'Super Cop' will storms Colombo soon

By Sunil Jayasiri

The martial art film fans will be in for a treat shortly when one of the best martial art films "Super Cop" starring Jackie Chan will be screened in Colombo.

The Hong kong based Chan is famous for his stunts which he performs without a body double.

When a dangerous undercover mission is required to put a high-powered drug lord out of commission, the assignment goes to the one man fearless enough to take on the task of infiltrating the biggest crime and narcotics syndicate in the Pacific Rim — Detective Kevin Chan (Jackie Chan).

Chan's assignment begins in a prison labour camp where he is sent to retrieve a gangster named Panther (Yuen Wah), who will lead Chan to Panther's older brother, Chaibat (Ken Tsang), a drug lord so mighty that the authorities believe his capture will cut the Southeast Asian drug, trade in half.

The fearless 'supercop' learns he won't be solo on this mission when he is joined by his new boss (posing as his sister), Director Yang (Michelle Khan), who's as elegant as she is skilled in martial arts - and much more disciplined than Chan.

When Chan and Yang (undercover names Fu Sheng, and Hana) help Panther break out of prison in a narrow escape, Panther invites them to join Chaibat's gang.

The pair are chosen to be part of the crew accompanying him to the sale of the year's opium crop. Following an explosive confrontation with rival parties, they earn the trust of the ruthless Chalbat. Before the supercops can arrest him, however, Chaibat forces the team to help rescue his wife, who is imprisoned by authorities. She possesses the Swiss bank account number that contains the balance of Chabat's wealth - information she is withholding from him until she is freed.

The entire mission begins to unravel when Chan's girlfriend, May (Maggie Cheung) shows up at the same hotel as Chaibat's gang and accidentally blows Chan's cover. May is taken hostage to insure Chan and Yang's participation in springing, Chaibat's wife.

In order to save May and break up the syndicate the detectives must fight Chaibat and his gang in a series of explosive battles in and on cars, motorcycles, and finally atop a moving train after Chan swings wildly from a helicopter among the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur.

The film was Directed by Stanley Tong. The Main Cast :- Detective Kevin Chan -Jackie Chan, Chief of security Yang - Michelle Khan, May- Maggie Cheung, Uncle Bill- Bill Tung, Chaibat - Ken Tsang, Panther- Yuen Wah.

The film will be screened soon in Sri Lanka.

Fassbinder films at GCI

Some of the top films directed by popular German Director Rainer Werner Fassbinder will be screened at the German Cultural Institute from March 31.

A random selection of several films by Rainer W. Fassbinder were screened in Colombo in 1996 and 1997. Two of the most attractive ones will be repeated (fear Eats The Soul), and (Lili Marleen) complemented by a few that have not been shown here.

Yet the monumental work of Fassbinder, Berlin Alexanderplatz is is being premiered in Sri Lanka.

The latter, made for television in 13 parts plus an epilogue, takes 15 hours in all. But once started, the audience stays caught in the web of the plot.

Berlin Alexanderplatz' will be screened on the opening day.

The introductory session of 81 minutes is on Friday March 13, evening, the other 13 odd hours evenly spread over two Saturdays and Sundays till April 29.

'Fear Eats the Soul' will be on April 14, Lili Marleen' will be on April 27 and 'The Merchant of four Seasons' will be screened on April 29.

The other days are April, 1, 2, 9, 10.

'Field View Inn': a spot to remember

By Susitha R. Fernando.

The area around Bulathsinhala town has many places of interest. It gives one an opportunity to relax one's mind in a calm, quiet and peaceful environment.

To a visitor, there are a number of spots of natural beauty, historical importance and geographical interest around the town.

Among them the ancient rock cave of Pahiyangala comes first. The largest rock cave in Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, which was home to the pre-historic beings of Asia. Covered with thicket and shrub jungles, it provides a superb outing for visitors. Makeli Ella is another beautiful place close to Bulathsinhala where the Kukulegama Electricity project is being constructed at the moment. Walawwatte is an estate situated on the way to Pahiyangala where is found some unique plants not found in any other part of the world.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to visit the Warakagoda cave temples, just 7 Km from the town.

