TV Times

TV Times

Tsunami dashes into theatre
By Susitha R. Fernando
The first film made on the worst natural disaster that Sri Lanka ever faced the tsunami is being completed and awaiting its release. Directed by Mario Jayathunge, 'Samantha- Thawath Ek Sathya Kathawak' (Samantha-Another true story) based on a true story is been given the final touches.

The story revolves around a young girl whose whole family is lost with the tidal wave and who is taking up a mission on searching them. "Samantha (the original name of the girl) was done from the story I heard about this girl. It was really tragic and I was moved with the story," told Mario describing how he got the idea.

"I really did not have any idea to do a film on tsunami but after I heard this story I couldn't stop myself putting it to reel. It just had to happen. The film was shot in tsunami hit Galle and Hikkaduwa locations and when queried whether he and his crew had any objection from the people whose memories were still being haunted with the disaster said, "to be frank I was a bit reluctant at first and even was expecting some kind of reaction. But fortunately the reaction of the people in these areas were unbelievable and they fully co-orperated with me and I still don't know what made them to do so. The people helped in every possible way and even at times they offered us refreshments".

Mario further elaborated that he had not included any live footage taken of the tsunami as he was not interested in including somebody else's work. At the same time he said that he did not have the necessary facilities to enact a tsunami as such. This may be an added advantage as many may not be inclined to watch a tsunami's destruction for entertainment. This film is really about overcoming the disaster.

Mario Jayathunge is quite famous as a director who has done films mostly under the adults only tag. Questioned on the novel experience Mario said, " I wanted to get out the formula. Most of my films screened came under the adults only tag and therefore we had to move on with these types of cinema to attract the audience".

Mario is busy giving the final touches and says that he is ready to release the film on the first week of April. But he has doubts of being given a chance to add his film to the waiting list. This may come through if some generous producer stands back to give him a chance.

Talking about the budget spent on the film the director said, "We have spent nearly Rs. 4.8 million on this project but fortunately I am relieved as my producer is satisfied with recovery of the cost". Asked whether going back to the tragic memories would be bad on those who were subjected to it Mario says, "Though the film is woven around a sad plight the story has a happy and enlightening ending giving some hope for a new life.

Entering the world of cinema with 'Handana Kinkini' a silent film Mario has seven films to this credit and these include popular films like Bawa Sasara, Salupata Ahasata 1 and 2 and Abiyogaya. Samantha is played by Gangu Roshana while there are experienced actors like G. R. Perera, Sureni Senarath, Muri Samarasinghe and Premila Kuruppu in the major roles. Suresh Gamage and Priyantha Wijekoon also play discerning roles in the film.

Filmed by Nimal to music directed by Sarath Wickremage and make up by Ranjith Mathangaweera. To the lyrics written by Mahinda K. Premasiri, Neela Wickremasinghe rendered her voice for playback singing.

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