Raj B Shetty on his career roadmap: Films from my banner will be experimental in terms of…
Rakkasapuradhol actor Raj B Shetty is in a phase of learning, which will continue until his next, Karavali. What’s next for him? He elaborates…
Raj B Shetty
Last Updated: 11.16 PM, Feb 07, 2026
The last few years were a period of learning and experimentation for actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty, a phase that he says will continue until his next release, Karavali. His career decisions, thereafter, will depend on the learnings he’s had from the collaborations with various filmmakers and actors. He’s already implemented some of his learnings so far in his last production venture, Su From So, which was a runaway hit, and one of only 2 successful ventures in Kannada cinema in 2025.
Raj B Shetty's productions will be experimental, but how?
Raj is acutely aware that this phase of learning cannot be indefinite, while also figuring out his limits as an artiste and just how active he needs to be as a producer and director. One thing that he is very sure of is that the financial cushioning he has now on account of the success of Su From So will ensure that films from his banner will be more experimental.
Speaking to Kannada Filmy Club, Raj explained on what basis he defines Su From So as an experimental film. “Su From So was made at a time when the general perception was that Kannada audiences do not watch films by newcomers. Second, it was said that small-budget films have no takers. Third was that promotions had to cast a wide net with a gazillion interviews to invite audiences to theatres. And fourth was that audiences were favouring Malayalam cinema over Kannada films. I wanted to put an end to this narrative, because none of it was true,” he said.
Also read: Rakkasapuradhol movie review: Raj B Shetty’s crime thriller is a bumpy yet satisfactory ride
In breaking these popular notions, Su From So was experimental, but in terms of subject, it was commercial, because it was a comedy entertainer that everyone could watch. Comedy, says Raj, is a safe genre, but with his next project, he is not looking at that safety net. It would be easy to go with a dialect from, say, Mangaluru or Bengaluru. But what he wants to explore is the Uttara Karnataka dialect and slang and have audiences from that belt believe that people will watch stories from there and in that language. “The success of that film will be if I make even 1 rupee over and above my investment,” he says.
His banner will be about experimentation with stories and dialects that capture the essence of Karnataka, rather than doing something that is fail-proof and comfortable. “Audiences have given us the license, by giving a film with newcomers Rs 86 cr box office collections, which even superstars have failed to achieve. If we now aim to double that figure, it would mean that we have not understood why audiences supported us,” Raj adds.
Rakkasapuradhol FAQs
Q. Where to watch Rakkasapuradhol?
A. Rakkasapuradhol released in theatres on February 6, 2026. After the theatrical run it will begin streaming on Zee5, via OTTplay Premium also. It is expected around March 6-7.
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?