Karan Tejpal's 'Stolen' to Stream on Prime Video After Mumbai Film Festival Success

Karan Tejpal's debut film, Stolen, which premiered to acclaim at the Mumbai Film Festival, is set to stream on Prime Video starting June 4. The film, inspired by a tragic incident in Assam, explores the harrowing experiences of two brothers mistaken for kidnappers. Tejpal, who describes himself as an 'accidental filmmaker,' shares insights into the challenges of getting the film released in today's competitive market. With support from notable directors and a talented cast, Stolen promises to deliver a gripping narrative that reflects the complexities of urban and rural India. Read on to learn more about Tejpal's journey and future projects.
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Karan Tejpal's 'Stolen' to Stream on Prime Video After Mumbai Film Festival Success

Premiere and Streaming Release

Karan Tejpal's debut feature film, Stolen, received an enthusiastic reception at the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival. The film, which explores the harrowing experiences of two wealthy brothers wrongly accused of kidnapping in rural India, was initially anticipated for a theatrical release. However, it has now been acquired by Prime Video and will be available for streaming starting June 4.


Support from Renowned Directors

The Hindi film has garnered support from notable directors such as Anurag Kashyap, Kiran Rao, Nikkhil Advani, and Vikramaditya Motwane. The screenplay was co-written by Tejpal along with Gaurav Dhingra and Swapnil Salkar-Agadbumb. The cast includes Shubham Vardhan, Abhishek Banerjee, Mia Maelzer, Harish Khanna, and Sahidur Rahaman.


Tejpal's Journey to Filmmaking

In a recent interview, Tejpal, 40, described himself as an 'accidental filmmaker.' He attended Mayo College in Ajmer and St Stephen’s College in Delhi, initially aspiring to be a hockey player before shifting his focus to cinema. Tejpal spent several years as an assistant director in the Hindi film industry, starting with Lage Raho Munnabhai in 2006, and later pursued a filmmaking course at the New York Film Academy.


Inspiration Behind 'Stolen'

The film draws inspiration from a tragic lynching incident in Assam in 2018, which continues to haunt Tejpal. He shared insights from his interview, discussing the film's intended theatrical release and the challenges faced in securing a streaming platform. Tejpal noted that the current cinematic landscape is dominated by big-budget films, making it difficult for smaller projects to find a home.


Challenges in Production

Tejpal explained that the film's journey has been fraught with obstacles, but the involvement of executive producers helped bring Stolen to fruition. He emphasized the importance of trust in filmmaking and the need for a conscience in storytelling. The film's narrative reflects the complexities of urban and rural India, highlighting the necessity for these worlds to coexist.


Future Projects

Looking ahead, Tejpal is working on a feature for Mira Nair set in Delhi and leading the writers' room for the second season of Dahaad. He is also developing his own projects, including a horror film titled Umeed about a lesbian couple's journey to parenthood, and a romantic thriller exploring a taboo relationship.


Trailer and Release Information


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