In an industry overflowing with glamour, vibrant colors, and grand narratives, a film like “Keetanu – The Germ” emerges as a bold deviation from the norm. Directed by celebrated theatre artist Neelu Chopra, in collaboration with writer-director Ranju Cycloney, this short film isn’t just a visual story — it’s a soul-stirring experience.
Set in the underbelly of Mumbai, the film delves into the dark, grim lives of those who are often invisible to society: drug-addicted ragpickers — people for whom survival is a daily battle, and addiction is both the beginning and end of their existence.
What makes “Keetanu – The Germ” truly stand apart?
It’s entirely shot in black and white.
It contains no dialogue.
It took over two years of research and development.
This artistic choice heightens the realism and rawness of the film. Every frame is a canvas, every silence is heavy, and every expression speaks louder than words. Neelu Chopra, who not only directed but also plays the lead role, delivers a performance so powerful that it transcends language and medium.
🎭 A Mirror to the Margins
The film explores a rarely spoken-of world — the desperation of addiction, and the lengths to which people go for a fix. It paints a vivid picture of individuals who live on the fringes, discarded by society but clinging to their existence with fragile hope.
Supporting performances by Madhu Chopra, Raju Khan, Suraj Bharti, Aditya Narayan, and Rajesh Panthi add depth to the narrative. Their portrayal of suffering, loss, and despair is unsettlingly real.
Behind the Lens
Director of Photography: Sushil Batala
Makeup: Bhoomi Pathak
Background Score: Sudhakar Sneh
Editing & DI: Bhupinder Ji
Locations: Versova & Madh Jetty, Mumbai
Location Manager: Rajesh Panthi
The absence of spoken words in “Keetanu” is not a limitation — it’s a powerful storytelling tool. It forces the audience to feel more, interpret more, and engage more deeply. The background score and cinematography act as emotional narrators, guiding viewers through a haunting journey.
Not Just a Film, But a Statement
“Keetanu – The Germ” is more than just a festival entry — it’s a creative rebellion against apathy. It compels society to confront the uncomfortable truths we often ignore. It is a wake-up call to look beyond privilege, beyond glamour, and into the shadows where countless lives quietly decay.
This film doesn’t entertain — it awakens. And in doing so, it redefines what storytelling in cinema can truly be
