Peter will redefine Kannada cinema’s scale and storytelling: Raajesh Dhruva

Ater spending over a decade in television and now transitioning seamlessly into cinema, Kannada actor Raajesh Dhruva is gearing up for the release of Peter on April 10 — a project he describes as deeply personal and years in the making. “I’ve wanted to collaborate with director Sukesh Shetty ever since I watched his film Doordarshana. Peter is the result of three years of hard work. Preparing for the titular role demanded intense commitment — from my look and body to my mental state,” he says, adding that he began immersing himself in the character four months before filming began. “It brought significant changes to my personal and social life. I consciously chose isolation,” he shares.

Reflecting on his journey, Raajesh says the shift from television to films has been challenging. “Television rarely allows you to choose your characters - it’s often about appearance and exaggeration,” he says. “In films, everything is more nuanced. You underplay, but at the same time, you invest your heart and soul into a role for months.”
Confident about the film’s impact, Raajesh believes Peter will challenge preconceived notions about Kannada cinema. “There’s a perception that Kannada films don’t match other industries. But after watching the trailer, some even assumed it was a Malayalam remake. However, I believe this film will change that. It will showcase the scale, the production quality, and the richness of Karnataka’s culture,” he says. Being a director himself, Raajesh admits the instinct to contribute creatively was always there. “I did feel the urge to give inputs on the script and a few shots, and Sukesh was very open to it. But my contribution to the direction was minimal — he’s a highly skilled technician. I chose to focus on my performance,” he explains.
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