Dinesh Priyasad set to achieve:

A visible difference with Invisible Man

DINESH Priyasad is not a stranger to the local cinema. He is well-known for his special effects and digital creations which he introduced to the local cinema giving it a new dimension.

He is now ready to break a three year silence and get into action again. Dinesh plans to commence shooting of his latest film "Invisible Man" in a few weeks.

"Arrangements are being made to commence shooting shortly," Dinesh told Stage and Screen. This film is produced by Soma Edirisinghe as the 22nd film of the EAP films.

Dinesh noted that film is based on a man who has the super power to become invisible for the betterment of society. The character is played by Roshan Pilapitiya.

A popular south Indian actress will also be cast in this film.

Continuing his saga of using special effects, Dinesh revealed that in this film too, he would use many special and digital effects which would ensure a novel experience to the local film lovers.

"In all my films, I have used special effects to some extent which were made using the optical printer prepared by myself and this time, modern 3D technology too will be utilised. Instead of optical printers, we are now using computers to make 3D effects," he added.

Dinesh said the film will be a giant exercise. "Nearly half the film will contain special effects and the cost of production is estimated around Rs 25 million. It is going to be a mega production."

He hoped that this action packed movie would create new sensations among the local film lovers.

This new film is going to be the 16th film by Dinesh. His last film Onna Babo screened in 2002 too contained digital effects for the first time and thereafter, he started work on Yakada Yaka last year where even veteran Gamini Fonseka was scheduled to cast.

"Unfortunately, it had to be stopped." he lamented.

Dinesh commenced his film career in the early 80s and the first film screened was Peralikarayo (1986). It followed a host of films, many packed with action and received a good response from the audience.

"Invisible Man" will feature Jeevan Kumaratunga, Tennyson Cooray, Cleutus Mendis, Sachini Ayendra, Anusha Damayanthi, Wimal Kumara de Costa and Sunil Hettiarachchi.

Music is by Navaratna Gamage. Dancing direction is Indian national Dinesh Kumar. Executive production and production planning is by Nihal Sanjaya.

"Uga - Andaraya' soon on small screen
 

BY SARATH Malalasekera

A new Sinhala teledrama "Uga - Andaraya' based on Somachandre Wijesuriya's "First Rising" the controversial novel shot in scenic Rattota in 57 days has reached the editing table.

The English novel "First Rising" published in 2002 depicts the tragedy of a fictional Sinhala school teacher family in Kegalle during 1956 - 1971 era.

The Sri Lanka Rupa vahini Corporation has given approval to the screenplay based on the controversial novel "First Rising," said producer Kosala G. Tantula of International Kosalya Films (USA).

Kosalya Films (USA) would be encouraging new film makers to experiments talents with them, said producer Tantula.

Lead role will be done by Mourine Charuni and the other roles are played by Wimal Jayakodi, Nimal Yatiwella, Wasantha Pali, Helapriya Darshana, Madhuka Gunatilleke, Somaweera Gamage, Chanaka fernando, Krishna Kumar, Dilruk Risantha and British actor Daniel Collins.

The role of Gunasoma, who marches to the rebellion is played by Tushara Godage of the new generation of young actors.

Ratnasiri Paranavitharana and Keerthi Ratnayake have assisted indirection while Asoka Hewage will handled the camera.

Production will be handled by International Kosalya Films (USA).

Many discriminating viewers who have read the novel "First Rising" are awaiting the release of the teledrama, author Somachandre Wijesuriya said.

The novel is about the background to the first uprising in 1971 and was a nominee at the Gratiaen Award in 1988. Professor Thiru Kandiah at the award ceremony said, "First Rising" portrays the betrayals in the post colonial era that led to an impasse. These are the kind of writings that meets the need of the day."

The reviewers have commented that a TV production of the story will have a tremendous impact on the youth of today who are unaware of the reasons for the 1971 armed uprising against the State.

The story of "First Rising" is about the decay and collapse of a fictional middle class family in Kegalle district, which lived in the post 1956 era. The son of the teacher family finally marches to join the rebels, as there was no mechanism to resolve his long unemployment after graduation.

The novel intensively examines the socio-political reasons for the 1971 uprising on a broad format of post colonial history. Wijesuriya said that a host of new faces will be cast as talent in the teledrama. The teledrama will not include professional talent from the star galaxy.

Somachandra says that his story is the tragic story of the people in an era and normal people will play the characters. One character is played by an estate worker.