Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a busy and eventful year. Juggling between film releases, upcoming projects, and shooting locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala, he is excited about the current phase of his life. Raj has garnered a significant fan base in Kerala following his recent film, Turbo, with Mammootty, leading to him being cast in two more Malayalam projects. Despite his hectic schedule, Raj expresses his enthusiasm for his various creative endeavors. He is involved in producing a film, writing scripts for different projects, and acting in multiple movies across languages. Raj mentions that his busy schedule does not hinder his creative process; he utilizes every spare moment to work on various aspects of his projects. Whether preparing for acting roles, collaborating with music producers, or writing during breaks, Raj is fully committed to his creative pursuits. His philosophy is centered on being content with whatever result comes out of his dedication to making quality films.Three movies, Toby, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, and Roopanthara, were highly praised by critics but did not do well at the box office. The filmmaker acknowledges that he cannot compel audiences to watch his films. He clarifies, "I am not an idealist. I don't expect viewers to watch all my work. I am simply striving to learn and grow. When Swathi... was released, I was expecting a similar response. I anticipated that we would garner better feedback on OTT platforms. The same scenario repeated with Roopanthara. It's a remarkable film, but perhaps audiences are not inclined to watch such films in theaters. Nevertheless, it was successful; it ran for three weeks in cinemas. To create a quality film, one must be content with any outcome," he explains.
For an actor, the success of a film can provide significant influence. It empowers you to produce your own films. Through production, you can share the stories that you have always desired to tell. Raj B Shetty discusses the fast pace of the production phase in the Malayalam film industry and reflects on the recent wave of successful films. He mentions that despite the changing landscape, his acting approach has remained consistent, endearing him to Malayalam filmmakers and fans. He emphasizes his efforts to embody characters authentically while retaining his natural demeanor.
Regarding the pan-India trend, Raj believes that calling it a trend removes the notions of success and failure. He suggests that trends constantly evolve and change. He expresses concerns that what may seem like a success could potentially lead to significant setbacks.Many were focused on creating big projects, leading to our failure. While big films have their place, they are also time-consuming. It would be beneficial to have major star vehicles release every two years, with content-driven films filling the gaps. These films can run in theaters for 4-5 weeks, generating sufficient revenue for both theater owners and filmmakers. The absence of such films is a problem, as no one is taking on the task. Sharing his experience of working with Mammootty, the individual expressed how the opportunity had deepened their understanding of acting, especially in terms of character preparation physically, psychologically, and mentally. The interaction with Mammootty had left them feeling inspired and eager to pursue more diverse roles.