Raj B. Shetty On 'Su From So' And Why He’ll Never Direct a Star Film

Basking in the early success of Su From So, Raj B. Shetty isn’t letting the numbers define his identity as a filmmaker. Despite the film turning into a breakout hit within its first week, a rare feat in recent Kannada cinema, Shetty remains firmly rooted in his creative philosophy: fiercely independent, quietly grounded, and uninterested in the lure of stardom.

In an exclusive chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, he made his stance clear: “I can’t direct stars because I can’t wait for their dates. It’s such a painful process for me. Cinema has been very personal but the moment it becomes about waiting for someone, I feel shackled.”

For Shetty, filmmaking has never been about scale or celebrity. “I don’t mind making small films. I don’t mind casting new actors. It’s not about the money. For a middle-class person from Mangalore, even doing films is a luxury.”

It’s this mindset that drives his production house, Lighter Buddha Films- a space built on collaboration, experimentation, and a deep belief in storytelling over stardom is consciously focused on giving emerging talent the support they need. “Even in lighter films, we want to produce projects for new people. We want to supervise, guide, and ensure the best results. We want young filmmakers to believe that if they make good cinema, audiences will come.”

At a time when much of the Indian film industry continues to orbit around star vehicles, Shetty’s creative choices signal a quiet rebellion. He values the freedom that comes with working on smaller sets, the intimacy of telling stories close to home, and the unpredictability that makes cinema feel alive.

As Su From So continues to soar at the box office and win over audiences, Shetty’s refusal to play by industry rules stands out. “This is the space we’re operating in- rooted stories, new voices, and a belief that sincerity wins. I don’t think I’ll ever direct a star film.” he concludes.