“KEETANU – THE GERM”: A Powerful Black & White Short Film by Neelu Chopra Breaks Conventional Boundaries

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.