Recreating a pivotal period in history
A still from Gaadi: Sajith Anuththara as the young Rodi
Perhaps for the first time in his career, Prasanna Vithanage has ventured into recreating history on the silver screen; correction digital screen. What a herculean task! Hats off to him for his splendid effort in ‘Gaadi- Children of the Sun’.
The story is set 200 years ago in the backdrop of the conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British. The Sinhala-speaking British colonial administrator John D’Oyly is featured prominently not to mention the discarded Adigar Ehelepola. Yet, the theme is far from the infamous bloodless taking of Kandy nor the treachery of certain Sinhalese but about the survival of a small community of outcasts (Rodi or Gaadi), nonexistent as of now. The plot portrays the beginning of that end allowing the audience to take in as to how the clan was made to disintegrate with time.
Extensive research had gone into the creation. I can imagine how Prasanna’s conscience may have swung wildly on a pendulum on how much to reveal for the females in the clan were barred from covering their upper bodies constraints in catering to a more conservative audience in South Asia. Thankfully, the final outcome in that respect is least offensive to the most conventional.
The film undoubtedly is an automatic promotion for tourism. One incredible frame of a green vista, was followed by the next vista even more magical to the eye, cleverly captured at different times of the day from the crack of the dawn to the last light and even beyond around a blazing bonfire. The audience will surely be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes of the mountainous zone of Sri Lanka and the remaining untouched wilderness in the centre of the island. What I saw made me hopeful!
At the premiere last week: Lead actress Dinara Punchihewa is all smiles
It was great to see Prasanna drawing from the legendary Lester James Peries in getting the natives to perform traditional dancing for the benefit of the European explorers as in the latter’s 1960 film ‘Sandeshaya’, though the identity of the foreigners had changed from the Portuguese to the British on this occasion.
The young actors Sajitha Anuththara and Dinara Punchihewa were simply outstanding and their performances speak well for the future of the industry. They are of course closely watched by the seasoned old guard in the film and John D’Oyly is just irresistible. If one insists on a single negative comment I would only point out that there is some unavoidable repetition on a couple of instances.
The gripping tale is an educational one for Sri Lankans to learn about their roots, culture, and ancient rituals to say nothing of that little-known clan of ‘unfortunates’. Though we had read about and seen old photos of them, seeing their plight brought to life was stirring. The story lends credence to a highly volatile period of history which was also the most decisive one that decided the fate of the local populace – marking the end of a 2500-year-old monarchy and paving the way for the establishment of a new-world democracy.
Prasanna Vithanage has captured the heartbeat of that critical epoch exceptionally well in ‘Gaadi’. I was told he was blessed with advanced technology coming from the mighty South Indian film industry which is evident in the sound, camera work and more. I will be least surprised if ‘Gaadi’ is bestowed with international plaudits for creativity.
Gaadi will be released at cinemas across the island on January 20.
The film is a must watch for all.
- Sasanka Nanayakkara
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