Sudath brings Saradial back Sudath brings Saradial back

By Susitha R. Fernando

Sudath Rohana is well- known for his novel directorial efforts in both cinema and the small screen. Veering way from the usual hackneyed themes based on family issues, this talented director has touched upon themes relating to history, long forgotten traditions and customs of our land.

A scene from the teledrama ‘Uthuvankande Saradiel’

‘Saradiel’ telecast every Sunday at 8.15 pm on ITN is yet another ground breaking effort by Sudath Rohana which is sure to be a hit in the local teledrama scene. This is what Sudath had to say to TV Times about his attempts to bring back the man who was hero-worshiped as Sri Lanka's Robin Hood.

TVT: What gave you the idea of producing of Saradiel?

Sudath: This was not an overnight idea. To narrate the life of Saradiel in a teledrama was a dream I had had for nearly 10 to 15 years. Earlier Vijaya Dharmasiri had an idea to make the story of 'Saradiel' but it didn't come through. My idea became a reality when I met the well-known script writer Somaweera Senanayake and casually fell into talk about Saradiel. Like me Mr. Senanayake had been collecting information about Saradiel and his times and he was in possession of many hitherto unknown details and facts. And that was how 'Saradiel' the teledrama came into being.

Another scene from the teledrama ‘Uthuvankande Saradiel’

TVT: What made you to think that Saradial would be a good character story?

Sudath: When the Western world talks about Robin Hood and many other heroes we used to brand our own local Robin Hood as a bandit. But the truth is 'Saradiel' in real life is a character who was nurtured in the school of hardship and injustice. It was these unpleasant experiences that made him a rebel. He fought against the rich and the alien masters all on behalf of the poor and downtrodden.

On the other hand during our research, historical sources revealed that during the Matale Rebellion of 1848, and anti-colonial revolt up to the contemporary independence struggles Saradiel as a 16 year old young boy rebelled against the colonial authorities in his own independent manner. There were instances when he had attacked the British.

In addition there is also some evidence that he had a connection to Sri Lanka's royalty. It is supposed that Saradiel's mother 'Pichohamy' was the daughter of one of the concubines of King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe. His mother had a great influence on him.

Director Sudath Rohana

TVT: What are the sources?

Sudath: We had to do a lot of research. A number of newspaper cuttings of 'Observer', 'Ceylon Times', 'The Examiner' and 'Lak Rivi Kirana', writings on Udarata Keralla, Sinhala Encyclopaedia, references from Doyle's Diary and historical records from the Police and Prison Departments, judicial records, reports maintained during the colonial administration were some sources consulted.

TVT: What is the purpose behind making this teledrama?

Sudath: I personally believe that artistes when making teledramas should have a broader vision instead of providing simple entertainment. It is a responsibility of all artistes to create good teledramas. This will negate the trashy, low quality Indian dubbed teledramas. These teledramas ruin our children's creativity and enjoyment.

TVT: What were the challenges you faced?

Sudath: Recreating the historical setting for the teledrama was a difficult task. In order to ensure authenticity we made use of original places where Saradiel lived. For example 'Uthuwankanda' and other local locations where Saradiel lived were the settings for the teledrama.

Creating the settings and props and costumes to suit the period of 1800s was hard work.

TVT: What were the salient features you had to concentrate in selecting the cast for the miniplay?

Sudath: Everybody think Saradiel is a well built person. But he was small a bit taller than 5 five foot and it is said it was due to this that he could ascend and descend Utuwankanda so amazingly fast. Hence I selected Rukmal Nirosh act the youthful Saradiel Roshan Ravindra for the rest of the role.

My objective is to make our youth aware of our local heroes. They are exposed to alien characters such as Robin Hood and Superman whereas the focus should be on our own. I also wish to produce teledrama of high standard to steer the local audience away from the poor quality teledramas that are being dished out on TV.

TVT: What message do you want to give the local audience?

Sudath: I think they should appreciate the fact that a great effort was taken to present the story authentically. This experience for us was both daring and risky. During the 85 days of shooting on location we had to face many hardships. It was also physically tiring for all of us. Yet our vision of creating a good quality teledrama gave us the strength to plod on. Finally I would appreciate and look forward to the response of our valued local audience.

TVT: Any unforgettable memories?

Sudath: We had to face a lot of negative attention from the media. I feel sad that such distortion of facts took place. One was the removal of spikes that caused a furor. This was done quite legitimately and with the supervision of the relevant authority. It was back in place once our job was done.

The other was the crocodile that died on the way back. That too was a misfortune which was not due to our manhandling the creature whom we used only for a few hours. We were guided by the people who were in charge of the animal. These are two of the many incidents and accidents we faced while shooting ‘Uthuvankande Saradiel’