Actor • director • filmmaker • writer . film producer
Yearsactive
2015 – present
Raj B. Shetty (born 5 July 1987) is an Indian actor, director, screenwriter, producer and filmmaker who primarily works in Kannada cinema and has appeared in Tulu and Malayalam films. He owns a production house named Lighter Buddha Films and has co-produced several of his films.[1]
Known for his rooted storytelling and unique cinematic style, Shetty rose to fame with his debut film Ondu Motteya Kathe (2017) and later directed the critically acclaimed Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021). His debut in Malayalam cinema came through Rudhiram (2023) and gained popularity through Turbo in 2024.[2]
He has won several prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada for Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana and the Filmfare Award for Best Kannada Film for Ondu Motteya Kathe. His films have also earned SIIMA Awards and multiple critics’ choice honors, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Kannada cinema.
Early life
Shetty was born on 5 July 1987 in Bhadravathi, Karnataka, into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. He completed his schooling at Bharathi English Medium School, Mangalore, and pursued a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore. Before entering films, Shetty worked as a radio jockey at Big 92.7 FM, wrote advertising scripts, and directed short films in Kannada and Tulu.[3] He also assisted actor-director Upendra Rao as a writer and assistant director.
Career
2017-2020: Debut and breakthrough
Shetty began his cinematic journey in 2017 with Ondu Motteya Kathe, a romantic comedy that he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film was produced by Pawan Kumar and became a sleeper hit, praised for its simplicity and Shetty’s natural performance as a bald protagonist navigating love and societal expectations. Critics lauded his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, and the film earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada, establishing him as a promising filmmaker.[4]
In 2020, Raj played Kubera in Mayabazar 2016, a dark comedy that received positive reviews for its ensemble cast. However, his career-defining moment came in 2021 with Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, which he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside Rishab Shetty. The film, set in Mangaluru’s underworld, was hailed as a masterpiece for its poetic storytelling and powerful performances. Critics compared Shetty’s direction to world cinema greats, and his portrayal of Shiva—a complex, brooding gangster—earned widespread acclaim.[5][6] The film swept awards, including Filmfare Best Director (Kannada) and SIIMA Best Film. In 2021, his next assignment, Pedro, directed by Natesh Hegde was screened in film festivals.[7][8]
Raj B. Shetty being felicitated, in 2023
2022-present:Critical acclaim and career expansion
In 2022, Shetty appeared in 777 Charlie, directed by Kiranraj K., where his cameo was noted for its emotional impact. He also acted in Thurthu Nirgamana and choreographed the intense climax of Kantara, showcasing his creative versatility. The year 2023 brought Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, a poignant drama he directed and starred in, exploring themes of grief and healing. His performance in Toby, directed by Basil Alchalakkal, was described as “raw and transformative,” earning him critical praise.
Raj expanded his horizons in 2024 with his Malayalam debut in Mammootty’s Turbo, where he played a pivotal antagonist role. Critics in Kerala praised his screen presence and ability to adapt to a new language and industry. He also featured in Malayalam projects like Kondal and Rudhiram, further cementing his pan-South Indian appeal.
Shetty initially started out as an RJ and a short filmmaker. He gained recognition through his directorial debut, Ondu Motteya Kathe (2017), which was a huge commercial success. He further cemented it with Gubbi Mele Brahmastra (2019), Mayabazar 2016 (2020), and Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021), which got widespread acclaim and is now considered to be one of the best films of Kannada cinema.
In 2025, Shetty produced and acted in Su From So, directed by J. P. Thuminad, which became a blockbuster horror-comedy. His upcoming projects include 45 and Bandar, both highly anticipated for their experimental narratives.
Personal life
Raj B. Shetty is unmarried as of 2025. He is an avid animal lover and owns pet dogs named Jiggi and Maria. His love for dogs influenced his role in 777 Charlie.[9] He enjoys reading and writing stories in his leisure time and is known for his vegetarian lifestyle.
He has frequently voiced the issues of writers in Kannada Movie industry.[10] He considers Cinematographer and editor Praveen Shriyan one of the pillars of his movies.[11]
Film production
Shetty owns a prominent production house called Lighter Buddha Films, which he co-founded with cinematographer-editor Praveen Shriyan in 2019. The name reflects their philosophy of creating meaningful cinema while maintaining a light-hearted approach to the process. The company has backed several acclaimed Kannada films, including Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021), Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye (2023), and Toby (2023). In 2025, Lighter Buddha Films produced Su From So, marking the banner’s commitment to introducing fresh talent and experimental genres. Raj has stated that the goal of his production house is to champion new voices and faces in Kannada cinema, ensuring that stories rooted in local culture reach a wider audience.[12]
Filmography
Key
†
Denotes films that have not yet been released
All films are in Kannada language unless otherwise noted.
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