Roopesh Shetty Aims to Take Tulu Cinema Global with His New Film Jai

Roopesh Shetty, one of the most prominent figures in the coastal film industry, is on a mission to take Tulu cinema beyond regional boundaries. The actor-director, known for his perseverance and passion, is gearing up for the release of his ambitious new project, Jai. Featuring veteran actor Suniel Shetty, the film will release in both Tulu and Kannada, with screenings planned across India and internationally in Muscat, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on his journey, Roopesh shared that success did not come easily. Early in his career, he faced eight back-to-back flops that almost pushed him to abandon acting altogether. “I thought about moving abroad, but my love for filmmaking kept me grounded. I realised that if I wanted to tell my stories in my way, I had to become a director,” he said. This realization led to his directorial debut Girgit, which became a massive success and transformed his career.

Jai, his latest venture, dives into the politics of rural India through the lens of everyday people. Set in the fictional village of Simhabettu, the film offers a mix of social reflection and entertainment. “Politics begins in villages; it shapes communities and influences lives. Jai isn’t about any single political party but about the social fabric that binds and sometimes breaks communities,” Roopesh explained.

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The film’s making was not without challenges. Roopesh revealed that Jai took over two and a half years to complete, demanding time, patience, and creative discipline. “Direction is an intense process. Every frame, every line, has to connect with truth and purpose,” he noted. The presence of Suniel Shetty, who reportedly worked without remuneration, adds further weight to the project. “His support was invaluable. When an actor of his stature joins hands with us, it shows that regional cinema has potential to create meaningful stories,” said Roopesh.

For Roopesh, Jai represents far more than a film—it marks the evolution of Tulu cinema towards global recognition. “I want to create stories that move audiences everywhere, regardless of language. Starting from small beginnings to reaching international platforms, that’s the journey I’m defining not only for myself but for Tulu cinema,” he added. With Jai, Roopesh hopes to inspire new filmmakers to dream big and believe that regional stories can indeed speak a universal language.

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