Stolen – Inside Prime Video’s Strategy Behind Its Powerful Global Breakthrough

Conversation focused on the key factors that contributed to the global success of Stolen, highlighting its remarkable ability to transcend borders and connect with viewers worldwide
Mumbai, November 25, 2025: Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, participated in a highly engaging deep dive session on “How Stolen broke the mould and became a landmark for independent filmmakers,” at the prestigious 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The session featured Abhishek Banerjee, actor; Karan Tejpal, writer and director; Gaurav Dhingra, producer and Manish Menghani, director and head of content acquisition at Prime Video India, and was moderated by Divyansh Jain, producer/director.
The session unpacked the key creative and strategic factors behind the global success of Stolen, a film that has transcended borders and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
Director Karan Tejpal opened the discussion by speaking about the origins of the story. “Stolen is based on several true incidents in India. The idea stemmed from the phenomenon of WhatsApp lynchings between 2015 and 2020. One incident in Assam particularly shook me — not just the brutality, but the reactions of unseen people in the videos who were laughing and enjoying the violence. I needed to understand what was driving this. That’s how it all began,” he said.
Speaking about why Prime Video chose to back Stolen, Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing, Prime Video India. said, “We don’t look at films as big or small. The real compass is simple: Is this a story that must be told, and must be told now? Stolen isn’t conventional — it confronts you, unsettles you, and refuses to be boxed into a genre. What makes it powerful is how deeply rooted it is in its characters, its truths, and where it emerges from.” He added, “Another key reason was superlative execution. The cast delivered powerful, lived-in performances. It didn’t feel like I was watching a film — it felt like someone was telling me a story, and I couldn’t look away. Ultimately, the creators backed their conviction all the way to the finish line, which is truly rare.”
Actor Abhishek Banerjee spoke about the intensity of performing the film’s complex long takes. “While acting, I was also managing camera angles, ensuring actors weren’t masked — all while driving. We rehearsed extensively. For sequences like the station scene, we practiced with every prop so the long takes could flow without a single cut. It taught me the true value of rehearsal — very different from my previous work,” he shared.
On the film’s legacy, Karan added, “It is like a time capsule of our country — something that can be watched 30 years later to understand what was happening.” Manish echoed this thought, noting that Stolen forces viewers to reflect on their own moral choices. “It is an uncomfortable film about uncomfortable decisions — whether you walk away or get involved despite the risk. That’s what makes it resonate, now and decades from now,” he said.
Producer Gaurav Dhingra highlighted the importance of prioritising creative integrity during production. “Producing isn’t just about making a film — it’s about deciding where to allocate funds and what truly matters for the story. You must protect the vision you and your collaborators believe in,” he said.
Prime Video’s participation at IFFI reflects the streaming service’s commitment to strengthening India’s creative economy and championing homegrown stories, talent, and creators on the global stage. As one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, IFFI continues to celebrate cinematic excellence, innovation, and cultural diversity, bringing together groundbreaking films, exceptional storytellers, and audiences from around the world.