BOTTOM LINE
Not Perfect, but Tense and Gripping
OTTs PLATFORM
PRIME VIDEO
RUNTIME
1h 33m
'Stree' put actor Abhishek Banerjee on the map. But this week's release, "Stolen," finest showcases his adaptability and agility to play a role that requires guts. Before arriving on Prime Video, "Stolen," which was directed by inexperienced director Karan Tejpal, garnered praise at a number of film festivals. During a period when streaming movies may be difficult and taxing, "Stolen" flies through its roughly 90 minutes like a fast car that makes abrupt U-turns and changes gears when you least expect it.
It centers on the events that lead up to a child being taken from a sleeping woman at a train station. Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) and Raman (Shubham Vardhan), two brothers, are rushing to their mother's destination wedding.
When a woman named Jhumpa (Mia Maelzer) accuses Raman of being a potential accomplice in the case of her missing child, what initially appears to be a friendly encounter and friendly banter between two brothers quickly devolves into a nightmare. The local police become involved, tensions increase, and suspicion quickly spreads about these brothers who, in spite of their entreaties, are slipping into this murky and dangerous area that doesn't trust city dwellers.
"Stolen" moves quickly, is tense, and is incredibly taut. You are forced to embark on this risky journey to discover a highly unpredictable environment since the events happen so quickly. A number of topics are covered in the movie, including casteism, mob lynching, and the widening divide between the rich and the poor.
First-time director Karan Tejpal is able to extract performances from his performers that are unscripted, unrehearsed, and utterly compelling. While Banerjee and Vardhan are at the forefront of this madness, the supporting cast is equally amazing. The superb camera work that moves over various terrains captures the film's ever-changing tone. There is less drama and ostentation in the writing and language. Most of the film is realistic and gritty, which is a terrific attempt.
One of the best movies ever made by a novice director is "Stolen." Like the narrative it aims to convey, the whole experience may not be flawless. You can't help but get on this trip, though, because of the mother's anguish, dread, and pain for her child. "Stolen" captures your interest right away and holds it to the very end.
0 Comments