Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a dynamic year filled with film releases and upcoming projects, including one with his favorite director, Anurag Kashyap. Constantly moving between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots, Raj is enthusiastic about this phase of his life. He has gained a substantial fan base in Kerala following his recent film, Turbo, with Mammootty, leading to him securing two more Malayalam films. Raj expresses that he has never been as occupied with work as he is now, comparing his busy schedule to a war zone. Despite the workload, Raj is fully engrossed in the creative process, utilizing every spare moment effectively. Managing various projects simultaneously, such as producing a film, writing and directing multiple projects, and starring in various films, Raj remains focused and dedicated to his craft. He emphasizes the importance of preparation before filming to allow for creative brainstorming during breaks. Raj is committed to maximizing his time for creativity, whether on set, traveling, or in downtime. He believes that dedication and openness to any outcome are essential for creating a great film.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. He humbly states, "I am not an idealist. I don't expect viewers to watch all my work. I am simply aiming to learn and grow. When Swathi... was released, I foresaw a similar response. I was aware that we would receive a better reception on OTT platforms, which was validated with Roopanthara as well. Although it is a splendid film, certain audiences may not be inclined to watch such movies in theaters. Nonetheless, it was a success by running for three weeks on the big screen. When striving to create quality cinema, one must be content with any outcome," he further explains. The success of a film can empower an actor significantly, offering them the ability to venture into film production and share stories they are passionate about. Raj B Shetty reflects on the swift production pace in the Malayalam film industry, noting the recent success of films from that region. Despite the current pan-India trend, which filmmakers in various languages are striving to adapt to, Raj emphasizes the transient nature of trends and how it can lead to unexpected outcomes.Everyone’s focus on creating big projects led to our downfall. While big movies have their place, they require a significant investment of time. It would be beneficial to have big star-driven films released less frequently, allowing for more opportunities for content-driven films in between. These smaller, quality films could have longer theatrical runs, benefiting both theaters and filmmakers financially. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such films being made currently. Actor's comments on working with Mammootty: "My experience working with Mammootty has been enlightening. The insights and guidance I received from him as an actor were truly valuable. I learned a great deal about the physical, psychological, and mental preparation required for portraying a character. The interactions with him ignited a deeper passion for exploring various roles and challenges."