Field View Inn, situated just close to the Bulathsinghala town provides all the facilities to the visitors on holiday who wish to spend a few days sight seeing.

The main target is to attract groups who come to enjoy the beauty of Bulathsinghala and surrounding areas, according to the owner of the restaurant D.H. Jayasinghe. The restaurant has the facilities to cater even to larger groups keen to hold their group conferences and other events.

Surrounded by a paddy field, the restaurant provides all meals specially prepared with local taste. According to Mr. Jayasinghe their rice and curry with different local foods like 'sambol' is a popular among the visitors.

The restaurant has seven rooms including air conditioned rooms with double bed, attached bath rooms and other facilities at comparatively cheap rates

"The Inn is also meant to attract wedding couples" Mr. Jayasinghe said. It charges only Rs. 1,750 couple including three meals.

The restaurant 'Field View Inn' would be an ideal place to spend a quiet weekend after of a busy week or to enjoy a happy family outing.

'Igilena Tharu" : Unusual plot

The new teledrama 'Igilena Tharu' unfolds a story based on the problems facing a rural girl, when she is getting married

'Igilena Tharu' is directed and produced by talented young dramatist Sanath Abeysekara.

Thamara Dilrukshi, Buddhi Wickrama, Miyuri Samarasinghe, Saranapala Jayasuriya, Sandun Wijesiri, Jayantha Bopearachchi,Udeni Alwis,Ganga Nadeeka, Eddie Amarasinghe and several new faces star in this tele drama ,which is scheduled to be released on ITN on Sunday at 7.30pm.

The story goes like this... Sudu Akka is having a deformity in a leg and because of this her marriage is gettiing delayed.

However her brother (Sanath Abeysekera) is determind to give her in marriage without letting her deformity come out.

But on the wedding day every thing came out and the marriage was almost called off. But the groom was determind to get married to the girl and he insists the ceremony should go on.

Ultimately he got married to the girl and decided to stay on. But sometime later the family realized he is after the money and the house .

He tried to get the control over the place and chased away the rest of the home people.

Mother and the father were having a very difficult time with the son-in -law and the story shows how the family tackles this problem from a different angle.

Rohana Bogoda directs the music in this tele drama and the script is from Sanath himself .

Daniel Steels - 'Fine Things'

Fine Things is the richly emotional story of successful young executive Bernie Fine's heartrending search for love. Devoted to his work but emotionally unfulfilled. Bernie (Moffett) realizes his ultimate dream when he meets and marries beautiful divorcee Liz O'Reilly (Pollan). Their life together with her young daughter is filled with joy, but Liz is fatally stricken by cancer soon after the birth of their son. Heartbroken, Bernie and eight-year-old Jane struggle to keep their newfound family intact.

Suddenly out of the past comes Jane's natural father, Liz's former husband, ex-convict Chandler Scott (Darrell Larson). He demands money in exchange for giving up custody of Jane. Awarded temporary vistiting rights by the court, he kidnaps her and flees to Mexico. Bernie., terrified and alone, searches him out and brings the traumatized girl home, where he must try to re-discover the Fine Things of his life. This powerful television drama stars multiple-Emmy winner Cloris Leachman as Ruth, Bernie's devoted mother.

On Dynavision at 9.00 pm on Wednesdays

'Hey Ram' the magnum opus - distinct in style and content

By Ismail Khan

"Hey! Ram" is all Kamal Haasan and Shah Rukh Khan though the latter comes intermittently former stealing the show.

At the beginning Kamal and Shah Rukh do the romp. Then Kamal takes over cavorting the mid scenes with his first wife (Aparna) Rani Mukherjee a Bengali. I thought Rani gave a superlative performance with her staccato Bengali interwoven with broken Tamil and of course fluent English. Rani is some star, a fine actress. Her stars are on the ascendance especially after this smashing performance.

Naseeruddin Shah gives another good performance as Gandhi. The make up is superb and his acting too is first-rate. Especially the final scenes where he is about to succumb to an assassins bullet. I don't think any other actor would have done justice to the role of Mahatma. Shah fitted in very well.

Every significant phase in history is subject to varied interpretations. "Hey! Ram" is one such subjective view of the communal hysteria of the 1940's.

