Filmmaker Karan Tejpal’s Stolen has been receiving accolades for its content and also for the performances of Abhishek Banerjee and Shubham Vardhan. In a chat with us, Shubham spoke about his experience of doing the film and more.

Stolen actor Shubham Vardhan on shooting the mob violence scene, “Locals began to join in and something shifted, the crowd started feeling real”

Would you say Stolen is your first big break?
Yes, it definitely feels like my first big break right now.

How did you land the part of the conscientious Raman Bansal in Stolen?
One day, Abhishek called me and said I should meet Gaurav and Karan in Delhi. I went in thinking it might be about a writing opportunity—I genuinely had no clue they were considering me for the role of Raman. We started chatting—Karan, Gaurav, Swapnil and I—and the conversation just flowed. We spoke about everything… from filmmaking and geopolitics to space science! Then suddenly, Karan asked me to audition for the role. It caught me off guard. I took a few days to process it, and eventually went to his office. But instead of auditioning there, he asked me to perform in a park—why? only he knows! After a long wait, they finally confirmed me for the role.

Is there a shred of Raman in you?
I think there’s a bit of both Raman and Gautam (the character played by Abhishek Banerjee) in all of us—maybe a little less of Raman. We do feel, we care, we empathize. But often, the grind of everyday life—deadlines, numbers, just surviving blinds us to what really matters. It’s not that we don’t notice injustice, but we hesitate… probably out of fear of consequences. So yes, Raman lives somewhere inside me too, but like many of us, I’m also a product of the society we live in. And in that world, waking up the Raman within is not so easy.

What was it like shooting those violent mob sequences?
It was intense. Initially, it was just another day on set. The actors playing the mob were friends, familiar faces. But as the shoot progressed, locals began to join in and something shifted. The crowd started feeling real—like this unpredictable, living organism. For the first time, I understood what people really mean by mob psychology. Even though I knew everything was under control, there was something deeply unsettling in that moment. I could see it in their eyes. I think anyone from the crew would agree with me.

Have you come away from the experience a better man or a bitter one?
At first, I didn’t feel much—it was work, and I tried to stay professional. But slowly, as the shoot unfolded and especially during those intense crowd scenes, something inside me shifted. It made me reflect, deeply. So in a way, yes I do feel like I’ve come away a little better, definitely more aware.

What was it like having Abhishek Banerjee as a co-star? Did he help you?
Abhishek and I go way back—we’re college friends and have done tons of plays together. We’ve always helped each other, whether on stage or otherwise. Working on Stolen after all these years felt special. I could see how much he’s grown as an actor—his craft, his screen presence, everything was razor sharp. Of course, I learned a lot from that. But at the same time, it felt like we were back in our college rehearsal room—arguing over scenes, jamming, cracking jokes, or quietly sitting with our scripts. That rhythm, that comfort between us—somehow, it found its way into the film.

Did Karan Tejpal allow you to improvise?
Yes, quite a lot actually. The film has many long takes, and with so many moving elements in the frame, improvisation became a natural part of the process. Karan wasn’t just allowing it, he was actively involved in it. Honestly, it felt more like a sport: you enter with a strategy, but you stay alert and adapt as the game unfolds. That’s how Karan directed—alive, in the moment, always adjusting. His process wasn’t rigid at all, it was fluid and responsive.

What do we see you in next?
Next up, I’m shooting in Kashmir for an untitled feature film directed by Prateek Vats likely around September or October. Beyond that, I’m just exploring more opportunities and seeing where the journey takes me.

Also Read: “Irrfan Khan suggested Life In A Metro 2,” says Anurag Basu

More Pages: Stolen Box Office Collection , Stolen Movie Review

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