Giriraj reveals the secret of success:

Make films for the whole family

E. WEERAPPERUMA

Giriraj Kaushalya who began as a teledrama script writer directed his first feature film ‘Sikuru Hathe’ which has passed 65 days of screening. Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne, the versatile film director with 18 films to his credit, said Sikuru Hathe stands out as a model to those who want to do a real comedy film. Giriraj Kaushalya spoke to the Artscope on many matters relating to the film industry.

Excerpts:

Question: You entered the small screen directing political satires such as ‘Katura’, ‘Nana Kamare’, ‘Ethuma’ and the like. What made you do those teledramas?

Answer: The political satires have no reference to any of our politicians. They are my own creations.

My father was an active trade unionist. He was a member of the Sri Lanka Communist Party and he used to travel overseas to attend seminars, workshops and meetings, representing the Left Movement. His commitment to politics was so deep that he had no time to think of the home-front.

Our house was open to his political and trade union friends. They used to visit and discuss matters of political interest over a cup of tea. With the passage of time my father and his friends changed their politics. Friend of mine who used to travel by bus, with the change of politics, came in their own vehicles.

As a youngster I used to attend meetings with my father. All events that occurred though funny I remember them well. While working at the Mahaweli Development Authority we ourselves had to organise politically oriented events. I saw the change. I saw the politicians change. Ministers change. I saw how people change overnight. How they got corrupted and those incidents were very good material for me when I sat to write political satires.

It is hilarious to see people going on a protest march. While a set of people picket against the rising cost of living another set of people, though a part of the suffering masses, react vehemently opposing those protesting forgetting that they share the same fate at the end of the day. It was a manifestation of their stupidity.

Question: Were you ever threatened over your creations?

Answer: No. Never. Although ‘Katura’, ‘Nana Kamare’ and ‘Ethuma’ were critical of politics, I never received threats. There were no threatening telephone calls, no letters to frighten me even as a joke.

This is not because of decency of the politics, but because I had handled the issues carefully. I did not use my talent to attack anyone personally or try to defame someone’s character. I looked at politics as a whole.

Watching ‘Ethuma’ or other series no one will be able to point a finger at me and say that using my talent I have attacked or castigated someone personally. No one will be able to identify and single out any politician.

I criticise the system but not the individual. Therefore, I had no problem in doing that series. The only criticism I got was from one ‘amadyapa sangamaya’. They said that I had included liquor scenes soliciting money.

I ignored such allegations. I had the drinking scenes included where necessary to point out the harm to the individual and to society through drinking. How am I to show it realistically without showing them drinking?

Question: Have you found fault with the producers?

Answer: No. No producer has blamed me. I have been closely working with Ravindra Guruge. He edited my film. If not for him many of my creations would have gone to Prasad Laboratory, India for editing.

Question: What made you direct the film ‘Sikuru Hathe’?

Answer: The New Imperial Talkies company, which produced this film, invited me to do this film. They were looking for a person to write a script for a good comedy film the whole family could watch. Those who knew me had suggested my name. They had watched my comedy series.

They wanted me to write a script for a comedy film on a ‘Match Maker’ on principle I do not write scripts for someone else’s concept. But the plot suggested was one that I was very keen. The experiences of our families, my friends or stories I had heard from others came to my mind. They were very refreshing and amusing. So I wrote the script and the company was highly satisfied with it.

After some time they wanted me to direct the film. I was thrilled. I had not directed feature films earlier. The experience I had was that of a second assistant director in four films directed by Somarathne Dissanayake. I had also acted in several films and had some knowledge about the camera angles and the like.

I told them that I wanted to do a thorough job. It meant that the cost would be very high. I told them that if they were willing to foot the bill I would make a good film.

The company agreed and I went ahead with my work.

Question: What are the reactions and criticisms you have received about your film?

Answer: The reactions and criticisms were varied. You prepare some tea and distribute among a few and each one has something to say. This is because their taste is different. I look at them with an open mind. There is something I have to learn from their views.

Question: How does the producer feel about the outcome?

Answer: I have been told that they were very happy about the outcome. They wanted to do a good film and I have done my best. The producer is happy because they have not invested in vain.

Question: What is the public reaction to your film?

Answer: The producer of my film is a veteran. The company has been in the business of running film halls for many decades. His experience is that the film picks up during the third week in normal circumstances.

The word of mouth is more powerful and convincing. According to the exhibitors, my film was a crowd puller from the very first day and that is something very encouraging. There were more crowds during weekends. Although it is natural for the crowd to decrease after 50 days of screening, the exhibitors say there is still a considerable crowd on week days and weekends.

Question: What do the public expect from a film?

Answer: Our audience wants films for the whole family. Even if you have less publicity in the form of posters and newspaper advertisements, the film can pull the crowd on what is said by those who had seen it. They are the best judges and they can create enthusiasm in others to see the film.

Films like ‘Saroja’ and ‘Suriya Arana’ of Somarathne Dissanayake are classic examples to show that they have given what the audience want. My own film ‘Sikuru Hathe’ is suitable for anyone aged between 5-60.

There are bound to be certain scenes not appealing to some people. My effort has been to keep everybody in the film hall for two hours intact. It is a challenge. No one will be able to do a film to suit everybody’s taste.

If we go by categories, taking into consideration the percentage of the film audience, we will not be able to profit from any film. Continued on Question: Did you get requests to do more films?

Answer: Yes. I have been asked to write more scripts for new films. But I do not hope to do so. Script writing is the most difficult task and I need time to think and write. Now I want to relax.

Question: What about your acting?

Answer: I am an actor. I gave up my job to dedicate myself to acting. My acting was interrupted with the making of the film. I am very anxious to go back to acting.

Question: So you have no plans to direct a film soon?

Answer: No, not so soon. My first film is a new experience. I am learning about other areas connected with the releasing of the film.

I want to know the problems exhibitors face.

Question: What do you think of bringing actors from overseas?

Answer: I do not personally like the idea. We must build up cinema as an industry of our own. This is our job. If people are brought from outside to do a role we could play, how can we claim such films as our own? We will lose the opportunity to do our job if this trend continues. We have talented actors suitable to play any role. I am totally against bringing actors from overseas.

Question: What should be the purpose of shooting a film? Should it look for recognition by the international audience or should it first be for the local audience?

Answer: That should be decided with the type of film one intends shooting. We have noted that a film which had not been successful gets international recognition. I want do a film for the local audience.

If it is selected to the international audience, let it be so. It is like going sightseeing in foreign countries without travelling in our own country. Meemure is a place I had never gone. But when I went with the crew to do the Suriya Arana, I saw it and was taken up by it. We must learn to be content with what is ours.

Question: Is television a threat to the Sinhala cinema?

Answer: Certainly not. Somarathne Dissanayake’s Saroja was able to nullify this view. His Suriya Arana was a box office success. Ranjan Ramanayaka’s Parliament Jokes and my own film Sikuru Hathe are crowd pullers.

Television is no threat to the cinema industry so long as good films are made. Films on various themes and to cater to different classes should be made. But we must also know how will the producers going to profit by making films to a limited class or a group. Your success depends on films made for the whole family.

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