Ananda makes ‘Thaksalawa’
by Ruwini Jayawardana
The equanimity which had swept
over the backdrop of the Malmeewewa Girilen Raja Maha Vihara was
shattered some decades ago by treasure hunters.
 Now the serene nature of the ancient temple has once again caught
more than a little interest as some familiar faces sporting local
village attire have made it to the scene.
Renowned artistes of the local tele scene, Mahendra Perera, Chandani
Seneviratne and Himali Sayurangi, Giriraj Kaushalya, Athula Pathirana,
Sampath Chaminda Jayaweera, Jagath Manuwarna, Tissa Bandaranayake,
Nilmini Buwanaka, Nayana Hettiarachchi, Sudharshani Galahinagama and
Milton Perera, have come together to portray some significant roles for
Ananda Abeynayake’s newest teledrama, ‘Thaksalawa’.
“The story is a study on human nature and is aimed at entertaining
and educating. I first familiarized myself with this location before
deciding that it would make an ideal spot for shooting a story of this
nature. I spun the tale and Deepani Nilashani Yapa wrote the script. She
had penned several of my Poya dramas,” said the maker of teledramas such
as ‘Rala Bindena Thana’, ‘Jeewithayata Idadenna’ and ‘Ramya Suramya’.
The story spins around Arulya, a young and pretty school teacher who
takes on the much needed task of reforming some habits of the villagers.
However some strong forces in the form of Rathnapala and Lucas try to
prevent her from putting her plans to practice. A series of incidents
follow in which Abeynayake highlights the fact that even black
characters can be reformed.
‘Thaksalawa’ is scheduled to take off on Swarnavahini as soon as work
is complete. Abeynayake had previously worked with the channel in most
of his past projects. He said that the team had been very supportive.
Interestingly ‘Thaksalawa’ marks a milestone in seasoned actor Tissa
Bandaranayake’s career as he would be taking on the role of a Buddhist
monk for the 80th time in a creation. Another special aspect is that
Abeynayake will be saying adieu to his career as a teledrama director
after composing one more teledrama after ‘Thaksalawa’.
“The cast selection is of prime importance and I believe that I have
chosen the cream of the industry for the roles,” he noted.
Talented compere cum actress Himali Sayurangi plays the lead role in
the teledrama. She says that there is less dialogue in the story and
that the characters have to express themselves more through facial
expressions and gestures.
“Arulya is a charming young teacher who faces the daring task of
facing up to some corrupt elements which had taken over the village. She
was a joy to portray,” Himali added with a smile.
 Sporting a bushy mustache and a sarong, Mahendra Perera said that it
is a pleasure indeed working with director Abeynayake. Apart from ‘Thaksalawa’,
he is also engaged with Athula Liyanage’s ‘Bambara Wallalla’. Award
winning actress Chandani Seneviratne who portrays the character of
Silina, an innocent village woman who gives shelter to Arulya said that
the creation added new substance to her career.
“Silina makes her living through chena cultivation and fishing at a
nearby lake. The story reflects that if you are strong at heart, you
would be able to attain your goal no matter how many obstacles cross
your path,” she mused.
The cameraman is Dhammika Ratnayake while the music is composed by
Gayan Ganakadhara. Professor Sunil Ariyaratne penned the lyrics of the
theme song.
The art director is Bimal Roy and the make up is by Wasantha
Purnawansha.
Jagath Weerathunga is the editor. |
