Vasantha's 'Aganthukaya' unveils the corrupted world

Vasantha Obeysekere'a

Vasantha Obeysekera’s latest cinematic venture 'Aganthukaya' (The Outcast) is one of the best films made by the veteran. Based on a true incident as in many of his masterpieces, Aganthukaya is a fine blend of a powerful story and superb direction to make a rare cinematic creation.

The story revolves around a principal who comes to an ordinary school following a punishment transfer. With hard work and honest service Sampath, the principal ably played by Saumaya Liyanage soon improved the education and developed the school to be one of the schools much in demand in the area. He puts up a new building for the school without giving the contract to the supporters of the politician and also refuses to accept any commission. When the admission of children to the Grade 1 begins, he sticks to the regulations and does not bend to political influences or money. Determined to live up to the principles he believed in Sampath is soon subject to the wrath of the politician in the area and his henchmen who work as teachers in the same school.

The police, politicians and all come together to attack this single man. The principal is politically and financially victimised. He is forced to leave the house he had rented and to mortgage the house he was building for his family to face law suits filed against him.

He is also beset with a malady of recurring remembrance of the murder of his father before his very eyes. At last Sampath realises the bitter reality that he is not the only sufferer of his decision to live up to the principles he believed in but his family, the wife and the daughter. And he has to take a decision now.

Each and every event that are faced by or forced to face by the principal is not alien to anybody in this society. The grim reality in the system of education which is politicised and corrupt like everything else is aptly described and analysed in the frames of Vasantha's film.

A special bouquet should go to Saumya Liyanage whose excellent performance is evident throughout the whole film. With his powerful facial expressions, Saumya has been able to mark his name for the much needed talent to today's silver screen. Chandani Seneviratne playing his teacher wife gives him splendid support by acting as well in her role. The other supporting roles are played by Sanath Gunatilake, Giriraj Kaushalya, Nimal Anthony and Damayanth Fonseka.

Capturing the visuals that suits the vision of the director, Ruwna Costa plays a vital role with his camera while Rohana Weerasinghe with his silent music in most parts of the film proved his excellent ability to handle the medium. Classy editing of Ravindra Guruge and Lal Harendranath's art direction have played a leading role for the film scripted, screenplay written and directed by Vasantha Obeysekara.

Made under the film development fund given by the National Film Corporation (NFC), Aganthukaya is one success story of birth of fine piece of cinema with the support of NFC.

Vasantha's 'Aganthukaya' unveils the corrupted world

By Susitha R. Fernando