TV Times

TV Times

‘Suriya Arana’ faces criticism
By Susitha R. Fernando
Somaratne Dissanayake’s “Suriya Arana”-‘Fire Fighters’ that is to be released soon, has come into prominence with charges of bringing disrespect on the Buddihist monks and being labelled of insulting the Sinhala race.

Speaking to the producer, Renuka Balasuriya (The director is in India at the moment for post production work), the TV Times learns that it is not their intention to demean anybody or insult any race. A film is a work of art and as such this film projects the message of compassion towards all beings.

At a time when the world focuses on environmental issues this film is a timely production she said adding that it is unfortunate to say it harms Buddhism after having seen a trailer. It is also unjust to criticise the Censor Board and deserves to be classed among x-rated film, he said.

Speaking further Mrs. Balasuriya said; It is saddening that misguided people are bent on creating chaos and confusion by imputing unfounded allegations on religious and ethnic issues.

The story line of ‘Suriya Arana’
Set in the early 1920s of the colonial time the story revolves around a hunter who exerts a harmful influence (killing animal and making the villagers eat their flesh) on the village in a remote area.

A monk with a young novice-‘Samanera’ enters this village. He teaches loving kindness to all beings. This threatens the hunter’s authority in the village. Influenced by the monk’s teaching the villagers avoid eating flesh and peace prevails in the village once more.

Meanwhile the hunter’s little son and the Samanera gets friendly and the Samanera influences the hunter’s son. He too learns to love animals. These two release the animals trapped by the hunter. Finally the hunter is converted and allows his son to be a novice monk.

This film depicts how goodness can change the lives of people with deviant behaviour patterns. The role of the hunter is played by Jackson Anthony while Jayalath Manoratne plays the monk. Child actors, Sajitha Anuththara and Dasun Madushanka who make their entry to silver screen play the roles of Samanera and hunter’s son. G. R. Perera, Duleeka Marapana, Nayani Senanayake and child actress, Pramudi Karunaratne also have roles in Suriya Arana.

Channa Deshapriya handles the camera, Rohana Weerasinghe does the musical score and Heenatigala Premadasa is art director in the film. Producer and production manager is Renuka Balasuriya while Somaratne Dissanayake directed the film.

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