I am a realist; I don't anticipate viewers to watch everything I create: Raj B Shetty
Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had an eventful year. With a packed schedule of film releases, upcoming projects — including one with his favourite director, Anurag Kashyap, and constant shuttling b...
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Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a busy year filled with film releases, upcoming projects, and constant travel between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots. He is excited about this phase of his life, especially after gaining a huge fan following in Kerala following his last film, Turbo, with Mammootty. Raj shares, “I have never been this occupied with work before in my life. The constant movement makes me feel like I am in a battlefield.” With a packed schedule, Raj is fully immersed in his creative process. He is involved in producing a film with a new director, writing and directing various projects including a multi-lingual web series, and juggling multiple acting roles. Despite the busy schedule, Raj manages his time efficiently, utilizing every minute for his creative work. He believes in being fully committed to the process, whether it's preparing for acting roles, collaborating with his music producer, or writing during breaks on set. Raj's dedication to his craft shines through, as he remains focused on creating quality work regardless of the outcome.Three films – Toby, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, and Roopanthara – received critical acclaim but failed to perform well at the box office. The filmmaker acknowledges that he cannot compel audiences to watch his films, emphasizing that he is not idealistic and does not expect viewers to watch all his work. Instead, he views himself as a continual learner. Despite predicting a similar response for Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye upon its release, he anticipated a more positive reception on OTT platforms. This prediction also held true for Roopanthara. While recognizing it as a great film, he notes that certain audiences may not be inclined to watch such films in theaters. Nevertheless, the film's three-week theatrical run is considered a success. The filmmaker stresses the importance of being content with any outcome when striving to create quality work. He explains that a film's success empowers an actor, providing them with the ability to delve into film production and share the stories they are passionate about.

Raj B Shetty, who is actively involved in Mollywood, remarks on the fast-paced production phase within the Malayalam film industry amid the recent influx of successful Malayalam films. He attributes his popularity among Malayalam filmmakers and fans to his consistent approach to acting and highlights his evolving focus on portraying characters authentically while retaining his natural style. He aspires to deepen the audience's connection with his performances beyond his outward appearance.

Reflecting on the current pan-India film trend, Raj observes that labeling it as a trend ultimately removes the notion of success or failure. He suggests that the industry is in a constant state of flux, with shifts occurring regularly. Raj cautions that what may seem like success in the moment could lead to unforeseen challenges and stresses the importance of embracing change in the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking.Many believed in prioritizing big productions, which ultimately led to failure. While it's important to have major film projects, they can be time-consuming. Perhaps big star-led films should be released every two years, with a focus in between on smaller, content-driven films. These smaller films, capable of running in theaters for 4-5 weeks, can generate sufficient revenue for both theater owners and filmmakers. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such films currently being produced.

"Working alongside Mammootty has been a valuable learning experience for me, fueling my appetite for diverse roles as an actor. Our discussions were rich with insights on character preparation, encompassing physical, psychological, and mental aspects. I feel 'inspired' is a fitting term, as true mastery takes time to develop. The interactions with him have certainly left me eager for more challenging roles," he reflects.