Gutsy and original, Kamal Haasan takes up the period around the India-Pakistan 'political divorce' that sent shock waves ricrocheting through the country. A moving link to the fragments of history is the protagonists' love and life.

Related through the stream of consciousness of the 89-year-old Saket Ram (Kamal Haasan) who wishes to die gracefully (even here the make-up is superb), the plot unfolds with two friends - Amjad Khan and Saket Ram both archaeologists working at excavation sites at Mohanjedaro. The former is a Patan from Baluchistan while the latter hails from a Brahmin family in Tamil Nadu. The division of the sub-continent into India and Pakistan is announced and the two see no need for it.

Saket Ram leaves for Calcutta to see his beloved wife Aparna (Rani Mukherjee), a Bengali. The Hindu-Muslim divide stirs the communal cauldron in Calcutta and it is riots, killings and mayhem all over. Lorry loads of corpses, women gang-raped and butchered, children orphaned, mob fury reaches a crescendo. Aparna too suffers the same fate - raped and butchered and the orgy of violence continues.

While on the brink of losing his equilibrium in the madness that is let loose, Saket is coerced to remarry Mythili (Vasundhara Das). The families hope that he would settle down in domestic bliss. Here Vasundhara Das too gives a smart performance.

But the restless spirit in Saket Ram surges yet again and he is caught between his conscience of disturbing public issues on the one hand and commitment to family on the other. Meanwhile news of Mahatma Gandhi's Ahimsa movement gathers momentum but Saket joins the band of bitter critics of the Mahatma. The rest of the film delves into the ideological dilemma of the hero. Unusual plot, engrossing screen play, flawless direction, superb histrionics, crisp editing and Ilaiyaraja's super musical score makes this period drama an eminently watchable one no matter what one's ideological leanings be.

Scores of scenes such as Aparna's rape and murder, Amjad's end, Kamal's memories of his horrifying past in Calcutta on his nuptial night, the orphaned blind girl searching for her dear one's..... are all superbly done. As a Director, Kamal emerges as a sensitive and controlled craftsman while his infinitely nuanced performance reiterates the fact that he is an unparallelled actor.

Naseeruddin Shah as Gandhi steals a clear march over the others in supporting roles. Girish Karnad, Om Puri,Hema Malini, Vikram Ghokle, Shouba Shukla, Nasser and G. G. Mahendra are also in the cast giving able performances.

Live sound, prosthetic make-up (Michael Westmore), splendid cinematography (Thiru), magnificent art work (Sabu Cyril) and painstakingly designed costumes (Sarika) are some of the other credits of this magnum opus which is distinct in style and content.

Verdict: An outstanding film. Worth the while.

TAILPIECE: Hey Ram has arrived in Sri Lanka, of course at the video clubs. Get a good copy and watch it. It would take time to be exhibited in our theatres.

Millennium award for Lucky

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation selected and awarded prizes to twelve songs as the 'top 12' of the year 99.

The award presentation was held in early January and the young up coming singing couple Lakshman Fernando and Kanchana Mendis received a felicitation for their song. Mal Mita Kekului.'

The rest of the singers who won awarded were are T.M. Jayaratne, Keerthi Pasqual, Anjeline Gunathilaka, Dickson Perera, Chandana Liyanaarachchi, Chandralekha Perera, Sanjeevani Weerasinghe, Upali Kannangara, Namal Udugama, Janake Wickremasinghe and Shalika Abaywickrema.

Recently Lakshman recorded four songs at Shark Studio in Kandana where he introduced a new female singer Kanchana Mendis, who is also a mini screen actress.

Lucky has also sung duets with Indrani Perera and Sita Nanayakkara for song cassette recordings. Lyrics for his Hindi songs are penned by Sunil Yogendra.

Lakshman is really a lucky young man because he has the ability to pronounce Tamil and Hindi words correctly.

Giving credit to late singer Milton Mallawarachchi Lucky said "the first singer to sing a film song in Hindi was Milton. 'Cyril Mallie' was the film and the song was written by Ravilal Wimaladharma,' he said.

'Bo Maluwe' is one of his popular songs on a Buddhist theme.

A young singer turned compere and actor is on the rise in popularity among youth.

