video.