Kaleidoscope
Stolen / Stolen
India
Directors: Karan Tejpal
Director's bio
Karan Tejpal, an Indian writer and director, unveils the intricate tales of a complex and contradictory world that captivates his vision. His debut feature film, "Stolen," premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, delving into a realm where brutality coexists with profound humanity. Born in New Delhi and shaped by a nomadic childhood in an army family, Tejpal's work exposes the harsh realities of society, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of the powerless and the erosion of trust in social systems. A former professional horse polo player across India, New Zealand, and South Africa, Tejpal transitioned to filmmaking, finding adventure and possibility in the industry. With a decade of experience alongside eminent Indian directors, he explored the diverse socio-cultural fabric of India, shaping his narrative voice. Studying filmmaking at the New York Film Academy, Tejpal's early career in Bollywood, advertising, and television culminated in a niche within independent cinema. Recognized by prestigious platforms like the Sundance Screenwriters Lab (2016) and NFDC Screenwriters Lab (2014), Tejpal's journey reflects a profound commitment to unveiling the layers of human experience through the lens of independent filmmaking.
Karan Tejpal, an Indian writer and director, unveils the intricate tales of a complex and contradictory world that captivates his vision. His debut feature film, "Stolen," premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, delving into a realm where brutality coexists with profound humanity. Born in New Delhi and shaped by a nomadic childhood in an army family, Tejpal's work exposes the harsh realities of society, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of the powerless and the erosion of trust in social systems. A former professional horse polo player across India, New Zealand, and South Africa, Tejpal transitioned to filmmaking, finding adventure and possibility in the industry. With a decade of experience alongside eminent Indian directors, he explored the diverse socio-cultural fabric of India, shaping his narrative voice. Studying filmmaking at the New York Film Academy, Tejpal's early career in Bollywood, advertising, and television culminated in a niche within independent cinema. Recognized by prestigious platforms like the Sundance Screenwriters Lab (2016) and NFDC Screenwriters Lab (2014), Tejpal's journey reflects a profound commitment to unveiling the layers of human experience through the lens of independent filmmaking.
Synopsis
In the wee hours of a cold morning at a remote railway station in rural India, a chance encounter changes three lives forever. A five-month- old baby is stolen from the clutches of her mother, Jhumpa Mahato, an impoverished tribal woman with a dark past. Raman Bansal, a photographer, becomes the unwitting witness to this brutal incident. Gautam Bansal, a wealthy urban brat, has come to pick up his younger brother Raman from the station. While Raman genuinely feels empathetic towards the plight of Jhumpa, Gautam hardly cares to know more about what does not concern him and believes in the pleasures of a privileged life. Their already tenuous relationship is further tested when both of them are embroiled in Jhumpa’s endeavour to search for her baby. The perilous journey of the trio through the unknown hostile hinterlands thrust the young men out of their sheltered existence, compelling them to confront the harshness of reality. The trio are forced to navigate the dark underbelly of society, testing their resilience, trust, and ultimately, their humanity. Amidst the heart-pounding action and survival struggles, deeper themes of motherhood, classism, xenophobia, and a disillusionment with the system emerge.Details of Cast
Abhishek Banerjee, Shubham, Mia Maelzer, Harish Khanna, Sahidur RahamanDetails of Crew
Isshaan Ghosh (Cinematographer), Shreyas Beltangdy (Editor), Neeraj Kumar Singh (Production Designer), Harsh Dhedia (Costume Designer), Árpád Bondy (Music), Susmit Bob Nath (Sound), Zenish Mehta (Visual Effects)Producer Details
Gaurav DhingraWriter Details
Karan Tejpal, Agadbumb, Gaurav DhingraStills
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