He is Lakshman Fernando, a small time hotelier who took to singing as a hobby. Called Lucky by his friends and close associates he has rendered songs in three languages, Sinhala, Tamil and Hindi.

Although he is not a Buddhist he loves the song like thousands of listeners.

Another popular love song rendered by Lucky is 'Neela Neth Rath Dethole'.

'Melodies for my songs have been composed by Lal Tenabadu, Ranjith Dias, Marimba, Nite Dreams and Chandralal Fonseka with Hemasiri Halpita, Ananda Pathmasiri, P.V. Ranjith Fonseka, Prematileka Wasala, Bandu S Kannangara, Sujeewa M Herath, Oscar Nonis, Roshan Priyantha, Saman Pushpakumara, Dharmaratne Perera, and Nihal Rasantha.

He is hoping to sing for 'Sakura' musical group in the future.

Lucky is thankful to all who gave him a helping hand and encouraged him in his work.

TNL's 'Live Wire'

Buckle up and get ready as TNL Radio hits you with "Live Wire" every Saturday from 2.00 to 6.00 p.m

"Live Wire is a show that's designed to keep you up to date with all the happenings in the world of entertainment.

Join Damian as he introduces some of the latest releases and gives you a sneak peak into UK, US and Billboard singles and albums charts. You'll also hear first hand previews of the highest movie going around.

Picket Fences

Picket Fences is truly one of the best television shows ever to be aired. Starring Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker, Picket Fences centres around a typical family in a not-so-typical Wisconsin town. It teaches family values at a time when family life is so endangered. Says an 11-year-old boy "I don't know why, I just like it''.

This series is so captivating that if you give it a few episodes, it can become your favourite show. "The characters are so real," a 14-year-old girl explains, "No matter who you are, you can always find someone in Rome, Wisconsin, who's going through the same things you are".

Saturday at 8pm on ETV

Forsook films for stage

Anupa Kher - the character actor is a very busy man. He is acting in several films now being shot in Bollywood. He is working on the script of his own film - a directorial debut. And that film is a Anil Kapoor Aishwarya Rai starrer.

At the same time he is running an entertainment company. But twice a week Kher sits with writer Hriday Lani and ruminates on his life. He goes back to a childhood spent in the pastoral surroundings of Simla when his mother fed him milk and chana to make him strong for his college days, his move to Bombay then now Mumbai, and finally to cling on to the ladder of stardom.

It's hard work but Kher has willingly sweated it out. All that because Kher is writing himself a one-man show - Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. The two hour play had its premiere in September last year and it was a success.

Kher is not the only star making time for theatre. Recently his bosom friend and colleague, director actor Kaushik returned to the stage after a lapse of 15 years in director Feroz Khan's 'Salesman Ramlal' Kaushik who has played the joker in some 60 movies, is a revelation in the role of a failed salesman who makes his life bearable by living in illusions - his portly structure heightening the tragi-comic play.

Theatre is in. It is attracting big names in Mumbai. Names like Jaya Bachchan, Amithab Bachchan's wife, who made her stage debut in Ramish Talwar's 'Ma Retire Hoti Hai'. Over the past five year or so an increasing number of film and television personalities were testing their skills on stage. For many who came from theatre, it is a return to their roots but pure film actors are also as Sir Laurence Olivier put it "getting their hands into the mud".

Stars on stage make for a win-win situation for everyone. For actors, faded by the monotony of mainstream cinema, theatre means respite and respect. And for theatre directors stars help draw the audience.

Production costs average Rs 4 lakhs and with stars attested, both sponsors and audience are forthcoming. Star vehicles aimed at the lucrative NRI market - tickets range from dollars 20 for the cheap seats to dollars 75 - are fast becoming a treat even as theatre purists lament the commercialization.

Bachchan, playing a housewife who decides to retire from endless familial duties, sold out 24 shows in 22 American cities. Bollywood wags have it that she attracted more fans than her husband's "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan," the film he acted with Govinda, tour did.

There is a big professional audience in India that wants something beyond regular film star shows says Feroze Khan.

Nana Patehkar the revolutionary in Bollywood, missing the frisson of stage is currently putting together a Marathi production of 'Othello' Tara Deshpande, best known as Dolly in 'Bombay Boys' recently launched the Touring Theatre Company.

