Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a busy year filled with film releases and upcoming projects. He is excited about collaborating with his favorite director, Anurag Kashyap, and constantly traveling between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots. Raj has gained a significant fan base in Kerala, particularly after his film "Turbo" with Mammootty, leading to him signing on for two more Malayalam films. Raj expresses that he has never been this occupied with work before and describes the experience as being akin to a war zone due to the constant movement. Despite the hectic schedule, Raj emphasizes that he is fully invested in the creative process, making use of every minute productively.

In his own words, Raj mentions that he is currently involved in multiple projects including producing a film with a debutant director, writing and directing films in various languages, and working on a multi-lingual web series. Although his packed schedule allows little time for relaxation, Raj notes that thorough preparation for his acting roles enables him to engage in other creative activities during breaks or downtime. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing every moment for creative endeavors, regardless of how busy he may be. Raj also shares his perspective on filmmaking, highlighting the importance of being open to any outcome when striving to create quality cinema.Three 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, stating, "I am not an idealist. I don't expect viewers to watch all my work. I am simply focused on learning and growing. When Swathi... was released, I foresaw a similar response. I also anticipated a better reception on OTT platforms. This expectation played out with Roopanthara as well. While it is a remarkable film, the audience may not be inclined to watch such movies in theaters. Nonetheless, the film achieved moderate success, running for three weeks in cinemas. A filmmaker, when aiming to create quality work, must be prepared for any outcome," he elaborates.

Success in a film can empower an actor significantly, granting them the ability to produce their own projects and share stories close to their hearts. Raj B Shetty reflects on the swift production pace of the Malayalam film industry amidst the recent wave of successful films. While his fundamental approach to acting remains consistent, he acknowledges evolving to portray characters authentically while engaging audiences beyond surface appearances. Embracing the rapid production cycle in Malayalam cinema, he notes that the industry's efficiency has influenced his creative process and adaptability.

Discussing the prevalence of pan-Indian cinema trends, Raj observes that labeling them as trends removes the concepts of success and failure, emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of the industry. He suggests that defining something as a trend can lead to the blurring of the lines between success and failure, underscoring the notion that significant shifts can sometimes result in unexpected outcomes.Everyone had the desire to focus on big productions, which ultimately led to failure. While it is important to have larger-scale films, the process is extremely time-consuming. Instead of solely relying on big-star-driven projects, there is a need for content-driven films that can be released between these major productions. These films should be able to sustain themselves in theaters for 4-5 weeks, generating sufficient revenue for both theater owners and filmmakers. Unfortunately, such films are currently lacking in the industry due to the absence of initiatives.

Reflecting on his experience working with Mammootty, the actor expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned. The interactions with Mammootty provided insightful guidance on various aspects of character preparation, including physical, psychological, and mental aspects. Rather than saying he "learned" from Mammootty, the actor preferred to say he was "inspired," acknowledging that true mastery takes time but expressing a newfound hunger for diverse and challenging roles fostered by the mentorship.