Darshakudu is a cute love story: Ashok

For a man grooming himself to be a director, the proposal to portray the lead character in

Darshakudu

caught Ashok unawares. “My babai (Sukumar) never encouraged me to turn hero. It was entirely the director’s (Hari Prasad Jakka) call. Darshakudu was conceived nearly three years ago when we were working for Nenokkadine. In between shots, while the rest of the team used to sit down for discussions, Hari observed me lost in my own world. That was exactly the kind of person he needed for Darshakudu, and I landed the role,” says Ashok with a grin.

Discussing his role in the film, he says, “It’s about a director, who’s in love with his craft to the point that he inserts personal interactions with his lover in his script. It’s a kind of relationship that is complex to put in words, but easy to relate to on screen. At the end of the day, it’s a cute love story.”

Heroine Eesha Rebba gets yet another author-backed role in the film as Namratha, a costume designer in love with the hero. “Mine’s a bubbly, hyper, girl-next-door kind of character. She is totally and unconditionally in love with him and expects the same from him. That’s where the conflict arises. In that sense, the character will have a universal connect,” says Eesha and adds, “I have heard that Sukumar and Hari sir were pleased with my performance. Sukumar sir said my body language, eye-lip coordination and performance were effortless and totally in tune with that of the character. That’s a huge compliment and I cherish it.”

Jointly produced by Sukumar, Vijaykumar, Thomasreddy and Ravichandra on Bandreddi Thirupathi Rao Naidu Creations and Playback Pictures, Darshakudu releases today.