Entertainment Desk
04 August 2025, 08:14 AM IST
“Even with Mammootty, I keep a one-arm distance,” Raj revealed during the conversation.
From (L) Raj B. Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan | Photos: Instagram/MBI
Su From So, starring Raj B. Shetty and directed by J.P. Thuminad—who also plays a crucial role—has turned out to be a smashing hit at the Sandalwood box office, taking industry pundits by surprise.
The horror-comedy, elegantly set in rural Karnataka, features the versatile Raj B. Shetty in an intriguing role that has earned widespread appreciation. The film is being praised for its raw, rustic humor, while the chemistry between Shanil Gautham and Sandhya Arakere, the other lead actors, has also won over audiences.
The movie is currently being dubbed into other languages, as its strongword-of-mouth publicity seems to have helped this small film hit the jackpot at the cinemas.
Raj B. Shetty on relationship with Dulquer and Mammootty
While talking to a radio channel as part of the films’ promotions, Raj reflected on his rapport with Malayalam actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan. While the two have collaborated on film distribution—Dulquer’s production house handled the Malayalam release of Raj’s film Toby, and Raj’s team distributes Dulquer’s films in Karnataka—their relationship remains strictly professional. According to Raj, this partnership is rooted in mutual respect rather than friendship. He consciously avoids forming close ties with superstars, believing that maintaining a respectful distance helps preserve a sense of admiration for their work.
Going ahead, he also revealed that after working with Dulquer’s father, Mammootty, in Turbo, the professional rapport with Dulquer’s production and distribution house strengthened. Raj emphasized that while he occasionally messages Dulquer, he avoids getting personally close to any star, as he views these connections as purely cinema-related.
This approach also applies to Mammootty. Raj cherishes the joy of admiring the veteran actor from a distance and prefers gathering anecdotes about him from others rather than engaging directly. When asked about a possible on-screen collaboration with Dulquer, Raj remained uncertain. He explained that his primary passion lies in directing, followed by writing and producing, with acting being his least preferred role. While he’s open to working with Dulquer if the right role comes along, there are currently no such plans – he revealed in the conversation.
Equation with Rakshit and Rishab
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, filmmaker Raj B. Shetty opened up about his deep-rooted bond with fellow Kannada cinema stalwarts Rishab Shetty and Rakshit Shetty. Often dubbed the “RRR” of Sandalwood, the trio share more than just frequent collaborations—they form a close-knit creative brotherhood driven by mutual respect and a shared love for storytelling. Raj traced the origins of their bond to his 2021 lockdown-made film Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana. Apparently, after Raj showed the film to Rishab, Rakshit reached out the next day, offering to present it—marking what Raj considers a pivotal moment in their journey, as he revealed in the interview.
As is known, Raj, who grew up in Mangalore—far from the film industry’s hub—never imagined being part of such a strong creative circle. He duly credits the relationship’s strength to a complete absence of ego or competition. “There’s no rivalry. Even after Su From So, Rakshit messaged me with genuine congratulations,” Raj shared in the interview with THRI, emphasizing the rarity of such pure connections in the industry. He proudly admits being a fan of Rakshit’s work and values their honest feedback loop.
The enviable camaraderie between the famed ‘Shetty’ brothers of Kannada cinema will ultimately benefit the industry, as it sets the stage perfectly for creative collaborations with endless possibilities.
The rapport between actors often intrigues fans and outsiders, leading to speculation and interpretation — but ultimately, only the actors know what truly lies between them.
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