When Victor Rasuk joined the cast of "Fifty Shades of Grey" as José Rodriguez, Anastasia Steele's friend, classmate and aspiring photographer, things got a little hotter and intense on set for the Latino cutie served as Christian Grey's competition.

While both Rodriguez (Rasuk) and Grey (Jamie Dornan) vie for Steele's (Dakota Johnson's) attention, the chemistry between Steele and Grey's characters was impenetrable, even for the lovable Latino.

But that didn't stop him from trying! Can you blame him?

Whether you have read the books, overheard the hype, or are planning to steam up your Valentine's Day by going to see "Fifty Shades of Grey," the film has many layers to it than just the erotic sex scenes, according to Rasuk who spoke with Latin Post in an exclusive interview.

In the hauntingly alluring "Fifty Shades of Grey," there are indeed a lot of heavy themes throughout the film -- from blatant eroticism and domination to Anastasia's sexual awakening, lust versus love and obsession and isolation that borders 'Disturbia.' Yet at the same time, there is a human component to the film that tests the boundaries of relationships and the overall limits of the human condition.

"What I loved about that, and what you said right there, was the human element," Rasuk pointed out. "Director Sam (Taylor-Johnson) played with all of the universal themes. ... We all deal with love, we all deal with passion and we all deal with jealously, right? She mixes all of that and drives the story between Jamie (Christian) and Dakota (Anastasia) using those universal themes."

"That's why I think not only women are going to see it but men are going to relate to it," he added. "They may not relate to Christian, but they will one way or another relate to Anastasia's journey because we all have been in love and dealt with the butterflies. They are sort of off-beat, but there is something still intriguing about them."

The Dominican New Yorker, who also stars on CBS' "Stalker," has evolved from an indie actor ("Raising Victor Vargas," "Lords of Dogtown," etc.) to a big-screen actor. He recently starred in "Godzilla" alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Cranston. He was thrilled to play his latest film role of José Rodriguez and admits that unlike Christian Grey he indeed does romance.

"I would consider myself a romantic," he admitted. "I don't know that I would go to the extent of Christian Grey," he laughed, "but I am also not judging what his character does behind closed doors or anyone like that."

Rasuk also discussed his experience being on the set of "Fifty Shades of Grey."

"The vibe was great on set. When I came on set, behind the scenes you kind of felt the energy already that everyone was so gung-ho and positive about making a film that was really close to this book that was a phenomenon," he explained.

"I am sure that we have all heard of books not matching the story (on film) but E.L. James, the author and Sam Taylor-Johnson, the director worked well together in that we were going to make the movie close to the book. Jamie and Dakota were great to work with. They were great leaders because they set the precedent and the mood, the vibe and the energy."

Rasuk also brought Latin representation to the big screen. "Did you hear me say 'solo show corazón.' I kept it universal. I represented!" he laughed. "I was actually shocked when I saw the movie that that they kept it in! I said it off-set so you never know what's going to be on the chopping block."

Does Rasuk have any favorite scenes in the film?

"I love the scene when she (Anastasia) is suspended in the red room -- of course you can't forget that!" he said. "I love how tasteful Sam (Taylor-Johnson) shot it. She made it about the character and you can't do a movie like that without a fantastic indie director. And of course that Beyoncé soundtrack really made it over-the-top, amazing."

"One with me is the scene when I try to kiss Anastasia," he added. "When you look at that take -- and this is a credit to Dakota and Sam, especially Sam who is a captain of the film -- she just let us find it. If you look at that take there ... I just love how unforced that scene was between her and I. ... I mean I was being forceful but the scene wasn't forced."

What are Rasuk's thoughts on the following E.L. James' book, "Fifty Shades Darker?"

"I read the second book and I actually like where it's going," he pointed out. "He (José Rodriguez) opens up his own gallery and has this huge exhibit ... and Christian and Anastasia are on bad terms and they are technically broken up and they rekindle when they go and support José's photo exhibit."

Rasuk kept his composure and says there weren't any scenes that made him feel uncomfortable. "No, I went in there prepared as I usually am," he said nonchalantly, "but you never know what the vibe is going to be on set. ... but it was great and everyone was happy."

With all of the hype surrounding "Fifty Shades of Grey," everyone is especially getting flustered for this Valentine's Day.  Rasuk Valentine's Day plans will largely revolve around work, with little time for play.

"I was going to go see the movie, but it's sold out, which is great for us!" he said. "I am going to be traveling and doing press for this, so unfortunately I am not going to be able to spend it quietly and romantically."

Too bad, for Rasuk would be sure to add a blushing pink to those 'Fifty Shades of Grey!'

Check out the official trailer for "Fifty Shades of Grey," which hits theaters this Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. It will be sure to make your cheeks rosy!