TV Times

TV Times

‘Sudu Sela’: Shows impact of a close knit family
Director Eranga Senaratne's mini film 'Sudu Sela' now telecast every Friday at 9.30 pm on Swarnavahini is about a family that threatened to break up due to misunderstandings and not being open to each other.

The cast comprises Meena Kumari, Oshadhi Hewamadduma, Nilupa Heenkendaarachchi, Asoka Soyza, Pradeep Senanayake, Gnananga Gunawardena, Chitra Warakagoda ,Maheshika Gunasekera, Suramya Perera and Dottie Jayasekera.

Thivanka Smaradiwakara is a working director of a Company with foreign collaboration. He rose to this position through dedication and sheer hard work. He was a person who strictly adhered to correct office procedures and rules and regulations. Needless to say he was a strict disciplinarian and a dictator in the office.

His charming young wife Sayuri is a soft - spoken simple woman with very pleasant ways. Thivanka had first met her at a star class Hotel where she was employed as a receptionist. Instead of selecting a partner compatible with his status, he marries her as he did not like to marry a high class society lady. But Thivanka assumes that he is marrying Sayuri to help out an innocent girl through sympathy. This results in Sayuri unknowingly becoming a glorified servant - to look after his needs and that of their only son. Thivanka treats Sayuri's relatives too not with respect, but just as he treats his office staff subordinates.

Thivanka's life at home is similar to his office routine. He insists strict punctuality and obedience at home too, so much so that Sayuri had to be at his beck and call like a servant. This results in Sayuri seemingly spending a pleasant life in a house of luxury, but she laments unknown to others. She is like a bird in a golden cage and lives in a state of fear and uncertainty. Although Thivanka loves his wife and son more than anything else in the world, it is not expressed or displayed. He always commands and finds fault in everything Sayuri does. According to his way of thinking, there should be no oversights or mistakes in their domestic life and he has no use for excuses. At times Sayuri feels like going back to her parents with her son but her love for Thivanka prevents her from doing so. Sayuri does not have the courage to speak - out about the obstinate and rigid life- style of her husband. She puts up a brave front of a contented wife but cries in desperation, unknown to everyone.

Sihilal Uyangoda who is-employed in Thivanka's office leads a happy go lucky life. Thivanka although not satisfied with Sihilal's office work, has a liking for him. Sihilal too does not approve of his boss' office administration but likes him in his own way. Sihilal who has the traits of the new young generation, has a love - affair with Tashia, a Burgher girl in the same office. Sihilal meets Sayuri for the first time by accident at a Chinese Hotel when the Samaradiwakara family had come for a take - away meal. Sihilal at once makes friends with their young son and plays about with him.

This is appreciated by Sayuri and after that casual meeting, Sihilal develops a closeness to the Samaradiwakara family - especially with Sayuri. Thivanka sometimes entrusts Shihilal with tasks not connected with his office duties, such as taking the boss' car back home for Sayuri. He is the only person in the office who is sent to Thiwanka's residence. Sihilal addresses Sayuri as "Madam", but Sayuri calls him "Malli". As a respected closeness develops between them Sihilal realises that his boss' home life is not a pleasant one.

Thivanka misconstrues the brotherly affection Sihilal has for Sayuri and suspects him, causing bitterness to Tashiya too. Thivanka sacks Sihilal and thinks of divorce. Sayuri tries in vain to save the family, but she is taken to their family lawyer and he is instructed to draw up a divorce settlement. In disgust Sayuri takes her son and goes to her parents.

Thivanka decides to seek employment abroad and informs Sayuri of his intentions. She wishes him well. Thivanka goes to his son's school to have a last meeting with his son. He comes running and clings to the father and starts crying. Sayuri too cannot control her emotions. Thivanka takes his seat in the car and contemplates. At that moment Sayuri gets into the car along with their son.

Screenplay by Mahesha Rathsara Maddumaarachchi, director of photography- Prabath Roshan, art director-Sirinatha Wickremasinghe and Sudu Sela is produced by Remencie Fernando.

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