TV Times

TV Times

Mapitigama adds one more feather
By Susitha R. Fernando
Chandraratne Mapitigama’s latest film ‘Imaka Pema’ is being edited at Sarasavi studio in Dalugama giving it the final touches after it was dubbed at ‘Dil Films’ in Malabe.

The seventh cinematic work by the director of ‘Surabidena’ fame is woven around a story of the underworld mafia. Mapitigama’s earlier films include Malata Noyana Bambaru’ , ‘Nelum Saha Samanmalee’, ‘Surabidena’, ‘Sathyadevi’ and ‘Sathkampa’. His last film ‘Hela Langa’ is yet to be released. Mapitigama’s third direction ‘Surabidena’ won six awards including Best Actor and Actress, Camera, Music direction and Best Supporting Actress.

A tight schedule of 15 days filming where major scenes were done in locations in and around Negombo was finished recently.

Sanath Gunathilake (Saliya) a successful businessman with underworld links has everything that wealth and power could buy. Yet he loses everything when he falls obsessively in love with Dilhani Ekanayake (Sewwandhi). Sanath’s character is that of an eccentric villain. He kidnaps Sewwandhi and keeps her in a hideout. Her schoolmate friend who is an investigative journalist- Sanath Wimalaweera (Kumara) comes to her rescue.

This gives rise to a clash between the journalist and the businessman and it reaches its climax in a tragic end. “This is a tragedy revolving around the underworld activities and the effect it has on society as a whole. It is mainly a story about a journalist who has taken up the challenge to fight injustice but gets involved in violence. Yet Kumara is not a man who is used this life style,” Mapitigama said talking about his latest directorial venture.

The film has many short sequences which change rapidly. This is a fast moving action film where Teddy Vidyalankara and Tyronne Michael handle the stunt sequences adroitly.

Compared to my earlier films I am handling a novel theme this time. This idea for a fast moving action film had been there for a long time and I think I have successfully handled the subject in Imaka Pema’, Mapitigama said satisfied with his direction.

It was Chandraratne Mapitigama, who has done the most number of teledramas totalling a massive 48. Unlike many directors, who start with the small screen and switch to the big screen, Mapitigama started off with the silver screen with his first film ‘Malata Noyana Bambaru’.

Mr. Mapitigama who has studied completely different subjects to his present profession, obtained a BSc in Public finance and taxation. While waiting to finish ‘Imaka Pema’, he has already planned and scripted two teledramas and another film.

Asked as to where he gets ideas director Mapitigama said ‘I have many stories in me. I think there would be many more stories left which I would not be able to finish before I die.’ he said relaxing himself an armchair complacently.

The cast include Sanath Gunathilake, Dilhani Ekanayake, Sanath Wimalasiri, Wijeyaratne Warakagoda, Vishaka Siriwardena, Euwanthi Weerakkody, Rajitha Hiran Chamikara, Nilanthi Dias, Anuradha Udayangani, Ravindra Mapitigama and Dinusha Lakmalee.

Jayanath Gunawardena handles the camera, Wasantha Vittachchi is make up artiste, Ranjith Silva is art director, M. S. Aliman is editor, Narada Ratnayake is assistant director, music is handled by Navaratne Gamage.

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