TV Times
‘Premaya Nam’ From ordinary story to extraordinary cinema
View(s):By Susitha R. Fernando
Satyajith Ray, speaking about Sri Lanka cinema, once said that Sri Lanka has got a rich stock of stories, particularly with the ‘Jathaka Katha’ being more at home in a Sri Lankan context than an Indian one.
More than their religious value, the world renowned filmmaker was referring to the humanistic, political, social and psychological aspects of this rich lore of stories.
Unfortunately, except for a few innovative and creative filmmakers, many so-called filmmakers have not realised the importance of a genuine, honest and true to life plot for a successful film. To create a memorable film from simple day today events, incidents and people, one should have high levels of creativity and imagination.
Only a genuine filmmaker with a creative mind, honest approach and expertise on the art of filmmaking can embark on such a voyage.
‘Premaya Nam,’ a maiden film made by two brothers Kalpana and Vindana Ariyawansa is one such outstanding cinematic endeavour.
‘Premaya Nam’ is a title that could mislead an ordinary filmgoer who might take it for a stereotype love story while the English title ‘Dirty, Yellow, Darkness’ is confusing and complicated; until one experiences the movie and realises the deep meaning behind those three words.
Having watched the film for the second time, I realised that nearly 50 percent of the film consisted of close-up shots most of which portraying Vishwa (Shyam Fernando), the protagonist who desperately struggles between love for his wife and his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental condition that one fourth of the world population suffers from. But only 10 percent is undergoing treatment or recognize this mental disorder for what it is.
To base a story on a person suffering from such a mental condition, his inner struggle and the struggle with his inner circle such as wife, parents, close friends itself is a fearless decision. To do so especially as a debut filmmaker is even more challenging. But the two brothers have bravely taken up the challenge and the result is a work of excellence.
It is interesting to note that there was no short cut, magic or gimmick in doing it. The filmmakers have been honest to their subject and theme. This is the main reason for the film’s success, helped a great deal by their excellent knowledge of the highly technical subject of filmmaking.
To do this they made the best possible choice as main actor. Shyam is an experienced theatre actor who was handpicked by Prasanna Vithanage to play the lead as a miserly, merciless and ‘murderous’(to his Tamil wife) retired soldier in ‘Obe Nethuwa Oba Ekka’.
Shyam Fernando has proved that he is one of those rare actors who could single handedly hold the audience riveted through his facial expressions alone. From charming lover, innocent son-in-law, irritated husband, a man longing for life and love, and pathological character who is struggling with his own sickness, inner self and the surrounding world, Shyam depicts many facets of a troubled human being.
He is ably helped by Samanalee Fonseka, (Samadhi), victimised wife who has made the hard decision to live with an OCD husband and face humiliating instances that arise from her middle class social surroundings.
It is notable to mention the acting of Suranga Ranawaka who plays the role of one of the nurses. Her acting and vocal tone was so natural one wonders if she is a nurse by profession. The role of Aruni Mendis (nurse Nirosha) who is desperately awaiting a transfer from the ‘mental’ hospital in order to get married, too, is noteworthy.
The filmmakers have been so meticulous and keen on the language of cinema and its symbolic effects. The English title refers to the colour ‘yellow’. The entire film takes on a ‘yellowish’ tone, the colour of urine which terrifies Vishwa, OCS sufferer.
To sum it all, at next year’s awards, the juries would not have to rack their brains when it comes to awards, specially the best actor award with ‘Premaya Nam’ now on the run.
