Not an antagonist this time: Raj B Shetty on Tamil debut

Kannada actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty’s decision to step into Tamil cinema with Pocket Novel wasn’t driven by language or market expansion — it was rooted in admiration. Speaking to us, he says, “I am a fan of Thiagarajan Kumararaja. From his first film Aaranya Kaandam, to Super Deluxe, I have been mesmerised by his work. I would want to work with him every single time I get a chance.” The film also stars Vijay Sethupathi, Kishore and Malavika Mohanan, with music by the legendary Ilaiyaraaja. Raj reveals, “Whenever I am cast in a film, people just assume I am the antagonist. I am not the antagonist in this film. I play a very important character.” What particularly energises Raj about Pocket Novel is the opportunity to observe and collaborate with actors he has admired for years. “The thought of just being around actors like Vijay Sethupathi and Kishore, and watching how they work excites me. I also suddenly realised that Ilaiyaraaja will be scoring music for this film. A film I am in, a scene I am in, will have music by Ilaiyaraaja — and that makes me very happy,” he adds.