MUMBAI: — Prime Video participated in a session at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) examining how the film Stolen achieved international reach and impact. The discussion featured actor Abhishek Banerjee, writer-director Karan Tejpal, producer Gaurav Dhingra, and Manish Menghani, director and head of content acquisition at Prime Video India. The session was moderated by producer-director Divyansh Jain.
The panel explored the origins of Stolen and the factors behind its global resonance. Tejpal said the story draws from several incidents of mob violence in India between 2015 and 2020, including cases in which people were falsely accused of child kidnapping. He said one event in Assam motivated him to investigate why such incidents occurred and to develop a narrative reflecting those experiences.
Menghani said the film aligned with Prime Video’s approach to identifying stories that feel urgent and relevant. He described Stolen as a project rooted in character and setting, noting that it does not conform to a single genre. He also cited what he described as strong performances and execution, attributing the film’s impact to the creators’ commitment to their vision.
Banerjee discussed the challenges of filming long takes, explaining that he had to balance acting with technical considerations, including camera placement and coordination with other cast members. He said extensive rehearsals were essential for maintaining continuity during complex sequences.
Dhingra spoke about production decisions required to achieve visual standards expected at film festivals, emphasizing the need to protect the creative intent of a project while managing resources.
Menghani also addressed how he evaluates new stories, saying conviction from the creators and a clear sense of audience interest are central considerations. He added that creative vision, technical execution, strong teams, and attention to the business side of filmmaking are important for aspiring filmmakers.
Prime Video’s participation at IFFI highlighted the growing influence of streaming platforms in supporting Indian storytellers and expanding the reach of their work to global audiences.
