Sukumar satisfied with Darshakudu

As far as choosing his director to make 'Darshakudu' is concerned, Sukumar clearly went by instinct.  Jakka Hari Prasad would have been rubbished by any other producer as he doesn't possess any formal qualification in direction nor has he worked under any director.  Is Suku happy with the output then?  

"I am satisfied.  I am saying this as a viewer.  Probably because this is not the kind of story I would have made, I liked 'Darshakudu'.  Hari Prasad has done it like an experienced director," Suku informs.

Ashok may be his brother's son, but Sukumar didn't make him a member of his stable without considering his merit.  "There was a time when I told Ashok that direction is a tough job.  It angered him.  When he insisted to be my assistant when I was making '1: Nenokkadine', I asked him to use his imagination to write a version of the story.  He passed the test with flying colours.  That's how he became my assistant director," Sukumar chips in.

As the hero of 'Darshakudu', Ashok is said to have shown shades of Sukumar's body language.  "That must be because I am the one director he has been close to for many years," the brain at Sukumar Writings avers.

'Darshakudu' is touted to be a love affair between a director and a costume designer (played by Eesha Rebba).  Doesn't such a love story warrant roping in an experienced actor?  "I felt that it would be apt to do it with a newcomer.  The way Ashok has emoted anger, agony, etc makes me see a realistic actor in him," Sukumar ponders.

What next for Ashok?  "The fate of 'Darshakudu' will decide it.  Should the film become a hit, he will definitely get acting offers.  Otherwise, he will work towards becoming a director," the well-wisher of the new hero reveals.

'Rangasthalam:1985' is one of the most-awaited movies.  "We have completed half of the production works.  We are planning a Sankranthi release.  Many are asking me as to why it's a period drama set in 1985.  The story warrants the setting.  The period had certain conditions which are existing today.  For example, there were no mobile phones.  As someone who grew up in villages for 25 years, I always yearned for setting a film in a village.  Even 'Arya-2' was partially set in a village," the maverick says.

Ask him about doing a sci-fi in future, pat comes the reply that the market conditions in Telugu may not make it possible.