Rinke Khanna of Dimple and Rajesh Khanna fame, made her acting debut with Satyadev's Dubey's Inshaallah last year.

Feroz Khan's 'Tumhari Amrita' with Shabana Azmi and Farook Shaikh is in its seventh year and Khan's 'Saalgirah' with Kher and wife Kiron is still running. Manoj Bajpai is planning something big in Delhi with Barry John his mentor. Pooja Bhatt also gave stage a shot and Shekhar Suman despite shooting for television everyday is scouting for a suitable play. And so is Anil Kapoor.

The main question is why? "Theatre oils your acting instruments" says Anil Kapoor. It is "riyaz". A must, Sumann says it is essential for actors to seek different stimuli and theatre is the ultimate warfield. For Kher it is a renewal of faith. "Film writers seem to have exhausted their ideas for me" Anil says Theatre may pay peanuts but it polishes craft and imposes discipline. Actors used to the laxity of Bollywood immediately fall in line. In America, Bachchan like the other actors ironed her own costumes and helped with the props. While stars help to break through the clutter their names alone are no guarantee of success. "Ultimately it is the show that matters" says Kher. Talwar's "Khubsoorat" with Bhatt closed down after seven shows abroad while Feroze Khan's Mahatma Vs Gandhi continues to run long after Naseeruddin Shah quit due to creative differences. But stars can get a show off the ground. "They do make a big difference" says Deshpande whose first venture has found sponsors in 10 cities even before the play has been finalized. Naturally then stars will sometimes be cast simply because they are stars. "Theatre has become very commercial" says Nadera Babar who is currently directing Ashish Vidyarthi in the one-man show "Dayashankar Ki Diary".

Talwar who denies allegations of artistic compromise, is planning two more plays with Bachchan and Bhatt. Anil Kapoor had had talks with Feroze Khan about a play possibility. And the grapevine has it that Manisha Koirala and Dimple Kapadia are also eyeing the stage.

As director Rahul Da Cunha put it "if you haven't been on stage, you haven't arrived".

Craving for good film fare

T.C.I. Ekanayake of Kotte writes....

Some occasional teledramas that we enjoy - and they are few - are not by any means, as entertaining and intellectually stimulating as films of yore.

I recall seeing the wreck of the Titanic of the earlier film about twenty years or more ago. I have still to see the much more recent film of the Titanic which, I believe, is an Academy Award winner.

Furthermore, glorious musical films such as 'My Fair Lady', 'Sound of Music', 'Westside story' are happy memories of the past, though they still give us wholesome enjoyment from video tapes, a fleeting one for seeing a good film on the silver screen in a cinema in the right environment.

Seeing a good film in a good cinema was one of the quieter pleasures of bygone times. It is all the more necessary for this day and age of hectic living, vicarious unseemly leisure, and dwindling family life. Moreover, it can stimulate good reading, a dying virtue today.

I recall seeing 'Les Miserables' and 'A Tale Of Two Cities' masterpieces that flowed from the pen of Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens, very many years ago featuring some film stars of repute. These prompted me to read these novels.

They are still among my favourites. I present these thoughts as a plea to those in the field of Cinema, to provide good, wholesome film fare, even by way of revivals, to us the citizens of a society, living in dire times of stress and strain, afflicted by this strange disease of modern life.

Show Stargate final episode

A fan from Kandy writes....

I am writing on behalf of my family and many of my friends, all of whom are ardent fans of the recently concluded series 'STAR GATE' on Swarnavahini.

We were shocked and disappointed when Swarnavahini ended the series abruptly without even telecasting the final episode.

All television programmes must end. What we cannot understand is the callous indifference of Swarnavahini towards the fans of this particular programme, which I have repeatedly seen, is the only English Language serial to even make it to the ratings list of the TV times.

All we ask for is that the relevant authorities be kind enough to telecast the final episode of the programme, just so we can see how it all ends.

I must add a word of praise for Swarnavahini too. They continue to bring us a number of great programmes despite the occasional shortcoming (as highlighted above) they remain one of the best entertainment channels available.

I must especially thank them for bringing us 'Mortal Combat' which, combined with the computer game craze was highly popular. If they could repeat it or telecast the popular movies of the same name or even telecast a second series (If such a thing exists) we would all be delighted.

Is this the so called media freedom?

P.B. Fernando of Piliyandala writes.........

What is the purpose of discussing Freedom, when the TV programmes deny the right of people to ask questions not favourable to the opposition groups. It is evident even to a student, the questions are prepared and given to supporters of the UNP to harass the government representatives who participate in the programmes.

Questions are all one sided, to boost the UNP leaders image and damage the leadership of PA. Questions are monopolised by psudo names presented. Is this freedom? Is this democracy? Most media personnel who participate in these debates are blind in this aspect. They talk of freedom of Media but fail to recognize them and there the freedom is violated, by manipulating the questions to be asked and by whom.

People are not fools though some TV programme facilitators-biased and prejudiced and justice is violated openly.These people think that they are "self-appointed judge" and makes sweeping statements.

Government should not take part in these-one sided-pre planned discussions.

Fantastic E-FM DJing

The listener from Kandy writes...

We are good listeners of E FM. The music they play is dance music and young music lovers really like this new radio station.

Their DJ's are so friendly, specially Rozanne and Boo Boo. We do not know from where 'Boo Boo' came from but we love him for the way he talks with people on the phone. We know radio DJing is a tough job but Boo Boo sounds great not like other DJs from other stations.

E! the promotions you guys run are cool. It's some thing very very different and novel. Is Boo Boo from Bangkok or from Hong Kong? Is your real name Boo Boo? Hope you could take the show time till 2 or 3.30 p.m.

We love the way you talk and scream on air. Hope you like Sri Lanka and its people. We know that Colombo listeners do send you gifts and other stuffs. Since we are in Kandy we could only manage to send you this message through TV Times. Keep up the good work.

Noel fights for 'Copy Right'

Noel Brain Ranasinghe, founder leader of "La -Ceylonians", has strongly criticised the British government of Double Standards in their role in "Copyright".

Noel pin points that the UK along with other founder member states of the "Berne" Convention Paris Act of 1886, which is the main oldest copyright treaty specially constituted for the protection of authors and composers.

Have signed and accepted other copyright treaties apart from the "Berne Treaty", and they have also accepted the rulings by WIPO and UNESCO two organs of UN, who have introduced sub-standards of protection encouraging easier free access to the 'works' of intellectuals in a bid to substitute the "Berne" Treaty which has been revised and changed many a times, dictating to the intellectuals.

Regarding their works the use, exploitation, time limits etc. of such "works" have been craftily designed by the legislators.

"'Copyright' is a human right. It's a moral right which is inalienable. Music begins with the composer, and belongs to him, All composers are protected under the main treaty, so there is no need to change what is rightfully theirs," says Noel . The UK is in breach of their treaty obligations, so are WIPO and UNESCO and CISAC. The world body for composers are also to blame for admitting publishers of music into their organization - Noel has challenged those responsible for accepting the "Berne" Treaty about their dealing with publishers, as he states that no where in the main treaty is it ever mentioned that publishers shall have equal "Rights" etc. to the "Works" of authors /composers. CISAC has breached their duties which they owe to the authors/ composers - so do the British Government and the UN. "There is no need to change the main treaty, substituting it with sub-standards of protection, encouraging easier access to the 'Works' of intellectuals," says Noel, who is defending his 'Rights' which have been subjected to distortions - songs reproduced on cassettes, CD's throughout the years without his permission - remuneration, "It's all on a monopoly" lamented Noel - and who cares? What price "Copy Right", Human Rights???

"This is the reward we composers get for creating music, I have suffered much, losing employment opportunities as a result of the widespread use of my creations by so many including hotels, TV, cassettes, discs and promotions abroad ", lamented Noel.

Brothers in action

Teledrama viewers would have not forgotten the two little boys, who are brothers, who took the TV audience by surprise, some years ago with their breath-taking acting in Gigiri Walalu shown over Rupavahini way back in 1994. Well they are now quite, big, though students yet at Prince of Wales, Moratuwa. The duo made a sensation when the teledrama was telecast over six years ago. Since then they have acted in several teledramas like 'Mithuru Niwasa', 'Sama Kumaru', 'Anduren Eliyata', 'Hiruta Horen Pipunu Malak', 'Pavada' and 'Sarigama Andaraya'. Right now they are acting in 'Kemmura' the teledrama that now unfolds every Sunday at 7 pm, over Rupavahini.

In Gigiri Walalu, Romesh played the role of Saman, a miniature true to life role that any Sri Lankan boy of his age plays in real life. It was shot behind the scenic beauty of Piliyandala and Polgasowita, with some scenes from the Mt. Lavinia areas. It was a hit when first shown on TV in 1994. Romesh the elder of the two brothers, first acted in a Daham Pasala play, which won an award at national level, coming first. Later he acted in 'Mithuru Niwasa' shown on TNL, which was a children's play. He came to Prince of Wales on a 5th Grade scholarship.

The brothers are now acting jointly in Ranjith Siriwardene's 'Kemmura' teledrama, which is now shown to Rupavahini audiences on Sundays at 7 pm. Here Romesh acts as Sirimal, while brother Rushan plays the child's role of Lucky Dias's son in the walauwa, as podihamu. Most of the scenes of this telefilm were shot at Kurunegala. Malini and Lucky jointly produced this film, which Ananda Fonseka has ably Directed. Presently Romesh is doing Bio Science for his A'Level and he is now 17.

Romesh says that he is more keen on his studies than acting, and acting is only a pastime at least for now. His brother is now 14 and is in Gr. 10. Rushan Perera's first teledrama was 'Anduren Eliyata' - later he did a role in Anuruddha Jayasinghe's 'Abinikmana' a one-episode telefilm.

He plays in the under-13 cricket team at Prince of Wales now. He is a frontline batsman. Rushan says he wants to be a pilot, and has no idea of continuing acting.

Lenard Ranjith Mahaarachchi

Eight-film package

Politics and cinema — two of the most influential forces of society. One appears to project reality and the other revels in illusion. But, these two fields have a strange relationship. Politicians depend on the glamorous image of film stars for support, while actors hope to walk down the corridors of power someday.

In Hollywood, film makers have always cashed in on the political scenario of the country whenever and wherever possible. Great films on the political system and its figures have heen made, be it Frank Capra's idealistic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or Mike Nichols' film-a-clef ""Primary Colors."

One had a chance to see some films of this genre in Chennai recently. The U.S. Consulate office of Public Affairs and the Madras Film Society organised a film festival, "From hero to Zero: Politicians in American Films." The eight-film package, some fictional, and some based on true-life incidents, showcased the various aspects of political life in America. It also highlighted Hollywood's contribution to the myth-making process of these public figures even while documenting the darker side of American politics. ' .

The first film to be screened was "PT 109", based on John F. Kennedy's wartime exploits during World War-ll. The young Navy lieutenant's sheer grit and determination to rescue his crew from a shipwreck and the Japanese patrol ships, as they swim from island to island, is part of history. The film was very slow-paced, and Cliff Robertson who played Kennedy, failed to capture the Kennedy charisma.

However, Ralph Bellamy literally lived the part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in "Sunrise at Campobello". Originally a stage play, Bellamy won a Tony Award for this role. This film focused on that part of FDR's life when he was struck polio, in his 40s. It was a moving portrayal of how FDR and his family came to terms with his illness. It ended on a poignant note as one watched FDR take those most important ten steps of his life to make his first public appearance after his illness. While Bellamy was ignored at the Oscars, surprisingly Greer Garson, who played Eleanor, won a nomination.

Spike Lee's Malcolm X" was a biopic of a more complex and troubled political figure. Malcolm Little was a petty thief, but in jail, he decided to fight for the cause of the African Americans. He became one of the most important and most militant spokesmen of the Black Separatist movement. Denzel Washington in the title role came up with a brilliant performance. But the film was a little too lengthy, and it seemed as if the director was treading carefully while handling the subject of race relations. The film was based on "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", co- authored by Alex Hailey.

The role of the media came into focus in many of the other films. "All the President's Men" was a riveting and accurate account of how journalist Bob Woodword and Carl Bernstein exposed the Watergate affair, that rocked America in 1970s. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman who played reporters Woodword and Bernstein, were a treat to watch. So is Jason Robards Jr. who played the role of Washington Post managing editor Ben Bradley. Another interesting aspect of the film was the portrayal of the behind-the-scene activities of a big city newspaper in America.

If Redford was pitched against politicians in "All The President's Men", he switched roles in "The Candidate" to play an upright and idealistic lawyer getting caught in the whirlpool of politics. He ran for the post of Senator, and in the process, learnt to make compromises and adapt to the ways of politicking.

The film at large, looked at the whole process of campaigning and how crucial a television debate is in making or breaking a contender. Incidentally, "All the President's Men" and "Candidate" were co-produced by Robert Redford.

The film took its title from Moore's various attempts to meet Mr. Roger Smith, the GM chairman, and convince him of GM's responsibility the unemployed. Hilarious and thought-provoking, "Roger and Me" depicted the local government's series of mad-cap schemes to resuscitate the image of a prosperous town.

The other two films screened, "Citizen Kane" and "Face in the Crowd" had a lot in common. Both reflected the power of the media to manipulate public opinion and they looked at the rise and fall of their protagonists. What can one add about Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" tipped as the "greatest film ever made"? The story of Charles Foster Kane, based on William Randolph Hearst, holds attention even today.

First original House-track from Jason K.

Two years ago a young guy named A.K.A Ishara de Silva or popularly known as 'Jason Knight', left the DJ circle to start off on a special project.

The project was to compile a CD album with his own original compositions.

Although, Jason wanted to finish his album by the latter part of 1998 he found that it was not possible. This was partly because he was too involved in his day to day advertising profession and he was also unable to get the right ingredients to produce his songs. After the release of his first single "Got 2 have U" featuring Samantha Ferdinand and melody from Kanchana Wickremanayake, upcoming entertainer Jason Knight decided to take some time off to write more lyrics for his album.

During the process of re-mixing "Got 2 Have U" with his new female vocal Shalini de Silva he met up with two experienced musicians named Clarence Ranjith and Thushara Kuruwitage. Both these guys appeared to be very honest and hardworking. Since Jason didn't have a team to help him with his project he decided to ask Clarence and Thushara whether they would like to assist him in his CD project.

With no hesitation the two musicians said that they would gladly cooperate in whatever way they can. Thereafter, Jason met up with one of his best buddy's Dilen Rakitha who also agreed to help Jason with the album. Thus was a new start of anew friendship and teamwork, which would also help Jason to finish off what he had started on in the first place.

In mid 1999 Jason finished most of his lyrics but, it was not until a few weeks ago that he managed to complete all tracks to his maiden album titled "Jason Knight"

Having been able to complete this project with his team - Clarence, Thushara, Dilen D, Samantha Ferd, Shali, Kanchana, Rushika Weer, Rajiv, Iraj and the rest, Jason said 'it was quite an experience to work on such a project. And despite all the shortcomings we still made it. My personal opinion on this whole thing is that you should do what you know best. If you're happy with your life and you're doing the right thing then that's what counts in life'.

As of today Jason Knight's songs are the first of their kind. He has also introduced Sri Lanka's first original House-track. Except for the (remix) of his new single "Thinking of You" which is Sinhala/English all other tracks are in the English Language.

Jason thanks everyone who helped him with his album and hopes that the listeners would like his songs.

New GM for Trans Asia

Trans Asia Hotel recently announced the appointment of Claude Scheffer as the Hotel's new General Manger, who assumed duties on January, 20.

Mr. Claude Scheffer, who has been with the hotel industry for more than a decade, counts over 30 years of experience. He has experience in various countries mostly in the South-east Asian countries like Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China.

Mr. Scheffer said in a press conference held at Trans Asia Hotel recently, "My main purpose is to bring out traditions and culture of the country." "Nowadays tourists are interested in traditional and culture things, so we have to offerit to them.

He also said " I am not here to change all in the Hotel, but few things would be changed", "Lobby of the hotel will be changed as well as the library premises." "We are going to invest about Rs 60 million for the hotel's new programe, he added.

He said that new Thai and Chinese restaurants will be built, where you will be served each country's food.

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