Vishwadev Rachakonda interview: ‘Dark Chocolate’ challenged me on every possible level

Vishwadev Rachakonda, grandson of Telugu novelist Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry, grew up in a literary household in Visakhapatnam, but music and dance were his early obsessions. Chiranjeevi, Michael Jackson and Ilaiyaraaja were his major influences. Peers even nicknamed him MJ for his dance moves.He entered acting by chance, and found recognition with the National Award-winning 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu. His new Telugu film, the psychological thriller Dark Chocolate, releasing on November 13, sees him portray the character of Yagna, an insecure, fading actor.Excerpts from the conversation:Dark Chocolate came your way while 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu was being filmed. Were you looking for a stark contrast?Audiences might think it is a calculated move since I had played a gentle role in 35, but it was sheer coincidence.You call yourself an accidental actor, nudged into the profession by those who saw potential in you. When did you realise you might be good at it?I need constant reassurance. I take on films to hear that I have done a decent job. The funny thing is, I forget the praise. So I do another film and wait to hear it again. That does not mean I lack confidence.I ask myself how I can do justice to the material. Once people tell me I have done well, I am satisfied. My approach is more psychological than technical, to make viewers feel what the character is going through.What is your process in portraying a character?A performance takes shape when they call, ‘roll... camera... action!’ However much I prepare, I make spontaneous adjustments at that moment. It almost always works. Dark Chocolate explores mental health and anxiety. How do you portray a brash actor without appearing insensitive?Films need a personal, raw touch. Cinema allows us to explore human behaviour without rigid societal filters. With an abrasive character like Yagna, audiences witness the consequences of his behaviour. That’s what makes Dark Chocolate compelling.Real-life mental health struggles are chaotic. People can be at their most absurd and awkward, while loved ones absorb the chaos and verbal outbursts. The key is empathy: understanding and tolerating someone’s rough edges because you want to help them heal.How do you deal with insecurities as an actor?I have friends with whom I can be vulnerable, ask difficult questions and find answers. I’m confident, but there are moments of uncertainty. I often lean on my partner, Siddharth Rallapalli of Waltair Productions, who has championed me unconditionally. When he says something works, I am convinced.Dark Chocolate was shot almost entirely on one set, with a small cast. Describe that experience.I am averse to enclosed spaces and staying in one location too long. But we were so consumed by the creative process that claustrophobia became a non-issue. Some wondered whether a single-location film could hold the attention of the audience. We turned that constraint into a strength, creating an immersive setting that cuts viewers off from the outside world.The film is dialogue-heavy, almost like a chamber play. What role does music play in it?The dialogue exchanges feel like a fast-paced tennis match, with constant chatter between characters. The challenge was figuring out how the score and performances could elevate the dialogue without overwhelming it. The characters describe past events, memories and outbursts, but we avoid flashbacks. Blending performance, dialogue and music allows viewers to picture those scenes vividly. Vishwadev Rachakonda | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement With Pareshan and Dark Chocolate, you have taken on production responsibilities alongside acting. How do you find order in the chaos of independent filmmaking?Finding order in chaos is what I enjoy most. Our films and the characters I am drawn to call for deliberate decisions. With production, where time and money are crucial, precision is essential. Collaboration gives me satisfaction and purpose. We can speak confidently about Dark Chocolate because the film satisfied us first. When a project appeals to the entire team, you feel you have made something meaningful.You were also seen in Varam, an adaptation of JioHotstar’sTaaza Khabar. How do you approach a story already told in another language?Remakes have their own charm. They allow you to do things even better and tie up the loose ends in the original. I think we did a fantastic job with the dialogue in Varam. The lines hit differently in our version.On set, you are not likely to remember the original frame by frame. You treat it as a fresh project. I do my research. If the Telugu audience has widely seen the original, I will try not to be part of the remake. Otherwise, bringing it to them with local actors and sensibilities makes sense. Dark Chocolate releases on a crowded weekend. How do you look at that?It is difficult for everyone; a lot is beyond our control. Every release is an opportunity to learn. You give your best, release the film well and let destiny take its course.This film has challenged me as an actor, producer and presenter. I have pushed myself to my limits. It is intimidating, thrilling and intense. The positive feedback at the test screenings has been a silver lining. Without that response, I would probably be in a state of panic by now. It is time to let it fly.