Director Sukumar is producing his second film Darsakudu as he introduces his lecturer friend Hari Prasad as director.
“Hari has been associated with me since my first film, Arya and came up with this story two years ago. I thought it was a new subject and asked him to direct it,” he says.
“The film isn’t about a director’s struggle, but more of a love story, which happens on a film set,” says Sukumar. Reacting to reports that the film is based on his life story, the director clarifies, “No, it isn’t my love story. Though ours is a love marriage, I didn’t marry a film person, whereas in this film, it is the opposite.”
Sukumar feels directors are ‘selfish’ and regrets not spending much time with family. “Since I realised this, I try to do so. Most of my time is dedicated to films. Even now, I am working day and night,” he admits.
Recalling an incident during the making of 100% Love, the director says, “I once went to shop with my wife. We selected two dresses for her, and I didn’t take much time to choose. However, the next day, while shooting, I didn’t like Tamannah’s outfit and we cancelled half a day’s shoot, and tried various outfits before I liked something!”
Apparently his wife who was on the location was surprised. “Because I took seconds to choose her dress while I spent hours on Tamannaah. I told her, ‘you are my wife and only I should be impressed with you, but when it comes to the actress, I should impress the whole world’,” he recalls.
Talking of debutant Hari Prasad, Sukumar shares, “You may see a reflection of my attitude in a scene or two in the film, because Hari is known to me,” says Sukumar.
While Sukumar is a Maths lecturer, Hari Prasad is a Physics lecturer. “And Chemistry lecturer Ravi Kumar participated in our discussions as he is interested in films too,” shares Sukumar. Interestingly, although all of them are busy with films, Ravi still gives lessons to students as does Hari Prasad. Well, Sukumar does too! He reveals, “Sometimes kids in the family have doubts and I clarify.”
