by Ruwini Jayawardana
Dubbed the prince charming of the mini screen for more than a decade,
he had proved that it is not a matter of out of sight out of mind.
Though his appearances are infrequent he had decided to spend more time
behind the camera, Channa Perera belongs to the rare breed of actors who
had left a lasting impact in the minds and hearts of the Sri Lankan
audience across the country.
 With the success of his debut cinema production `Anjalika’, which
clinched a handful of awards, Channa was able to prove that his talents
are not limited to the screen alone.
He is currently planning a children’s movie in collaboration with an
Australian company.
It is titled `The golden Starfish’ and revolves around an adventurous
journey in search of a magical starfish. I scripted the screenplay and
shooting is scheduled to take off soon. Everything is looking up, Channa
revealed with enthusiasm.
He also hopes to embark on making a children’s series. With projects
like `Punchi Weerayo’ and `Tikiri Hapannu’ to his name does Channa
intend to make children’s creations his forte?
“I have been working with children for some time and have enjoyed the
experience. I believe that I am capable of recognizing the ideologies of
children and their behavioural patters.
There is a lot of demand for children’s movies around the world and
you would be able to make a market for your own production demanding on
its quality. Children are eager for entertainment and schools permit
them to watch creations which will enhance their knowledge.
A well made children’s movie is not for children alone but for both
the young and old. The whole family will be able to spend a fun-filled
day at the theatre enjoying the movie,” he explained while stating that
it is just a matter of dubbing the creation to any of the required
languages and projecting it on the wide screen for the global arena.
On his planned projects which are yet to take shape Channa added:
“Movies like `Sanda Diya Salu’ and `Kalpa Charika’ demand huge budgets.
I believe that this era is not quite suitable for big budget movies. It
is more appropriate to make movies on a limited budget so that the
producers will be able to afford the amount as well as benefit from the
income.”
He further stated that movie making had always been his passion and
that he had studied the activity and techniques of the directors while
working on their creations.
He said: “I was at the pinnacle of fame when I turned to directing. I
am proud of making my mark in both acting and directing. Many believe
that I charge a large sum as an actor but that is not true. I am very
flexible and if an interesting role is offered to me I will not hesitate
in taking it up.
I have been offered a lot of similar types of roles to those which I
portrayed in Nalan Mendis’ series and some directors have gone as far as
to urge me to portray the same type of character over and over again.
It’s frustrating. I would like to portray a very different role like
a thug or one similar to that portrayed by Jack Nicholson in Milos
Forman’s `One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.”
He is currently waiting the release of Ananda Wickramasinghe’s third
movie `Hadawatha Mal Yaya’ in which he portrays the lead role opposite
Chathurika Peiris. He had also co-produced and acted in Shirley P.
Delkandawela’s teledrama `Kaneru’ which had completed work and is
waiting to unspool on television. |
