Film Review: New cinematic experience for movie buffs
Ruwini Jayawardana
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DECEPTION PLUS LAUGHTER: Suraj Mapa and Anarkali Aakarsha in a
scene from Sikuru Hathe
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CINEMA: After a number of successful comedy series like Ethuma,
Kathura and Nana Kamare, Giriraj Kaushalya enters the cinema scene with
a delightful storyline that would keep the audience entertained to the
end.
At a time when gimmicks, violence, vulgarity and words with double
meaning force laughter out of its spectators, Gira (as he is fondly
known as) had come forth with a creation which is like a fresh breath to
movie buffs. It has the touch of what Giriraj is truly a master of -
witty dialogues and a hilarious string of events.
The movie revolves around the ventures of a traditional marriage
broker or Magul Kapuwa. He is Mangala Jaya Kapu Mahaththaya, the lead
role, played by veteran Vijaya Nandasiri. As an actor who had done
wonders in Giriraj's tele comedies, Nandasiri continues with his superb
performance by transmuting it from the small screen to the silver
screen.
Marriage broker
Mangala Jaya seems to be the cunning figure of a marriage broker but
viewers soon realise the intention behind his actions. He has a daughter
to be given in marriage and the marriage broker labours hard to make a
decent dowry for her.
A chance to earn a large sum comes his way when he comes across an
advertisement requesting for a fair and honest marriage broker. He
visits the advertisers to discover a rich and elite family searching for
a village sophisticated girl.
At the same period another marriage proposal comes his way. The bride
possesses none of the qualities that the previous family is looking for
but Mangala Jaya, in his desperation to find matching partners for both
parties, portrays her as otherwise. So begins the game of deceptions.
Dignified lass
Humour highlights the incidents as Mangala Jaya wriggles out of tight
situations, doing his best to keep his clients in the dark. But as with
all things in the course of nature, the truth has to emerge. The story
climaxes when the young man discovers that the girl whom he is hoping to
marry is not the innocent and dignified lass he imagined her to be but a
very social and westernised figure. This revelation adds a twist to the
tale and makes us hold our breath on what is to follow.
One must note that Sikuru Hathe is not a comedy alone. Lying beneath
the humour is a more serious theme. It unmasks our own weaknesses and
drives home moral lessons.
The seriousness of the theme with the light touch of humour is freed
at times with pure comic scenes acted out by Anton Jude, Priyantha
Seneviratne and Rodney Warnakula and songs with light lyrics and catchy
rhythms. All together this film acts as a mode of escapism to a society
badly in need of some time to get away from the burdens of their life
and stress.
Cast
The cast led by Wijaya Nandasiri, Irangani Serasinghe, Tony
Ranasinghe, Veena Jayakody, Susila Kottage, Suraj Mapa, Anarkali
Aakarsha, Himali Sayrungi, Rodney Warnakula, Hemahtha Iriyagama, Anton
Jude, Priyantha Seneviratne, Lalith Janakantha, Wasantha Vittachchi,
Sarath Kothalawala, Sarath Chandrasiri, Lala Kulathunga, Ananda
Athukorala, Indika Ferdinando, Lakshmi Damayanthi, Upatissa Balasooriya
and Nilmini Kottegoda contribute to the film. Ruwan Costa was the
cameraman and the editing was done by Ravindra Guruge. Imal Shanaka
handled the make up while Tharupathy Munasinghe set the music with
Rohana Weerasinghe and Nawaratne Gamage. The lyrics are by Bandara
Ehaliyagoda , Kalum Srimal and Giriraj Kaushalya. Sunil Perera, Rodney
Warnakula, Kasun Kalhara and Uresha Ravihari contributed in vocals.
Sikuru Hathe, produced by New Imperial Talkies, shows the signs of
what could truly be claimed as the "laughing riot of the year". It is a
film worth following for it provides genuine entertainment which can be
enjoyed by both the young and the old. |
