Nostalgic memories to the fore

Channa Bandara Wijekoon

Kumar Kothelawala is a true lover of cinema and music. He had done an immense service over the decades by introducing movies (DVDs) and audio CDs of good quality via 'Torana' as home videos to the public. Eventually he ventured into preserving epic Sinhala films in DVD format for the benefit of the next generation of movie lovers.

In a bid to do so, he had introduced DVD versions of Dharmasisri Bandaranaike's films 'Hansa Vilak' and 'Thunweni Yamaya' initially which gained much recognition. DVD version of D B Nihalsinghe's tele-drama 'Sudu Saha Kalu' which has rare performances of the acting legend Gamini Fonseka was yet another 'collectors' item' introduced by Kumar.

A scene from Viragaya

Stage dramas Kelani Paalama, Hunuwataye kathawa and Kuweni followed suit. A DVD collection of 'Nurthi Geetha' too had added a feather to his cap.

His latest venture was the introduction of the DVDs of two monumental Sinhala films 'Madol Doowa' and 'Viragaya' directed by Dr Lester Peiris and the late Tissa Abeysekera respectively. The two DVDs were launched recently.

Kumar Kotelawala

I wanted to archive these films and take them to next generation. Home video entertainment is a means of bringing movies to the doorstep of our customer. While doing so, we must not compromise with the quality. After years of striving, we finally managed to introduce these two films in DVD format. Sanath Gunetilleke facilitated the process by directing me to negotiate with the Martin Wickramasinghe foundation. Ranga Wickramasinghe's positive attitude towards the venture made it materialize. DR Peiris was very happy of this initiative.Madol Doowa and Viragaya are considered landmarks Sinhala cinema. Though these DVD versions are in 'home-video' category, they could be blown up to a certain level to be shown in mini-theatres.

There are other Sinhala films, some of which are archived in foreign countries. We are negotiating with the relevant parties to obtain these films at present, a process which is cumbersome and agonizing at times.

However, I must say another pleasant surprise for home video fans are on the cards.

Sanath Gunetilleke

Viragaya is a film which speaks for itself whether it cast me or not in the lead role. It is a masterpiece. It would have been an epic Sinhala film even if it casted a different actor in the role of Aravinda.

I facilitated this initiative of Kumar Kothelawala purely as a service towards the nation and not because I did the main role. If we talk of taking the Sinhala cinema forward, we must also put our best effort to promote films in this caliber for the benefit of next generations and Sinhala cinema. Martin Wickramasinghe foundation sincerely came forward to help us to make this venture a success.

We put our best effort to gather all who were associated with Viragaya for the DVD launch.

I can recall many pleasant memories associated with Viragaya. When shooting of the film came to an end, I exiled myself for six months to nourish myself and re-gain the normal form in my body.

I met Dr Tissa regularly at the time. We talked of many things...about life...about acting. Tissa aiya shared with me his views in regard to the dedication of actors like Cletus Mendis, Shriyani Amarasena and Douglus Ranasinghe. Viragaya had left lifelong sentiments with me.

Douglas Ranasinghe

This is an honorable cause. It is an example how modern technology could be used for just causes. We must thank Kumar for his initiative. He has countered parties with vested interests who introduce inferior quality transfers of old Sinhala films.

Films like Viragaya and Madol Doowa had given much exposure to our cinema in the global context. New generation should see these films.

We have been making films for six decades without archiving them. Dr Lester's only request was that. This 'home video' initiative of Kumar and a handful of others fill that void to a certain extent.

I would like propose something in the same lines for the benefit of Sinhala cinema. The Film Corporation must have a control over distribution. It should seriously use one circuit to initiate 'pilot-projects.'

I also propose the authorities to involve in film production and distribution as a 'regulator'. Introduction of hi-tech Mini theatres could also be initiated.

Shriyani Amarasena

Kumar has catered to a need in the society by introducing Viragaya and Madol Doowa in DVD format. These films talk of customs, values and folk games prevailed in a truly Sri Lankan society. Viragaya is a milestone in Sinhala film history. Tissa selected the exact location of 'Maha Kappina Walawwa' mentioned in Martin Wickramasinghe's book to shoot Viragaya. It was a novel experience for all of us.

Tissa took some bold and controversial steps in the casting process and succeeded. There was resistance for selecting me for the role of Sarojini, as I was a mother at the time.

Joe Abeywickrama's performances and Jinna's mischief's in 'Madol Doowa' are never forgotten by us. Kumar has given the opportunity for the new generation through his DVDs to share these experiences.

Padmasena Athukorala ('Madol Doowa' Jinna)

'Madol Doowa' showcases our actual childhood which was full of fun. It had a thrilling storyline too. Children are forced to behave like adults now. They are deprived of their childhood rights. Parents must show this DVD to their children.

I was selected for Jinna's character after a string of interviews. Dr Peiris tested our agility and sense of seriousness towards the character first. He did the film with some negatives which were leftovers from 'Ranmuthu Doowa'.

The film was released in 1975. The late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike graced the premier.

Since there were many Jinnas in our village, it was easy for me to grasp the character well. Dr Pieris told us to read the book thoroughly before shooting commenced. When we did something wrong, He used to say,'I say remember...this is in colour'.

Film was shot in Koggala. Martin Wickramasinghe too came to the location. He said, 'I gave Laster (he called Dr Peiris with that accent) the story because he did 'Gamperaliya' well. Joe abeywickrama did a memorable character. Dr Peiris used an actor like Poojitha Mendis to justify a certain character in the film.

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