Darshan: I am not here to create any records

Flush with the stupendous success of his last Kannada film Saarathi, 'Challenging Star' Darshan is back in action with his latest film Chingari which is ready to hit the screens this week. Darshan is best known for playing the anti-hero, but in Chingari he gets an image makeover.

In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Darshan tells viewers why they should look forward to Chingari.

Your last film, Saarathi, became one of the biggest hits of 2011 in Kannada cinema. How do you feel about its success in retrospect?

I don't know how to react to the success. People and the media should tell me why the movie became successful.

I don't sit in judgment about what went right or wrong after a movie releases. I don't do post-mortems even if the movie is successful.

All that I can say is that success just happens. Everyone works hard during the course of making the movie and everybody wants his movie to be successful. In Saarathi all of us worked hard like for any other venture.

What is your forthcoming release Chingari all about?

The film talks about the proliferation of mafia dons and how mafia business has come to rule the roost worldwide.

The film tries to showcase how mafia business deals are struck. The main lead is not involved in it though.

What is your role in the movie?

For the first time in my career, I get to play a stylish cop. Chingari is also the first film that portrays me so stylishly.

What are the other elements that we can look forward to in the movie?

The film has sentiments, love and action scenes. There are about eight fight sequences composed by stunt director Ravi Varma and I have done a 'Kangaroo' fight for the first time in my career.

An upcoming model and actress, Deepika, is debuting in the movie. Bhavana plays another important role in the film.

What was it like working with Bhavana?

Bhavana is a superb actress. We worked together in Yellara Mane Dosenu...and in Bhagwan more than seven years ago. It was great working with her as she is a seasoned performer.

How does the title Chingari justify the story?

As the title suggests, the film truly has a spark, which stays from beginning to end. The story unfolds over just four to five days.

How did choreographer Harsha, who directed this movie, convince you to come on board this project?

I knew Harsha's capabilities as a director, story-teller and a choreographer. He was well prepared with the script and narrated the entire story to me. I was convinced that it would work for all of us.

I can say that Chingari will garner fame for the work that the technicians have done. I have worked with cinematographer Venu for the first time; he is simply superb in conceptualising and presenting a scene.

What can audiences and your fans expect from Chingari, especially after the success of Saarathi?

I think people should come to the theatres without any expectations. They should come to be entertained. Saarathi is over. This is a new film and I am not here to create any records.

If the distributors are happy and make their money I will be happy. That is what matters.