Sanath performs director's role

By Susitha R. Fernando

As Sanath Gunathilake returned from Nuwaraeliya where he completed 95% of the shooting on location for 'Ekamath Eka Rataka' (Once upon a time somewhere), the 'TV Times' managed to find time to talk to this dedicated and talented actor, producer who is taking an innovative path as a director. His experience as a director has made him appreciative of the valuable contribution that he received from the cast- both experience and amateur actors and actresses.

Sanath and Sriyani in Viragaya

TVT: Was directing challenging like being another 'Aravinda' in 'Viragaya'?

Sanath: Yes of course. The biggest and the most crucial challenge I had to face was selecting the right characters for my film, because the script required a very challenging couple for its lead roles. Why I say they were challenging that these two roles had to depict some universal roles. Their performance was not limited to a Sri Lankan or any other particular nationality but human qualities that you could find in a Chinese, an English or a Portuguese. I think with young actors Roshan Ravindra and Nirosha Perera I overcame it.

TVT: How did you make this selection?

Sanath: I first met Roshan Ravindra when I was starring in Sudath Mahadivulwewa's 'Sudu Kalu Saha Alu' in which Roshan worked as a makeup artiste. The manner he talked and the way he behaved really impressed me and I realized that I found the male actor for my future film. When I saw him in 'Wassana Sihinaya' my selection was correct. But I never revealed this to him until I made the final arrangement for the film.

And the discovery of Nirosha has yet another story. It was following an interview conducted by her for a TV show where I was the guest. She had a peculiar way of conducting the interview which was distinctive and original. And at the end of the interview I told her that she will be having an offer of a role in my first film. But I saw that Nirosha did not take me seriously or she might have thought I was trying to bribe her for doing a good interview. But later when I informed her of my film and explained the role she had to play it took nearly one and half years to get her final word.

TVT: You say that the cast made a 'valuable' contribution. Explain.

Sanath: I think a successful picture depends on the interaction and coordination given by the professional to amateurs. This is what makes a film a remarkable. So my choice was a blend that sought this ambiance. NMy

TVT: How is being in the camera and being behind the camera?

Sanath: It was really a learning ground for my own acting. There were methods which I used on my own acting which I had not asked from others whether they were correct or not. But while giving freedom to act on their own I realized most of my case used them in their performance as well.

TVT: Your view on the present situation of the film industry?

Sanath: It is really in a pathetic situation. It calls for timely action to be taken. With many young people having potential and talent there are no challenging roles on the films for them to show their capabilities. So they end up in a role in a teledrama. By speaking thus I don't blame the television. Cinema is a form of art with aesthetic distinction where as TV is an effective mode of communication. At the same time a teledrama has its limitation both artistically and financially. You have to go by the budget frame and time frame and it is difficult to bring out a performance that is both natural and creative in this environment.

TVT: So what is 'Ekamath Eka Rataka' all about?

Sanath: It is a story based on a book on which I have been writing the script for the last six years and at present I hope you will not mind if I keep it a secret.

TVT: What was the delay in producing the film?

Sanath: Finding a producer was not an easy task. Two attempts made to start this film was held up half way. In addition it took me some time for me to find the distinctive and competent cast I wanted to find.

'Ekamath Eka Rataka' features talented Chandani Seneviratne, Damitha Abeyratne, Semini Iddamalgoda, Kumara Thirimedura and Leoni Kothalawela in effective performance in addition to Thanuja Dilhani, Chandana Silva and well-known TV star Himali Saurangi making their entry to the silver screen.

In the technical crew Lal Wickramaarachchi handles the camera, Imal Shanaka make up and Welegedara Ranasinghe under the supervision of world renowned art director Errol Kelly was responsible for the art direction. Musical maestro Premasiri Khemadasa directed musical score.