She still reigns supreme. No wonder she continues to win coveted awards. She was the winner of the Special Jury Award, the Silver Peacock and a handsome cash prize at the last International Film Festival of India held in Goa this year. Portraying the role of an ageing film star, who was once everyone's heart throb, Malini Fonseka excels in 'Akasa Kusum' (Flowers in the Sky)- Prasanna Vithanage's award-winning creation now in local cinemas after a fruitful run at several festivals abroad.
Prasanna chose the theme for his latest film because he believes that a filmmaker should make at least one film on his profession. He confesses it was no easy task. From two issue-based movies woven round the ethnic conflict - Purahanda Kaluwara & Ira Mediyama - he moved over to "turn the camera on my world."
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| Dilhani and Malini |
He admits the key role of Sandya Rani has shades of Sri Lanka’s celluloid prima donnas from the time movies began here. "They were the objects of our fantasies and the creators of our dreams. But when they reached a point where they were unable to fulfil our intangible needs, they were discarded – replaced by a younger, more stimulating model," he explains.
Malini doesn't act - she just lives the role. In Prasanna's words, the queen of Sri Lankan cinema brought a heightened sense of reality to the film, culled from her four decades of experience in cinema.
'Akasa Kusum' is a woman's story. The women dominate the cast. Apart from Malini, the younger, seasoned ones too act well. There is Nimmi Harasgama, now a regular in Prasanna's films, playing a difficult role with ease. She is Sandya Rani's daughter, a secret she maintains because she is bitter with the mother. With hardly a smile on her face practically throughout the film, except when she is with her friend and confidante, played credibly by Samanmalee Fonseka, Nimmi's is a complex role which she does most convincingly.
Dilhani Ekanayake proves she is a mature player. She acts with restraint turning out a commendable performance. Kaushalya Fernando, sister of Sandya Rani in the film, is compelling as always whether on stage or screen. Jayani Senanayake as Sandya Rani's maid in the house is another actress who rises to the challenge. Prasanna doesn't look outside Mahindapala to be in charge of photography in his films. And he never disappoints. It's skilful work once again.
Lakshman Joseph de Saram known more as a solo performer was picked by Prasanna to direct music in his earlier film, 'Ira Mediyama'. In 'Akasa Kusum' too he uses music rather sparingly just sufficient to heighten the key moments in the film.
At the Granada Festival Cines Del Sur, Spain 'Akasa Kusum' won the netpac award for its "strong portrayal of female characters whose lives, regrets and new beginnings are depicted in a delicate yet convincing way". That sums up what the film is all about.
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