Raj B Shetty has made a name for himself by avoiding predictability. In an industry where clear character types often dominate, he easily shifts between hero, comedian, and villain. He chooses roles that challenge audience expectations and push cinematic boundaries. With Rakkasapuradhol, he adds another complex character to his evolving filmography, this time as a police officer who doesn’t fit the typical mold.
Sudeep unveiled the official trailer of Rakkasapuradhol, raising the project’s profile ahead of its release on February 6. He praised Ravi Varma's debut production and appreciated Raj B Shetty's performance, the vision of debutant director Ravi Saranga, the music by Arjun Janya, and William David’s work as cinematographer. The trailer launch also saw the presence of Prem, AP Arjun, Supreeth, Mahesh Gowda, and Chandrachud. The trailer offers a glimpse of Raj at the center of a gritty story set in a village. Tasked with investigating a series of murders, his character breaks the conventions of cop dramas. He is rarely in uniform, has a thick beard, and carries a relaxed, almost indifferent demeanor. In the film's world, this appearance raises suspicion, leading viewers and villagers to wonder— is he really a cop?
As the title suggests, Rakkasapuradhol draws heavily from rural life. The trailer hints at a suspense thriller that mixes tension, action, and careful doses of humor. Instead of relying on over-the-top heroics or predictable thrills, the film seems to favor subtlety, letting mood, character, and story drive the film’s energy.
For Raj B Shetty, the attraction of this role lies in its subtlety. He describes it as a “settled character,” noting that the policeman grapples with his own internal and external struggles rather than displaying overt authority. It’s a role that relies on observation rather than assertions, matching the actor’s preference for story-driven content.
At the trailer launch, Raj expanded the discussion beyond the film itself and shared his thoughts on Kannada cinema. He pointed out what he sees as a lack of directors with clear narrative vision. He believes the industry thrives when small-budget films succeed based on their ideas. Citing a few Kannada films, he emphasized that some succeed not because of their scale or spectacle, but due to solid direction. He stressed that Rakkasapuradhol embodies the same philosophy. “This is not a film made with gimmicks. It is made to tell a story,” he said.
Directed by Ravi Saranga in his debut and produced by Ravi Varma under the KN Enterprises banner, Rakkasapuradhol represents a thoughtful choice to support new voices and grounded storytelling.
The film’s song, Siddaiya Swami Banni, has gained traction on social media, trending across reels and short videos while reinforcing the film’s authentic feel. The cast includes a mix of experienced actors and new talent alongside Raj B Shetty, featuring Swathishta Krishna and Archana Kottige as female leads, with senior actors like Gopal Deshpande and B Suresh. The supporting cast also includes Aniruddha Bhat, Jahangir, and Gowrav Shetty.