It's 'time' to 'love'

Roy-Sumana production takes to LA:

Amalshan Gunerathne

Roy's top movies

* 1977 - Tom Pachaya

* 1982 - Thana Giravee

* 1982 - Kadawunu Poronnduwa (New)

* 1983 - Sumithuro

* 1987 - Thaththi Man Adarei

*1988 - Gedara Budun Amma

* 1993 - Surayan Athara Veeraya

* 1995 - Cheriyo Captain

* 1995 - Vijey Saha Ajey

* 1996 - Cheriyo Darling

* 1997 - Ramba Saha Madhu

* 1998 - Rae Daniel Dawal Migel

* 2000 - Pem Kekula

* 2001 - Jonson And Gonson

* 2002 - Love 2002

* 2004 - Clean Out

* 2004 - Rae Daniel Dawal Migel 3

*2004 - Selamuthu Pinna

* 2006 - Sonduru Wasanthaya

* 2009 - Sir Last Chance

Fans of Sri Lankan cinema are in for a unique romantic reel ride with the launch of Roy De Silva's latest film, It's a Matter of Love. The movie showcases Sri Lankan talent in an English movie. The film is a sequel to his 1990's hit It's A Matter of Time which is considered to be the first ever English language movie directed by a Sri Lankan artiste.

It's a Matter of Love features a highly talented cast which includes Rosy Senayaka, Laki Dias, Anarkalli Aakarsha, Saranga Disasekara, Nehara Peiris, Irangani Serasinghe, Rony Leich, Corine Almeda and Vijaya Nandrasiri. The movie also introduces Rony Leech's daughter Keshiya Leech to cinema.

The story revolves around the heartwarming romance between Marlon and Natasha. Marlon (Saranga) only nineteen years of age, who is in love with Natasha (Anarkalli), finds himself trapped in a complicated web of emotional confusion.

They argue over their ideological differences and find themselves in a dilemma as Marlon's father Danawardane forces him to go abroad for higher studies.

More twists were added to the dilemma as Jennifer (Nehara), who is aspiring to win Marlon's affection, tries to create a rift between Marlon and Natasha for her own personal benefits by building up a hoax that she is pregnant with Marlon's son.

Vijaya Nandasiri returns to the cinema screen again with yet another memorable performance by portraying the role of family chauffeur. He is more a family friend than a servant. He speaks a very peculiar form of broken English. By doing so, he does a very commendable job at creating both subtle and rib breaking slapstick humor.

It's a Matter of Love portrays a few flashbacks from the prequel It's a Matter of Time. The prequel featured a star studded cast of Gamini Fonseka, Sangeetha Weeraratne, Kamal Addarachchi, and Rosy Senanayake. The presence of Gamini, who is considered as emperor of Sri Lankan cinema, is present in a number of scenes from It's a Matter of Time.

It indeed is a novelty to see a Sri Lankan director launching an English language movie. Speaking to the Artscope Roy De Silva said, "It is an experimental film, through the movie I specially wanted to show that there are Sinhalese actors who can deliver English dialogues fluently.

I had to do almost two years of screen testing to recruit a good English speaking cast. Anarkali is ideal for the role and Saranga showed immense potential.

It's a Matter of Love is a co-production of both Sumana Amarasinghe and Roy De Silva. The story, screen play, dialogues and direction are all done by Roy. The movie also features a very touching and romantic song titled The Moment I saw you which was written and composed by Sohan Weerasinghe.

It's a Matter of Love will be launched early this year at a felicitation ceremony in Los Angeles where tribute will be paid to both Roy and Sumana for the services they have given to the Sri Lankan cinema industry. Keith Ranga who was introduced to cinema through Roy's Gedara Budun Amma had organized the event.

Roy and Sumana will be flying to LA on January 10 to take part in the ceremony.

Seasoned actor and the film-maker Roy has been in the cinema industry for over forty five years. He had acted in more than 100 movies and directed 36 movies of which most became box of office hits. His next movie Sadadara Jothi which is based on the life story of late singing sensation H R Jothipala is slotted to be screened soon.

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