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.

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.