MUMBAI: Filmmaker Maneesh F Singh is moving ahead with a feature film inspired by the sensational Ketan Agarwal murder case, a criminal investigation that has dominated headlines and generated widespread public debate across the country.
Tentatively titled Who Killed Ketan Agarwal?, the film is expected to explore the events surrounding the high-profile case through a research-driven narrative rather than a conventional crime thriller.
While the production house has not yet made an official casting announcement, industry sources indicate that model, influencer and actress Shashi Khushi Rai has been shortlisted to portray Siya Goel, one of the central figures in the case. According to sources familiar with the development, discussions have been completed and only a formal announcement from the producers is awaited.
The casting, if confirmed, would mark one of Shashi Khushi Rai’s most significant acting assignments to date, placing her at the centre of a film based on one of India’s most closely followed criminal investigations.
Film based on extensive research
Speaking about the project, Singh said the screenplay is being developed after weeks of detailed research into the case. According to the filmmaker, the script will rely on publicly available reports, police investigation documents, court remand applications and other verified material while attempting to avoid unnecessary sensationalism.
Singh maintained that the objective is not simply to recreate the alleged crime but to examine the emotional, psychological and investigative aspects surrounding the incident. He said the film aims to understand the circumstances that allegedly led to the tragedy and the subsequent investigation that captured national attention.
The filmmaker also claimed that his research uncovered several details that have not received significant public attention.
New claims emerge during research
According to Singh, Ketan Agarwal had interacted with a few individuals connected to the film industry only weeks before his death. During those meetings, Singh claimed, Ketan allegedly expressed reservations about proceeding with his marriage, saying he was uncertain about his relationship with Siya.
The director alleged that Ketan had confided to some friends that while members of his family were eager for the marriage to take place quickly, he personally was not convinced that Siya was the right life partner for him.
Singh further claimed that one Mumbai-based woman who met Ketan during that period reportedly sensed that something was seriously wrong after hearing Ketan’s concerns. However, she allegedly decided against interfering, believing that it would have been inappropriate to become involved in another couple’s personal relationship.
The filmmaker stressed that these claims are based on his ongoing research and represent his understanding of events. He said additional details would be shared after the research process is completed.
Case continues to attract national attention
The Ketan Agarwal murder case remains one of the country’s most talked-about investigations. According to police allegations, Siya and Chetan Chaudhary – with whom she had a serious relationship, conspired to kill Ketan at Lohagad Fort near Pune.
Investigators have claimed that the probe uncovered several unexpected developments, including allegations regarding a secret marriage between Siya and Chetan, along with digital evidence that police believe forms part of the alleged conspiracy.
The matter remains before the courts, and the allegations are yet to be tested during trial. Against this backdrop, Singh’s proposed film is expected to draw considerable attention, particularly if it presents lesser-known aspects of the investigation while remaining grounded in documented material.
Who is Shashi Khushi Rai?
Hailing from Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region, Shashi Khushi Rai has steadily built her profile as a model, digital creator and aspiring actress. She entered the modelling industry during her teenage years and has since participated in numerous fashion shows, beauty events and promotional campaigns.
Over the past few years, Shashi has expanded her professional portfolio by actively pursuing acting opportunities alongside her modelling career. She has also explored reality television and is expected to appear in a popular reality-based entertainment show.
Her growing popularity on social media, combined with regular appearances at fashion events, has helped establish her as an emerging face in the entertainment industry.
Apart from her professional work, the 35-year-old is known for her interest in singing, travelling and cooking. She frequently describes cooking for her family as one of her favourite hobbies and is also an enthusiastic fitness advocate, maintaining a disciplined gym routine as part of her lifestyle.
Shashi is also preparing to represent India as a finalist at the upcoming Mrs Universe Earth pageant, scheduled to be held in Goa later this year.
Awaiting official confirmation
Although the producers have yet to formally confirm the cast, the reported selection of Shashi Khushi Rai to portray Siya Goel has already generated interest within industry circles. If the announcement is made official, the role could represent a major breakthrough in her acting career, given the intense public interest surrounding the case.
With Who Killed Ketan Agarwal? promising a research-oriented approach to one of India’s most widely discussed criminal investigations, expectations are likely to remain high as audiences await official announcements regarding the cast, production schedule and eventual release.