At the heart of the 80th Venice Film Festival, “Stolen” emerges as a compelling narrative, in the section Orizzonti Extra, that delves into the depths of unseen realities. We had the privilege to sit down with the visionary director behind this film, Karan Tejpal, as he shared insights into his creative process and the profound themes that drive the story.
“Stolen”, directed by Karan Tejpal, made a significant impact at the festival, gaining recognition as India’s sole selection. The film takes audiences on a thought-provoking journey through the collision of divergent worlds. As we sat down with Karan Tejpal, he revealed his deliberate choice to adopt a raw and unfiltered approach in crafting the film. This decision aimed to immerse viewers in the intricate lives of the characters, allowing them to experience the search for truth and justice alongside the protagonists.
A thought-provoking journey with “Stolen”
“In crafting ‘Stolen,’ I deliberately chose to embrace a raw, unapologetic cinema verite style,” Karan Tejpal explained. This approach not only adds authenticity but also engages the audience in a visceral manner. The film captures the essence of life’s complexities, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects that shape our society.
Unveiling life’s complexities
“Stolen” delves into the poignant narrative of an impoverished mother’s desperate journey to reunite with her child. Two city men, played by Abhishek Banerjee and others, inadvertently become entwined in her quest. The film’s rawness and unapologetic portrayal of life’s harsh realities stand as a testament to Karan Tejpal‘s commitment to delivering a unique cinematic experience.
Karan Tejpal’s feature debut
The journey of “Stolen” extends beyond its narrative, as it marks the feature debut of Karan Tejpal as a director. Previously contributing to acclaimed Bollywood films such as “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” and “3 Idiots,” Karan Tejpal brings a wealth of experience to the table.
With ‘Stolen,’ Karan Tejpal have distilled the art of producing an irresistible work of cinema which can be consumed globally, opening the IP to million possibilities. The film’s independent creation and dedication to authenticity shine through in every frame.
As the interview continued, Karan Tejpal expressed his earnest intention to bring forth the hidden truths that shape our society. He stated, “‘Stolen’ is my earnest attempt to bring to light the unseen realities that shape our society and to provoke introspection on the issues that matter most.” The film’s exploration of complex themes such as truth, justice, and the intricacies of human relationships resonates deeply with audiences.
The impact of “Stolen” is far-reaching, as the film’s international sales are handled by the Paris-based sales company Charades. The director shared his enthusiasm for the film, highlighting its unique portrayal of an unexplored facet of Indian society.
Exploring unseen realities
In conclusion, “Stolen” is not merely a cinematic creation but a journey that encapsulates raw emotions, unfiltered truths, and the very essence of humanity. Through the lens of Karan Tejpal, the film transforms into a captivating exploration of the unseen realities that shape our lives.
Plot
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.