Film review
Sandalutalen Eha (Beyond the Balcony) - a film sans stars
Dr. Senarath Tennakoon
Gamini Pushpakumara has made a very honest attempt in making a film
with minimum of resources, limited opportunities and most extraordinary
of all, is without running after prominent stars. None of the reputed
silver screen stars shine in this film. But Asela Jayakody who plays the
role of the evil police officer needs a full hearty commend. His
performance is worth studying in depth. But are there black characters
in the Police Force?
What is seen ‘Beyond the Balcony’ could be an illusion of the
reality. There is poverty and injustice going together.
The educated youth are unemployed or employed in unsuitable jobs.
There is economic difficulty. Bribery and corruption are rampant, Gamini
Pushpakumara wants to clean the corrupt society and inspire thoughts
that favour justice and fair play in a democratic, social environment.
But there are ideological, as well as strategic, bottle necks and
barriers. His vision is extraordinary and distinctive, but lacks power.
Although the educated youth in this film turns out to be a violent
character, mainly because of the corrupt and degrading actions of the
police, he alone is unable to clean the society without organised
encouraging support from his peers and the community. So, he is
powerless and the evil practices continue to reign without any
curtailment.
There are two issues that confuse the audience. Firstly, in the early
part of this creation, the audience would find out of place and context.
It is only after a long time and a long sequence of slurring, soppy and
stray shots and scenes, that the audience would realise what’s going on
behind the silver screen. Was it a new strategy to make the audience
experience confusion?
The other point is, about the time period that envelopes the
incidents in this film. Is it before 1977 or after 1987? The watchful
viewer would find it difficult to place it during the period of youth
unrest as mobile phones were not in use during that time. But we may
excuse Gamini Pushpakumara, as he has been strictly adhering to a weak
script in creating this film.
We live in a world of mixed characters. There are good as well as ill
features in every human being. But in this film, black and white seem to
be quite distinct and quite separate.
The police officer is just a bad guy. There is not a shred of a good
human feeling at all. But, the cameraman has to be commended for making
this character quite strong and outstanding.
Despite these weak areas, ‘Sandulutalen Eha’ is appreciable for its
simple attire and the creator’s keen awareness of youth unrest. |
