The film ‘Stolen,’ now streaming on Prime Video, has captivated audiences globally with its compelling storyline and performances. In an exclusive interview, key members of the ‘Stolen’ team—actor Abhishek Banerjee, director Karan Tejpal, and producer Gaurav Dhingra—shared insights into the film’s creation, release challenges, and the industry’s support.
Abhishek Banerjee, known for his diverse roles, approached his character in ‘Stolen’ by focusing solely on the script’s elements. Unlike commercially driven films where audience reactions are predetermined, ‘Stolen’ required him to maintain the audience’s attention throughout. He highlighted the film’s ‘real-time’ nature as a key factor.
Director Karan Tejpal emphasized the importance of coordination and rehearsal in the film’s intense scenes. He embraced the challenges, viewing them as a source of enjoyment. The support from Gaurav and the actors, along with the crew’s adaptability, was critical. The collaborative spirit, according to Karan, was what made the project successful.
Karan also detailed the meticulous planning and rehearsal process that went into filming the intense mob scenes. He commended Abhishek for his dedication to rehearsing with the non-actor extras until they perfected the scenes. The scenes were completed in just three takes, demonstrating the team’s collaborative effort.
Despite receiving acclaim in various film festivals, the film’s Indian release presented hurdles. However, the industry’s backing enabled its eventual release on Prime Video.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra recalled the challenges of releasing ‘Stolen’, aware of its quality but struggling with distribution. He appreciated the support from Abhishek and Karan throughout the process. He also celebrated the film’s global success.
Abhishek added that they received support from several prominent figures within the film industry. He highlighted the backing of directors like Nikkhil Advani, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Kiran Rao, as well as Amazon Prime Video, for making the project a success.
Gaurav also noted that OTT platforms are democratizing the entertainment industry, providing opportunities for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.
Abhishek and Gaurav believe that ‘Stolen’ marks the beginning of a new trend in Indian cinema, characterized by its unique approach to action thrillers and the collaborative support within the industry.