Starting from his first Kannada film Majestic, Darshan has been afraid of experimentation.

"What can I do if my films like Nanna Preethiya Ramu, which was made with so much of passion and commitment, is rejected at the box office, while a formulaic film like Daasa succeeds? All these things happen within a span of two weeks. I think fans are the better judges. They want to see me in action films," says Darshan.

Darshan's new film Abhay directed by Mahesh Babu is gearing up for release on October 2.

It is first time that director Mahesh Babu, who hit the jackpot with films like Akash and Arrasu, is directing Darshan.

Mahesh Babu says that he wanted to show Darshan differently in the film.

"I wanted to ensure that my first film with Darshan will be discussed as a good film in the commercial format. I had watched Darshan's Datta where he had acted brilliantly in a comedy role.

"Though Darshan had some fights, the entertainment quotient of the film was his comical timing. Darshan was equally at ease doing comedy in Gaja. I always felt that Darshan's range of talents have not been utilised properly in many of his action films. I kept this in mind while I wrote the script. The story is by Janardhana Maharshi," he says.

Darshan plays the role of a passionate lover.

Darshan is also optimistic about the film.

"The story is not a regular one. The difference is not only in my characterisation but in the presentation too. A couple of jabardast fights are also there for action lovers," says Darshan.

Arati Thakur, a former beauty queen who represented India at the Mrs World competition is the heroine of the film.

Hari Krishna is the music director. The audio of the film has already been released. Yamma Maama Maya has already become a huge hit. Ramesh Babu is the cinematographer of the film. The film is produced by Babu Reddy who made Hudugaata with Ganesh earlier.