After impressing audiences with his performance in the National Award-winning film 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, Vishwadev Rachakonda is now gearing up for the release of Dark Chocolate. Shashank Srivastava is making his directorial debut with the film, which is being produced by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media in association with Waltair Productions. The film is set to release worldwide on November 13.

Interestingly, the makers organised special screenings in the US two days ahead of the film’s release. Talking about the response, Vishwadev says, “The response to the US reviews has been fantastic. Both critics and audiences have given very good reviews. They are saying that the film is highly engaging, and the performances have also received a lot of appreciation. It makes us very happy when people say that this is one of the most engaging films they have watched in recent times.”

Talking about his character, Vishwadev says he plays Yagna in the film. “He is an actor who delivers three consecutive hits as a hero, but later faces a series of failures and goes through a downfall. He behaves a little erratically and does things as he pleases. Eventually, he is banned by the Film Chamber. Following this, he decides that he doesn't need anyone's help and wants to do everything on his own. He takes it upon himself to handle direction, dialogues, songs and choreography,” he says.

Elaborating further on his role, the actor says Yagna eventually starts writing a story on his own. “He also has some bizarre dreams. What are these dreams about? Who appears in them? How does his journey unfold with his best friend, love interest and uncle? Did these people actually come into his life, or were they only part of his dreams? All these aspects make the film very interesting,” he says.

Talking about the film's business prospects, Vishwadev says the team is happy with the response so far. “We have already held a secret screening, and the response from those who attended gave us even more confidence. I strongly believe this film will also serve as an inspiration for filmmakers,” he says.

Vishwadev is the grandson of renowned Telugu writer Rachakonda Viswanatha Sastry, one of the pioneers of Telugu literature. Talking about his grandfather, the actor says he did not follow the same literary path. “I have read a few of his works. My grandfather was more inclined towards literature, whereas I was more interested in dance and music. Music director Sricharan Pakala and a few of us had formed a music group. I used to sing and play the guitar in that group,” he says.

Bindu Madhavi plays the female lead in Dark Chocolate, and Vishwadev is all praise for her performance. “Bindu is perfectly suited for this film, and everyone who has watched it is saying that this is one of the best performances of her career,” he says.

Rana Daggubati has been supportive of several of Vishwadev's films. Talking about their association, the actor says, “His production house is called Spirit Media, and he always encourages new content and fresh talent. He supported Pareshan and 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, and now he is giving Dark Chocolate a good release as well. We also have plans to work together on more interesting content in the future. Rana garu is a very innovative person.”

Talking about his upcoming projects, Vishwadev says he is currently receiving some interesting stories. “Audiences can expect some good films from me in the coming days. I believe these will be films that people will appreciate and talk about positively. We also have a few projects underway under our production banner,” he concludes.