Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a busy year filled with film releases, upcoming projects, and frequent travels between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots. He expresses excitement about this phase of his life, especially after garnering a substantial fan base in Kerala following his recent film, Turbo, with Mammootty. Amidst this hectic schedule, Raj shares that he is occupied like never before with various projects and collaborations, including working with his favorite director, Anurag Kashyap. Despite the packed workload, Raj remains fully engaged with the creative process, utilizing every spare moment to focus on writing, directing, and acting in multiple projects across different languages. He emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to the craft, even during breaks on set or while traveling, in order to maintain the quality of his work. Raj's dedication to his art is evident in his ambitious pursuit of creating meaningful cinema, regardless of the outcome.The films "Toby," "Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye," and "Roopanthara" received critical acclaim but did not fare well at the box office. The filmmaker acknowledges that he cannot compel audiences to watch his films. He describes himself as a learner, not an idealist, and understands that not everyone will appreciate his work. While anticipating a similar response for his films, he anticipated better reception on OTT platforms, as seen with "Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye" and "Roopanthara." Despite the audience's reluctance to watch such films in theaters, they still found success, running for three weeks. The filmmaker emphasizes the importance of being content with any outcome when aspiring to create quality films. Additionally, he notes that the success of a film provides actors with the opportunity to produce their own projects, enabling them to share the stories they are passionate about.
Raj B Shetty, known for his work in the Malayalam film industry, reflects on the industry's fast-paced production phase and the recent streak of successful films. Despite maintaining his acting approach, he has honed his skills to portray characters authentically while captivating audiences. He points out the swift production process in the Malayalam industry and emphasizes the importance of adapting to change in the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking. In discussing the pan-India trend and varying levels of success among filmmakers, Raj highlights the transient nature of trends and cautions against equating success solely with trends, as significant achievements can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges.Everyone strived for grandeur, which led to our downfall. While it's important to create big-budget movies, the process can be time-consuming. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have big star-driven films release every two years, whereas in between, there should be a focus on producing films that prioritize substance over star power. These films should have the potential to run in theaters for 4-5 weeks, generating sufficient revenue for both theater owners and filmmakers. Unfortunately, such films are lacking because there is a gap in the market. One artist expressed their admiration for working with Mammootty, stating, "Collaborating with Mammootty has been an educational experience for me as an actor. Engaging in conversations with him provided me with valuable insights on preparing for roles physically, psychologically, and mentally. While the learning process is ongoing, my interactions with him have fueled my passion for diverse roles."