Mumbai – Even before its official screening, the short film “Keetanu – The Germ” has already stirred waves of controversy in film and social circles. Shot entirely in black and white and featuring no dialogues, the film by Neelu Chopra and co-director Ranju Cycloney has been hailed as bold by some — but deeply problematic by others.
The Core of the Controversy: Art or Exploitation?
While many are applauding the film as a "new wave of cinematic expression", several critics and social organizations are questioning its intent. The story revolves around drug-addicted ragpickers and society’s marginalized, portrayed in an intensely raw and bleak light.
Some activists argue that the film romanticizes or exploits the pain of the underprivileged, turning real-life suffering into a dramatic spectacle for awards and acclaim, rather than driving actual awareness or change.
No Dialogue, Yet Too Much To Say?
The filmmakers claim the absence of dialogue is meant to amplify the emotional weight of the visuals. But critics argue that silence in a socially charged subject like addiction may confuse audiences, or worse, strip the characters of their voice — literally and symbolically.
“This isn’t silence for artistic effect — this is silence that mutes an entire community,” one reviewer noted.
Shooting Locations Spark Backlash
The film was shot in Versova and Madh Jetty in Mumbai — areas close to slum dwellings and underprivileged populations. Allegations have surfaced that local residents were not properly consulted or compensated, leading to discontent within those communities. Some claim the film used these real-life locations without contextual sensitivity.
Filmmakers Respond: “We’re Just Holding Up a Mirror”
In her defense, Neelu Chopra stated in an interview:
> “Our goal was never to offend — we’re simply showing the harsh truth. If it’s uncomfortable, maybe it’s because it needs to be seen.”
Still, questions persist: Does cinema have a responsibility to protect the dignity of its subjects, even in fiction?
Critics Divided, Debate Intensifies
Some cinephiles call the film a raw masterpiece, a “silent scream” of those whose stories are never told. Others see it as a calculated move to win critical attention by portraying poverty and addiction through a stylized lens.
The absence of spoken words hasn’t silenced the noise — if anything, it’s made the conversation louder, sharper, and far more polarized.
Conclusion: The Film is Silent, But the Controversy is Not
“Keetanu – The Germ” might be a short film, but the storm it has created is anything but small. Whether it’s art, exploitation, or activism in disguise — one thing is certain: