TV Times

TV Times

Sumithra: 25 years experience for 75th bash
By Susitha R. Fernando
Sumithra Peries, who has twenty five years experience as a film director, has called upon by Ceylon Theatres Limited to direct a special movie, to mark 75th anniversary of the company in Sri Lankan cinema industry. That was in late 2002 and the Muhurath ceremony of the film was held on January 7.

The filming was completed within a period of eight months on September 8.
Just over two and half months later the film ‘Sakman Maluwa’ hit the silver screen in Sri Lanka. ‘Sakman Maluwa’ was based on a short story titled ‘Garden’ written by Godfrey Gunatillake.

The Her award winning other films Gahanu Lamai (Girls) based on a novel by Karunasena Jayalath in 1978, ‘Ganga Addara’ (By the Riverside) made in 1980, ‘Yahalu Yeheli’ (Friends) in 1982, ‘Maya’ (The Illusion) was based on the novel by Manel Abeyratne in 1984 and Sagara Jalaya Madi Handuva Oba Sanda’ (Letter written in the Sand) was based on a short story by acclaimed writer Simon Navagaththegama in 1988 are well known to her fans- the Sri Lanka film audience.

Speaking to TV Times, Sumithra on her latest production at her home at Dickman’s Road, Colombo- 5, .. she said, she was happy about her production as it went smoothly except for a few days filming on location at the vicinity of Wace Park in Kandy. This was due to some problem in a camera and inclement weather conditions specially in the evenings.

“In addition we had to spend an extra day or two which was inevitable while handling the animal,” said Sumithra speaking at length about her direction.
“Filming of the scenes specially having animals were both difficult and invigorating”. Sumithra went on to say that the dog used for the film was a police dog and the inevitable happened.

When crackers were fired to welcome the arrival of the newly married couple the dog reacting to firecrackers followed the boy who fired the crackers forcing him to get out of reach of the dog.

“In another scene where the dog was supposed to fight the snake, it did not show any reaction to the snake and we had a very hard time to take this shot”.
Speaking about the cast director Peries said, “Selecting main roles were very important. There were very few choices in selecting for the main male role as I needed a middle-aged man. I got Sanath for this role and he did not let me down.”

Young Kanchana Mendis of ‘Sudu Sevaneli’ fame plays the female lead and was praised by Sumithra saying “I think she would score in the film,”.
Dinidu Jagoda son of the late veteran dramatist Dhamma Jagoda who plays the supporting role of the younger brother is another first introduced by Sumithra. Asked about her interest in introducing new comers Sumithra said “At times it is more rewarding than directing professionals. It is an experience to explore unseen and dormant talent. The overall effect can be astounding and rewarding,”.

Watching Dinidu’s performance I remembered Mrs. Peries’ predicament “I was successful with all my first timers like Wasanthi Chathurani and Nirodha Herath.
I think Dinidu who plays the role of Ranjan portraying an irresponsible younger brother would also join the list of celebrities,”.

Sumithra commended and thanked Irangani Serasinghe, Vasanthi Chathurani, Rangana Premaratne and Daya Tennekoon saying they did justice to their roles and successfully managed to make them come alive.

To ‘Sakman Maluwa’ via ‘Samanala Uyana’ and ‘Sanhinda’
Sumithra Peries having chosen Godfrey Gunatillake’s “ The Garden” decided to name the film version “Samanala Uyana”- an apt description to the theme.

On consulting an authority on names, Arisen Ahubudu it was found that ‘Samanala Uyana’ (The Garden of Butterflies) was inauspicious and after much consultation and astrological calculation “Sanhinda” was suggested.

This met with some conflict as there was another film production unit called “Sanhinda” and the producers of Sumithra’s film didn’t take to it. At last sa consensus was reached, when “Sakman Maluwa” (The Garden) was suggested and thus Godfrey’s short story got its name.

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