Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a busy year, with multiple film releases and upcoming projects. He has been shuttling between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots, including a collaboration with director Anurag Kashyap. Raj has gained a sizable fan following in Kerala following his film Turbo with Mammootty, resulting in more Malayalam projects for him. Despite his hectic schedule, Raj expresses enthusiasm for this phase of his life, describing his workload as being akin to a war zone due to the constant movement. He shares his thoughts on his current projects and work ethic in a recent interview:
“I am fully immersed in the creative process, utilizing every minute of my time effectively. Whether it's producing a film with a new director, writing and directing projects, or preparing for acting roles in various films, my days are packed with multiple responsibilities. I prioritize preparation for my roles beforehand, allowing me to engage in other creative pursuits during breaks on set or while traveling. Despite the busy schedule, I remain focused and dedicated to delivering quality work in each venture. When striving to create exceptional films, one must be accepting of any outcome that may arise.”Three films — Toby, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, and Roopanthara — received critical acclaim but didn't fare well at the box office. The filmmaker acknowledges that he can't dictate audience choices, stating, "I don't expect everyone to watch my films. I see myself as a learner. With Swathi... and Roopanthara, I anticipated a similar reception. The response was better on OTT platforms as predicted. Roopanthara is a great film, although viewers may not currently prefer such movies in theaters. Nevertheless, it had a successful three-week run. Accepting any outcome is crucial when aiming to create quality cinema." Regarding the impact of a film's success on an actor, he notes that it grants them the ability to produce their own projects, enabling them to share stories that resonate with them personally.
Raj B Shetty, known for his work in the Malayalam film industry, highlights the industry's rapid production process. Despite the recent success of Malayalam films, he emphasizes the importance of staying true to his acting approach while adapting to portray characters authentically. He notes that the evolving trend of pan-India cinema has led to varied outcomes for filmmakers, cautioning against labeling it a definitive trend due to its constantly changing nature. He believes that what may seem like success can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, emphasizing the need to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.Many people aimed to create grand productions, which ultimately led to failure. While creating big-budget films is important, they are also time-consuming. Hence, it is suggested that movies starring big-name actors should be released every few years, with the meantime dedicated to producing content-driven films. These smaller films should have the potential to run successfully in theaters for 4-5 weeks, generating profits for both theater owners and filmmakers. Unfortunately, such films are currently lacking because the demand for them is not being met.
Reflecting on his experience working with Mammootty, the actor mentioned that he gained valuable insights and inspiration from their interactions. He learned a great deal about how to prepare for roles both physically and mentally, which fueled his passion for acting and the desire for challenging roles. He feels "inspired" by the lessons learned during their collaboration, emphasizing that becoming a better actor is an ongoing process that requires continuous growth and learning.