Sunil Ariyaratne returns with rare theme

‘Uthpalawanna’ is the latest directorial venture by award winning filmmaker, scriptwriter, auther, lyricist and academic Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne.

A novel theme on a ‘Bikkhunee’ or female monk, ‘Uththpalawanna’ a name that comes in one of the Jathaka stories the film is set in a backdrop of the 1989 insurrection period. The film is based on a script written by veteran scriptwriter Tissa Abeysekera who wrote scripts for Prof. Ariyaratne's earlier films 'Podi Malli' and 'Ahas Maliga'.

"I think the best scriptwriter in the country is Mr. Abeysekera and it was based on his idea that the story was based," said Prof. Ariyaratne speaking about his latest film.

'Uthpalawanna' is the first film that was made entirely based on the life of a Bikkhuni. Asked as to from where he conceived the idea, Prof. Ariyaratne said "it was an idea by Ms. Milina Sumathipala of Sumathi Films who had returned to production after ten years. She was the former president of All Ceylon Buddhist Congress and she suggested me to do a film on a novel titled 'Rupa' written by Ven. Henpitagedara Gnanaseeha. It was a story about a Janapada Kalyani during the period of Lord Buddha but practically it was impossible to develop into a film. So we had to give up that idea and turn to Mr. Abeysekera for the story".

Uthpalawanna is set around an Aramaya (Monastery) where a group of Bhikkunis lived. Uthpalawanna played by Sangeetha Weeraratne and head Bhikkuni played by Malani Fonseka lived here and with the insurrection how these lives are shattered is depicted in this story.

Referring to his previous direction like 'Sasara Peranimithi', 'Sudu Sewaneli' where characters of Buddhist monks play vital roles and 'Kristhu Charithaya' (The Life of Christ) the one and only Sinhala film based on the life of Jesus Christ where religious characters and clergy are in the subject matter Prof. Ariyaratne said that this was because he was attracted to religious ideologies and different philosophies. "I like Buddhist literature and Christianity as well," he added.

Referring to his selection of cast the experienced filmmaker said "Initially we didn't have any specific name but we wanted to have a talented and popular actress to play Uthpalawanna and Ms Sumathipala's and my first choice was Sangeetha".

'Uthpalawana' will mark as the first film where a well-known actress shaves her head for a film. "Sangeetha was willing to make a big sacrifice by shaving her hair for this film whilst saying no to a number of other films. We showed her the script written by Tissa Abeysekera and as soon as she finished reading it she agreed and this was much to our amazement.

This is a rare occasion where an actress who is in much demand opts to make a such a big sacrifice and this proves her a dedicated actress," said Prof. Ariyaratne with contentment.

The other roles of lay characters are to be played by Chandani Seneviratne, Roshan Ravindra and Rohana Beddage and filming on location is scheduled to start from March. The film will be entirely shot in Anuradhapura and Kegalle and the art director is to build an 'Aramaya' for the film.

The production crew who are ready to work with Prof. Ariyaratne are Dharmadasa Hemapala as the art director, Vasantha Vittachchi as make up artiste, Rangana Prasad as the editor and Vimal Deshapriya as the assistant director. Production manager is Prasanna Kithalagama while production executive is A. D. Ranjithkumara.

Speaking about his producer, Prof. Ariyaratne said it was heartening to hear that a sound film production company like 'Dumathi Films' is returning to make films. 'I think this happy news not only for the directors but for the whole industry. "I hope that it would remain and continue to make films" he said.