Ekamath Eka Rateka

An in-depth study of human psychology

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Multi talented film actor, producer and script writer, Sanath Gunatileke, is only a few days away from proving himself as a skilled director. His maiden directorial venture Ekamath Eka Rateka (Once Upon a Time) which introduces popular teledrama actress and television presenter, Nirosha Perera to Sri Lankan cinema, is complete and waiting to be released at Regal cinema, Colombo, and CEL circuit cinemas islandwide.

Sanath’s debut movie derives from a short story penned by renowned French writer Emile Zola. He was regarded as one of the most adapted authors in the literary arena as more than 70 movies have been based on his work in cinema history.

One of his greatest works, a novel titled Nana was adapted to nine cinematic creations while Germinal took form on the screen for seven different occasions and L’ Assommoir 11 times.

His famous short story Pour Une Nuite d’ Amour (For a Night of Love) was first adapted to cinema by Danish filmmaker August Bloom in 1913. Though several other international directors had taken up the challenge of bringing life to the tale, Sanath’s effort marked the first time that a Sri Lankan director had undertaken the task of making a movie out of a French short story.

At a media conference held recently Sanath, together with some of the leading members of the cast, said that the movie will be screened in the near future.

“I have been contemplating on turning movie director for a long period but it took quite some time for us to locate a story close to our heart. Zola’s tale is not limited to a time frame or a specific location. It can happen any time anywhere,” he explained on how the title of the movie derived.

The movie features some of the most popular faces on screen as well as an ample amount of experienced actors. Roshan Ravindra accompanies Sanath and Nirosha among the lead roles with Chandani Seneviratne, Tony Ranasinghe, Damitha Abeyratne, Semini Iddamalgoda, Kumara Thirimaduwa, Lioni Kothalawala, Nilmini Buwaneka and Thanuja Dilhani also taking up significant roles.

The movie also brings another talented television compere and actress to the silver screen for it also marks Himali Sayurangai’s entrance to cinema despite the fact that her second movie Sikuru Hathe was released first.

“The audience needs to realize the depth of the film rather than judge the whole production merely by hearsay. I’m sure they are mature and broadminded enough to take in the fact that this is just a character played by me,” Nirosha commented on her angle of the movie.

Speaking to the media young actor Roshan Ravindra said that Ekamath Eka Rateka is the second role he took up after his memorable performance in Senesh Dissanaike Bandara’s Aadaraneeya Vassanaya. He said that the storyline has a lot of substance and that the director had adapted a unique style in unfolding the story.

Queried if the film is an ‘Adults Only’ production, Sanath said that some episodes are not quite suitable for the young.

“For example one of the opening scenes projects a small girl pricking a lad with a needle. I do not consider such scenes to be suitable for children but adults are encouraged to study the mind of the child and ponder the meaning behind the situation,” he said adding that the movie is an in-depth study of the human mind. He also stated that his experience of over three decades with the movie scene aided him in his maiden effort at movie making.

“Though Nirosha takes on the central role that does not mean that the other actors take on roles of less importance. Even the minor characters add meaning to the plot,” he added.

In an era when creations are based on women revenging themselves against injustice, Sanath’s creation of a strikingly pretty girl challenging the age old belief that women should fall on their knees before patriarchy brings a different aura to the local movie scene. It is indeed a creation to look forward to!