‘Premaya Nam’: proves a promising talent
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“Premaya Nam” (Dirty, Yellow, Darkness), the maiden film of Kalpana Ariyawansa and Vindhana Ariyawansa brothers was recently screened at J.V. C. Studio of the Columbus College of Art and Design University, Ohio, the USA. The directors participated at the screening and the film was well received by the audience.
Young talented stars Shyam Fernando, Samanalee Fonseka and Suranga Ranawaka playing the lead roles, others in the cast include Buddhadasa Vithanarachchi, Chandrika Hettiarachi, Nimal Jayasinghe, Prema Pathiraja, Dileepa Abeysekera, Nalaka Gunawardane, Dr. Sathi Wijemanne and Aruni Mendis.
Based on a true story the film revolves around a well-educated Vishwa (Shyam) who has a successful career in advertising and his wife is Samadi played by Samanalee. But he suffers from a severe mental illness which he painfully conceals from the world on a daily basis. He is afraid of his own urine. He fears and suspects that his surrounding is contaminated with his urine vapour. His behaviour makes it very difficult for someone to be around him. Unable to endure his eccentric and strange behaviour, Samadi leaves him and moves in with her parents who strongly encourage her separation from Vishwa and blames her in-laws for conning their daughter into marriage with their crazy son.
Lonely Vishwa loses his job and descends into a life of prescription drug abuse. His illness and addiction escalate, leaving him with little choice – Vishwa reluctantly admits himself to a public mental hospital, knowing there will be heavy social consequences in a culture that greatly stigmatizes mental illness.
Kalpana-Ariyawansa
Vindana-Ariyawansa
At the hospital Vishwa’s blissful memories of Samadi are reawakened and he insists on returning home after only two weeks with the hope of reuniting with his estranged wife. Against the wishes of her parents, Samadi returns to Vishwa but soon realizes he hasn’t changed, and leaves him once again.
Alarmed by Samadi’s stern stance, Vishwa honestly tries to become better and take control of his illness. Determined to win Samadi back, Vishwa has only one option left and must make the most difficult decision of his life. Produced by Kalpana Ariyawansa, Prem Dissanayake, Athula Mahawalage and Sujeewa Wijesinghe, the executive producer is Prasanna Vithanage and director of photography is Jaan Shenberger.
Edited by Kalpana Ariyawansa and Jaan Shenberger, the art director is Buddhi Sanjaya Edirisignhe and make up is handled by Ramesh Mathangaweera.