Raj B Shetty on the difference between Kannada and Malayalam cinema: Last year, they made 160 films, we had 260, but...

Raj B Shetty, who is currently promoting his next, Rakkasapuradhol, lists his learnings from working in Malayalam cinema. Rakkasapuradhol releases in theatres on February 6, 2026

Raj B Shetty in Rakkasapuradhol

Actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty has found a foothold and a fan following in the Malayalam industry, on account of having worked on 3 films already, Turbo, Rudhiram and Kondal. His association with the likes of Dulquer Salmaan has also meant that he occasionally distributes Malayalam films in Karnataka, giving him an insider’s perspective of the neighbouring industry. Given that Malayalam films often perform well at the box office in Karnataka too, the general perception is that even Kannada audiences favour films from across the border.

Why is Malayalam cinema grabbing eyeballs according to Raj B Shetty?

What people fail to realize is that like Kannada cinema, Mollywood too has its fair share of failures year-on-year. But there’s a difference. “In the year gone by, for instance, Malayalam cinema released around 160 films, while in Kannada, we did 250-260. We had only 2 successful films, while they had 10-12 theatrical hits, and at least another 12 that recovered their budget from OTT deals. So, from a total of 160, they have 25 success stories, against our 2 from 260; that’s the difference,” said Raj, on the Allrounder Show, when asked about what sets Malayalam cinema apart.

Also read: Raj B Shetty on what’s ailing Kannada cinema: We have gone from…

Raj, who is currently promoting his next release, Rakkasapuradhol, added that he’s been trying to understand the pattern followed in Malayalam cinema, as far as production, selling, marketing, PR, and technicians go. “It’s a very strong set-up. There is a lot of work to be done here to get there, but there are efforts. It will take time, but we will get there,” he reckons.

Rakkasapuradhol, meanwhile, is Raj’s third release in less than 2 months. He was part of 45 that came out for Christmas 2025, followed by Landlord, in which he was the main antagonist. Up next is Rakkasapuradhol, a crime thriller in which Raj is a cop, a first for him. The film has been directed by Ravi Saranga, and produced by well-known stunt co-ordinator, Ravi Verma.

Rakkasapuradhol FAQs

Q. Where to watch Rakkasapuradhol?

A. Rakkasapuradhol will release in theatres on February 6, 2026

Q. What is Rakkasapuradhol about?

A. Rakkasapuradhol is a mystery thriller about a murder case, that the towns folk believe is the work of the Kolli Deva. Is there a supernatural element to this killing?

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