Bengaluru: Actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty has said he wants Karavali to succeed not just for its story, but because he believes director Gurudatha Ganiga has the potential to become one of the industry’s promising filmmakers. Despite playing a cameo in the film, Raj said he was convinced to join the project because of his faith in the director’s vision.
Known for being selective about the roles he accepts, Raj said every project must offer a compelling reason for him to come on board. In Karavali, that reason was Gurudatha Ganiga and the film’s narrative.
‘If Karavali wins, the industry will get another good director’
Speaking about his decision to be part of the film, Raj said he believes in Gurudatha Ganiga’s storytelling and hopes the film achieves both critical and commercial success.
“I believe in Gurudatha and his direction. More than anything, I want this film to succeed because if Karavali wins, the industry will get another good director,” he said.
Raj added that while his appearance in the film is brief, the role carries considerable importance in the overall narrative.
A cameo with a meaningful purpose
Describing his character, Raj said it has a “superhero-like” quality despite being an ordinary person.
“It’s a cameo, but an important one. The character has a superhero-like quality, yet he is an ordinary man. That’s what I found interesting,” he said.
According to the actor, the role is designed not to dominate the story but to strengthen the journeys of the other characters.
“The characters around me carry more weight in the narrative, and there is a proper character arc. That’s what makes the role special. It isn’t about grabbing attention; it’s about serving the story,” he added.
Story comes before screen time
Raj B Shetty has earned a reputation in Kannada cinema for prioritising strong storytelling over the length of a role. Throughout his career, he has often chosen characters that contribute meaningfully to the narrative rather than focusing on screen time or commercial appeal.
His approach to Karavali reflects the same philosophy, with the actor emphasising that the quality and purpose of a role matter more than its duration.
The filmmaker believes that every character should serve the story, regardless of whether it is a lead role or a cameo.
Looking forward to Karavali
Raj expressed optimism that audiences will appreciate Karavali for its storytelling and emotional depth.
“I’m happy to be part of a story that I hope leaves a lasting impact,” he said.
With Gurudatha Ganiga at the helm, Karavali aims to present a compelling narrative rooted in meaningful characters. Raj’s endorsement of the director has further raised expectations for the film, with the actor hoping its success will introduce another talented filmmaker to the Kannada film industry.