TV Times

TV Times

Nilambare: ‘Love has no bounds’
By Ramesh Uvais
‘Nilambare’, directed by debutant Swarnavahini programme producer Kelum Palitha Mahiratne asserts that the creator is a path-breaking filmmaker. After many years of pondering about ‘new’ cinema within the commercial format, ‘Nilambare’ promises some substance to the contention that Sri Lankan cinema has come of age.

The most refreshing thing is that the film has in its lead popular film stars Sanath Gunathilaka and Ranjan Ramanayake who are working together after about ten years. The cast is also brightened up with the presence of Semini Iddamalgoda, Dilhani Ekanayake, Sangeetha Weeeraratne and Ratnavalee Kekunawela together with other popular faces.

As we join the team who are working at a house in Piliyandala Road, Maharagama, we notice the trio – Sanath, Ranjan and Semini - working in harmony. We ask director Kelum Palitha how he feels working with such a combination.

‘I am least bothered about the general opinion or the preconceived notions about stars as long as they could work together in my film. Surprisingly I found Sanath and Ranjan, both top line stars with a large fan following, working without any discord. They play two brothers and they were so friendly on the sets, each complementing the other. As a debutant director I feel extremely happy that the duo have come together in good spirit and every frame conveyed this good feeling. I personally feel that I have done something worthwhile towards the local cinema industry,’ says an excited Kelum.

Nilambare is based on a popular novel by Sujeewa Prasannaarachchi and this would be his first film being made into a film, said Kelum.‘I love everything about love and romance and this story brilliantly portrays the finer aspects of what love has to offer’ he added.

The story depicts a tale woven around love and other family sentiments and the characters have been brilliantly portrayed by all the cast members. I must also pay tribute to my crew members from the cinematographer Ruwan Costa down to the tea boy who contributed to the film with commitment. The characters look real and the conversation sounds real. The film sails through because of its sense of humour and a riveting climax. I am sure the audience is going to be totally hooked on the way the story unfolds and reaches its logical climax with a twist.,” the director tells us with confidence.

Ranjan Ramanayake whose much hyped film ‘One Shot’ is due for release this week, says working with Kelum Palitha and especially with Sanath as his brother is a novel experience.

‘I have been slotted as an action hero for quite some time but here I have to play a controlled, somewhat timid role. It’s good for a change and working with a talented cast also gives me pleasure. I play Nirwan in the story and he is a sensitive person who has to suppress his feelings due to poverty. Kelum has been doing a good job and I am sure the film is going to be a hit,’ said Ranjan in one straight shot.

Sanath who is also working for the first time with Kelum says that he treats the film as a turning point in his career. Working in harmony with my fellow artistes has been my dream and joining Ranjan as his brother is some exciting experience. We have had a good rapport and it should be good news to the industry in particular,” says Sanath.

Semini who is working for the first time with Sanath in a lead capacity as his wife, says Sanath had been her idol and acting opposite him as the wife is so interesting.“I have worked with Ranjan before and the cordial atmosphere in this film gives me immense pleasure,” said Semini.

Ruwan Costa and Kelum are discussing the next scene, while hairdresser Kiran is attending to Ranjan, Semini and Sanath. Kiran appears to be a popular figure on the sets with his services needed at every given minute, just like the other crewmembers. Nilambare is produced by Nilwala cassette Chief Upul Jayasinghe, who is the newest addition to the film producers’ list.

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