In a powerful initiative aimed at sparking dialogue around adolescent mental health in India, Fleetguard Filters Private Limited (FFPL) has extended its support to the short film BeRang. The film, directed by Raahul Panshikar, was launched on Friday at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune, in the presence of mental health experts, educators, and key representatives from FFPL.
Set against the backdrop of rising teenage anxiety and emotional disconnection, BeRang uses storytelling to highlight the growing concerns around mental well-being among Indian adolescents. The film aims to create mass awareness and encourage early intervention at home, in schools, and within communities.
Stark Reality Behind the Film
According to a 2023 UNICEF-Gallup global survey, one in five young people aged 15 to 24 often feel depressed and disinterested in daily activities. In India, a study by the Indian Psychiatric Society reveals that nearly 40% of teenagers struggle primarily with stress and anxiety. Contributing factors include academic pressure, social media overuse, lack of parental involvement, and a persisting social stigma around mental health.
BeRang dives into these issues, portraying the emotional strain adolescents face due to family disconnect and unaddressed psychological needs. The narrative explores how such emotional neglect can push teenagers toward substance abuse or destructive paths. Through its gripping story, the film encourages open conversations within families and schools while calling for more empathy and emotional awareness.
A Collaborative Launch
Present at the launch were Mrs. Punam Kirloskar, noted psychologist and educationist; Mr. Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director of FFPL; Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni, President of FFPL; and Mr. Piush Srivastava, Head – Marketing and Corporate Communications at FFPL. Also present were members of the cast and crew.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Punam Kirloskar shared, “I’ve witnessed this concern across all sections of society. Parents must stop forcing career choices on children and instead support their interests and natural talents. Let them fail and stand by them in tough times.”
She also emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between parents and children and quoted her father-in-law Arun Kirloskar’s advice: “Weigh the pros and cons of any situation before taking a decision.”
Mr. Piush Srivastava lauded the film’s powerful message, noting, “This isn’t just a movie—it’s a movement. In an era of self-image struggles and academic expectations, teenagers are carrying an invisible emotional load. One line from the movie struck me the most: ‘We wanted to understand you but didn’t listen to you.’ That’s a message every parent, teacher, and peer must absorb.”
CSR with a Purpose
This initiative forms part of FFPL’s larger corporate social responsibility (CSR) mission, focusing on education, mental health, and community engagement. Over the years, the Pune-based company has supported a variety of programs under its CSR umbrella, including environment, rural development, and promotion of arts and culture.
With BeRang, FFPL continues to strengthen its commitment to mental wellness and social impact, encouraging society to listen more, support more, and create safer emotional spaces for the country’s youth.
Watch the film here: BeRang – YouTube
