Over the years, actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty has consistently gravitated towards onscreen characters that exist in the grey zone — shaped by conflict, contradiction, and vulnerability. This philosophy finds fresh expression in the upcoming film Rakkasapuradol, directed by Ravi Saranga, where Raj portrays an unconventional police officer. Ahead of its theatrical release on February 6, Raj spoke to Bangalore Times about his deep-seated attraction to flawed characters, his unwavering belief in script-driven storytelling, and why trusting new voices in Kannada cinema continues to be a priority for him.
Flawed Heroes Make for Better Cinema
Backing first-time filmmakers has become a recurring pattern in Raj's career, though he is candid about the inherent risks involved. "I really enjoy working with debutant directors. It is undoubtedly risky, but I am prepared to take that leap of faith and trust them, because Karnataka is in dire need of fresh directorial talent," he explains. "Ravi Saranga, the director of Rakkasapuradol, possesses the ability to bring about meaningful change in the industry. I trusted him and the script wholeheartedly, and the film has proven to be an immensely rewarding experience."
Raj emphasizes the importance of diversity in filmmaking, stating, "I always advocate for the necessity of all kinds of cinema within our industry — from big-budget spectacles to mid-budget entertainers. We need them all to thrive. Rakkasapuradol is an engaging thriller that is neatly written and fundamentally driven by its script, which is what drew me to the project."
Embracing Imperfection Onscreen
Reflecting on his role, Raj shares, "As an actor, I have my own limitations and strengths. What truly excited me about this film was the character itself. I play an unconventional cop who is deeply flawed and profoundly human; he is far from the perfect police officer often depicted in cinema. Perfection can only exist in fictional realms. This character shatters that idealized notion and is inspired by real-life complexities."
He adds, "I believe I inhabit a grey zone in my own life, which is why I am naturally drawn to such characters. Every human being, at some point, finds themselves in a grey area, battling their inner demons to strive for goodness. I simply cannot relate to perfect human beings, as they feel disconnected from reality."
Raj notes that such characters are not crafted to impress but to serve the audience authentically. "There is nothing inherently impressive about these roles — they are often created solely to resonate with viewers on a deeper level. That is precisely why I choose roles that I genuinely believe in and connect with," he elaborates.
The Challenge of Subtlety
The challenge, according to Raj, lies in making stillness speak volumes — allowing the audience to sense the character's inner world without relying on overt exposition. "My character harbors an entire universe within him, yet he expresses very little outwardly. It may appear simple on screen, but portraying such a role is incredibly demanding. To convincingly convey that my character is actively investigating without excessive action was a significant challenge — and one that I thoroughly enjoy," he reveals.
Learning from People Is the Real Reward of Cinema
Beyond the role and the script, Raj highlights that Rakkasapuradol offered him a richly collaborative space. "One aspect I absolutely adore about cinema is the opportunity to meet new people and learn from their perspectives. Ravi was constantly brainstorming ways to polish and enhance the film, which I found truly inspiring," he shares.
He continues, "Working with my talented co-actors — including Gowrav Shetty, Siddanna, Swathishta, and Archana Kottige — was refreshing and provided me with a different vantage point on the film. Cinema inherently offers a collaborative environment, and this experience reinforced that belief."
Raj concludes by reiterating his passion for the craft, "Cinema offers a unique collaborative space. One thing I love about it is meeting new people and learning from them, which enriches both the project and my personal growth as an artist."
