Roopesh Shetty’s journey illustrates perseverance, reinvention, and relentless ambition. Sharing a challenging time early in his career, Roopesh says, “As an actor in Tulu cinema, I initially faced eight consecutive flops. I even thought about moving abroad, but my passion for acting and storytelling brought me back to filmmaking. It was tough, but I learned that waiting for the perfect script wasn’t enough. I always wanted to be an actor, but I realised that if I wanted my stories to be told the way I envisioned, I had to direct them myself.”
This determination led to Girgit, Roopesh’s directorial debut, which became a blockbuster. It secured his place not only in Tulu cinema but outside, too. Now, with Jai set to release on November 14, Roopesh aims higher. “Tulu cinema was my beginning, but my vision has always been global. With Jai set for a release in Tulu and Kannada, we have been able to premiere this film across India and internationally, in Muscat, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and even Saudi Arabia. I wanted to show that Tulu or Kannada films can resonate worldwide, and we achieved that,” says a proud Roopesh.
The film’s story, set in the fictional village of Simhabettu, mixes social commentary with entertainment. “Politics starts at the ground level, in villages, affecting every community. While it’s not about any particular party, it reflects societal truths and the struggles of those who support leaders, only to be let down. That’s the essence of Jai.”
Roopesh stresses the universal nature of the theme. “While it could have remained a Tulu story, we wanted it to reach audiences in many languages. Cinema should cross boundaries. With Girgit, we began premiering in various cities and countries; with Jai, we continued that path,” says Roopesh, who makes it clear that the directorial journey was anything but easy. “Direction requires time, patience, and persistence. Completing Jai took two and a half years,” points out Roopesh.
Jai also features a terrific ensemble, lead by Sunil Shetty. “Suniel Sir did this without any remuneration. His presence creates a major turning point. Deepak Raj Shetty and Adhvithi Shetty help carry the narrative forward,” reveals the filmmaker.
For Roopesh, evolving from being a Tulu actor to a filmmaker with a global perspective is very personal. “I want to create films that entertain, provoke thought, and can be appreciated anywhere. From local beginnings to international screens, that’s the path I’m carving for myself and for Tulu cinema. Setbacks can become milestones if ambition and vision lead the way.”
