Mumbai – In the heart of India’s bustling film capital, where hundreds of films, web series, and short features are created every day, veteran theatre artist and actor Neelu Chopra has dared to take a bold and unconventional step with her latest short film, “Keetanu – The Germ.”
Crafted especially for the film festival circuit, “Keetanu” stands out not just for its poignant theme but also for its cinematic choices — the entire film is shot in black and white and contains no dialogues whatsoever, offering a stark, raw, and deeply emotional visual narrative.
The film, co-directed by Neelu Chopra along with writer-director Ranju Cycloney, took over two years of intensive research and development before going into production. Its storyline dives deep into the grim realities of drug addiction, focusing on the lives of people at the lowest rungs of society — particularly those who survive by scavenging trash and who are often lost in the dark world of substance abuse.
“Keetanu” explores how addiction begins and ends life for many, forcing viewers to confront the harrowing truth: how far can one go for drugs?
The cast features powerful performances by Neelu Chopra, alongside Madhu Chopra, Raju Khan, Suraj Bharti, Aditya Narayan, and Rajesh Panthi. Neelu’s own character is especially impactful, portraying deep emotional layers without uttering a single word — a testament to her acting prowess.
Technical credits for the film include:
DOP – Sushil Batala
Makeup – Bhoomi Pathak
Background Music – Sudhakar Sneh
DI and Editing – Bhupinder ji
Locations – Versova & Madh Jetty, Mumbai
Location Manager – Rajesh Panthi
“Keetanu – The Germ” is not just a film — it’s a mirror to society, compelling audiences and critics alike to rethink the harsh truths surrounding drug abuse and marginalized lives.
