Darshakudu: Stuck between love and passion
Darshakudu
Direction: Hari Prasad Jakka
Cast: Harish, Eesha Rebba, Sudarshan Reddy, Kedar Shankar
Rating: 3/5
After Kumari 21F, director Sukumar returns as a producer with a subject he is always fond of — a quirky love story which wonderfully explores the conflict between art and love. It also vividly portrays the equations of a boy and a girl and the story will make one fret, fume and frown as each scene build the character of the protagonist ala an ambitious director played by debutant Harish (Mahesh).
Initially, you find it predictable as the guy tries to woo a girl (Eesha Rebba) on a train and it’s when director Hari Prasad Jakka’s potential takes a leap to present a story that’s quite unusual. The practical approach to one’s passion and love is something we hardly get to see among youth these days. It was this trait of Mahesh which makes life too complicated for him. Incidentally, Mahesh’s role reminds us that of Sukumar’s selfish protagonists right from Arya and 100% Love to Nannaku Prematho.
In Darshakudu, the protagonist faithfully conveys that a director is the one who just needs to manage the craft well and needs to apply very little creativity. He is one tough nut who never spares an opportunity to pursue his dream.
We are used to films where a gutsy girl changes her mind after falling for a guy with rather strange and practical approach. And Darshakudu is no different from them and also reiterates the importance of one striking a balance between the things they love the most.
Hari Prasad Jakka should be commended for choosing a fairly different subject and for sticking to his conviction. The film doesn’t offer inane comedy or a steamy item number just for the sake of it. Rather, it runs on a rainbow of emotions and some melodrama. Showcasing a story that deals with someone who always draws a line between profession and passion needs to be convincing and the director tapped his talent quite efficiently. The film’s screenplay is sharp despite the absence of comedy.
The pre-climax leavs an impact and so does the interval episode.
The high points of Darshakudu are the performance of the lead actors. Debutant Harish acted confidently with grit and tenacity. Eesha’s performance brings life to the film. There’s some fun when Priyadarshi appears in a small role. Sudarshan Reddy played his part well. Kedar Shankar does well, so does Gemini Suresh. Sai Kartheek’s music and background score pass muster.
Hari Prasad Jakka’s direction is aided well by Praveen Anumolu’s cinematography. Darshakudu is a medley of intense emotions of love, hate, passion and despair. The film is not a stroll in the park as it requires some patience and attention.