Prime Video’s powerful showcase of ‘Stolen’ at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has emerged as one of the most compelling conversations at the event this year, offering a rare inside view into how the streaming platform identified, backed and elevated a deeply unconventional independent film into a global success story.

According to Prime Video press release, in a special deep-dive session titled ‘How Stolen broke the mould and became a landmark for independent filmmakers,’ the cast and creators joined Manish Menghani, director and head of content acquisition at Prime Video India, to unpack the film’s journey.

The session, which also featured actor Abhishek Banerjee, writer-director Karan Tejpal and producer Gaurav Dhingra, explored the bold choices behind the film and the platform’s decision to bet on it. The discussion offered a striking look at Prime Video’s strategy and the benchmarks ‘Stolen’ now sets for young filmmakers. The report highlighted how the film’s success signals a shift in the streaming ecosystem, especially for stories that carry social relevance and cinematic depth.

Moderated by producer and director Divyansh Jain, the session began with a conversation on what sparked the making of ‘Stolen’. Karan Tejpal said the story emerged from a disturbing real phenomenon: the “WhatsApp lynchings” that took place between 2015 and 2020. He recalled how the brutal killing of two young men in Assam, falsely accused of being child kidnappers, stayed with him long after he came across the videos. “What disturbed me most was not just the brutality, but the reactions of unseen people in the background, who were laughing and seemed to enjoy the violence,” he said. This reality, he added, compelled him to explore what drives such events and why justice often remains elusive.

Speaking on why Prime Video chose to back the film, Manish Menghani said the platform does not categorise content as commercial or non-commercial. Instead, it focuses on whether a story “must be told, and must be told now.” He stressed that ‘Stolen’ stood out for being raw, unflinching and rooted in real truths. “It isn’t a film that fits neatly into one genre. It confronts you and forces you to sit with difficult emotions,” he said. Menghani added that the film’s execution was “superlative,” noting that the performances, technical craft and emotional authenticity made it feel like “someone is telling you a story, not like you’re watching a film.”

Actor Abhishek Banerjee shared how the filming process especially the long takes required immense preparation. He described navigating multiple responsibilities at once: acting, driving, ensuring the camera had proper visibility, and coordinating with other actors. Complex sequences like the station scene demanded extensive rehearsals with cast, props and equipment to maintain realism without requiring cuts. “This film truly taught me the value of rehearsal,” he said.

Discussing the film’s legacy, Tejpal said ‘Stolen’ serves as a “time capsule of the country,” one that future generations could revisit to understand the social climate of the period. Menghani echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the film forces audiences to confront moral dilemmas—particularly the uncomfortable choice between protecting oneself or stepping into danger for what is right.

When asked what convinces him to support a story, Menghani said conviction is the first and most important factor. He praised the creators for pushing forward despite doubts, questions and financial hurdles. The second factor, he said, is understanding how many people the story can resonate with—its ability to create pull, not just rely on distribution push. This comes from deeply understanding viewers and anticipating what will genuinely connect with them.

Producer Gaurav Dhingra highlighted the importance of creative integrity when making a film intended for global platforms and film festivals. He described producing as an exercise in constant decision-making—prioritising what adds the most value to the film while protecting the vision. “It’s not just about getting the film made; it’s about safeguarding what you and your collaborators believe in,” he said.

As advice for aspiring filmmakers, Menghani underlined four pillars: creative vision, flawless execution, a strong team and understanding the business of cinema. He said creators must measure their work against global standards, as today’s audiences instantly compare content across platforms and regions. “The story isn’t the finish line it’s the starting point,” he said, adding that the same energy at the ideation stage must carry through to distribution and exhibition.

Prime Video’s participation at IFFI reinforces the growing role of streaming platforms in expanding India’s creative economy and taking local stories to global audiences. As one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, IFFI continues to serve as a meeting ground for diverse cultures, cinematic excellence and innovative storytelling an ecosystem where Stolen has now carved its own significant place.