Raj B Shetty signs second Malayalam film; this time with Mammootty

Not long ago, Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan had said that the one person in Kannada cinema he was keen to collaborate with was Raj B Shetty and that they’d had a conversation to that effect. Well, it looks like Dulquer’s been beaten at this game by his dad, superstar Mammootty. A little while ago, the team of Mammootty’s upcoming Turbo revealed that Raj is a part of the film and extended a warm welcome to him. This is Raj’s second film in Malayalam, after his debut Rudhiram, which is yet to be released.

Raj B Shetty on his debut Malayalam film Rudhiram: ‘I love this film because of the way it’s written’ 

Turbo, meanwhile, is Mammootty’s third film with director Vysakh, after their earlier Pokkiri Raja and Madhura Raja. The film is based on a script written by filmmaker Midhun Manuel Thomas and is said to be an action comedy. Turbo, which went on floors in late October, is being produced by the actor’s home banner, Mammotty Kampany, which recently clocked its first-ever Rs 100 crore venture with Kannur Squad. Turbo also features Telugu actor Sunil, whose most recent films include Jailer and Pushpa: The Rise.

Midhun Manuel Thomas on Mammootty starrer Turbo: ‘It’s an action comedy’ 

Raj, who was last seen onscreen in his directorial Toby, which had a Malayalam release as well, is currently deep in the midst of promotions of another directorial venture – Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye – which is coming to theatres this Friday (November 24). The film is actress Ramya’s first production and stars Raj in the lead, along with Siri Ravikumar, Gopalkrishna Deshpande and Balaji Manohar, among others. The film is about a terminally ill patient, whose bond with the counsellor, Prerana, at the palliative care centre he is at to live out his last days changes her life. How the life lessons he imparts affect her forms the crux of the narrative.

In Kannada, Raj is also working on 45, which is the directorial debut of music composer Arjun Janya and has Century Star Shivarajkumar in the lead. The film also stars Upendra in a pivotal role. Raj is expected to write two scripts that will serve as directorial launchpads for two of his friends, and only then will be embark on his next as a filmmaker.