Actor-director Raj B Shetty has had a dynamic year with a busy schedule of film releases and various projects. He has been shuttling between Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala for shoots and is excited about this phase of his life. Following the success of his film "Turbo" with Mammootty, Raj has garnered a substantial fan following in Kerala, leading to two more Malayalam films in his pipeline. He describes his current workload as the busiest period of his life, feeling like he is constantly in a war zone.
Despite the hectic pace, Raj is fully immersed in the creative process. He is producing a film, collaborating with a debutant director, writing and directing projects for himself and others in different languages, and working on a multi-lingual web series. His acting commitments include films in various languages such as Kannada and Malayalam, including an upcoming project with Anurag Kashyap.
Raj manages his time efficiently, utilizing every spare moment for creative pursuits. He prepares extensively for his roles in advance and stays focused during intense scenes. He multitasks by collaborating with his music producer, writing, and brainstorming ideas while on the move or during breaks on set. Despite the challenges of a packed schedule, Raj remains dedicated to delivering quality work and is at peace with whatever results may come.Three movies — Toby, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, and Roopanthara — received critical acclaim but did not fare well at the box office. The actor acknowledges that he cannot compel audiences to watch a film. He clarifies that he is not an idealist and does not expect viewers to watch all his works. Instead, he views himself as a learner. Anticipating a similar response, he foresaw better reception on OTT platforms for Swathi... and Roopanthara. Although Roopanthara is a great film, he acknowledges that the audience may not be inclined to watch such films in theaters. Yet, he considers it a success as it ran for three weeks in cinemas. He emphasizes that being content with any outcome is essential when striving to create a quality film.
The success of a film can provide an actor with significant influence, enabling them to venture into film production and tell stories close to their hearts. Raj B Shetty, known for his multiple projects in the Malayalam film industry, notes the rapid production pace in the industry. Despite the recent surge in successful Malayalam films, he attributes his popularity and casting opportunities to maintaining his acting approach. He emphasizes adapting to portray characters authentically while holding onto his natural acting style.
Regarding the current pan-India trend in filmmaking, Raj reflects on the ever-evolving nature of trends. He suggests that labeling something as a trend removes the concept of success or failure, with continuous changes being inevitable. He points out that sometimes perceived success can turn into a significant setback, emphasizing the need to navigate the industry's dynamic landscape.Everybody wanted to create big productions, which ultimately led to our failure. While it is important to produce larger films, they are also time-consuming. Instead of having big stars' films released every year, perhaps they could be released once every two years. In the meantime, there is a need for films that focus on strong content rather than relying solely on star power. These films should be able to run in theaters for 4-5 weeks, generating sufficient revenue for both theater owners and filmmakers. Unfortunately, such films are lacking because no one is producing them.
Reflecting on his experience working with Mammootty, the actor expressed that it was a valuable learning opportunity that fueled his passion for diverse roles. Conversations with Mammootty provided him with insightful guidance on how to approach a character physically, psychologically, and mentally. The actor feels inspired by these interactions, acknowledging that learning is a continuous process.
