Few actor duos in Malayalam cinema today share the kind of deep-rooted creative synergy that Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew do. From ‘Koode’ to ‘Choked’ and the internationally acclaimed ‘Paradise’, the two have collaborated across stage and screen, building a bond that thrives on honesty, trust, and artistic growth.

In an exclusive interview with Mathrubhumi English, Darshana opened up about their dynamic, one that is marked by mutual respect and rigorous critique. She describes Roshan as someone who knows her work inside out, spots patterns she doesn’t even realise, and helps her break out of them, making him one of the few people whose feedback she truly waits for after every performance.

When asked how their off-screen chemistry is like, and whether they are constructively critical of each other’s work, or mostly have a light-hearted banter and camaraderie, Darshana says, “We are very critical of each other’s work. It’s a collaboration that has been there for many, many years as friends — he’s been my director, and we’ve been co-actors. We work together in many capacities.”

She also spoke about how her ‘C U Soon’ co-star is someone she looks up to for receiving constructive feedback on her work. “In many ways, he is somebody I go back to in terms of — after a film that I have done, I will wait for what he has to say about it. He is also someone who knows me so well. He knows my tricks, he knows me, and he knows how I work as an actor. He is very tuned in, and he knows how to catch things, saying, ‘Ok, that’s something that you always do, and that is very close to you. Why are you doing that again?’ He is somebody who points out these things that you don’t realize (about yourself).”

Darshana was all praise for Roshan, not only as an actor, but as a director too. “As a director, he is somebody I really enjoy working with. He is an actor, so he understands what’s going on, but he also takes a step back and lets you do your own thing as an actor. He just holds you in a way that you find your own answers,” she said, adding, “Roshan is one of those people with whom I work well, and I really enjoy working with him in all forms — be it films or a play. During COVID-19, there were four to five of us who would read plays together for nothing. He is somebody whom I learn from a lot.”

Roshan has twice directed Darshana in plays and has multiple times co-starred with her in films. Ask her whom she would give her vote to — Roshan the actor or Roshan the director, and she says, “I can’t pick because I actually enjoy both. I have had so many acting experiences with him, and I have done two plays where he directed me in.”

“As an actor, it’s fabulous when you have a co-actor like Roshan who is so giving, and you’re able to play so much with. As a director, I think I’ve been very in awe of how he does what he does. I have seen him grow as a director. That’s a process that’s going on — he is also figuring it out,” Darshana shared while also pointing out that she “really enjoys both these shades of him”.

Meanwhile, Darshana and Roshan’s 2023 film ‘Paradise’ is all set to stream on MUBI from Friday.