Pravegaya :

When destiny is determined by a bike

Can an 'Apache’ racer bike change a person's destiny? Can it get him a job, the love of his life, and transform him into a tough guy? ‘Pravegaya’, Donald Jayantha's directorial début, alongside P. Sarov, has the answer.

Now showing at theatres around the country, ‘Pravegaya’ is both a romantic comedy and an action flick, artfully blended to give something new to Sinhala Cinema. Latest technology is put to good use, enhancing its cinematic and technical qualities.

The story begins with Hemal reflecting on the path his life has taken since he claimed ownership of a bike and ended up becoming a murder. Flashbacks show him as the fun loving guy who spends time with family and friends, who idles at his family home in a housing scheme and is in constant conflict with his father, who frequently chastises him for not having a job and for fooling around with his friends/

Hemal’s childhood dream had been to own a bike. His father Saranapala, who ekes out a living working as a gas delivery guy, after a hurtful argument hands over his savings to Hemal, who uses it to buy the bike of his dreams. He is chastised for squandering his father’s hard earned money, but the bike brings him good luck. He gets a job as a sales representative in a private company, and later the love of his life.

Hemal believes he has got all he wanted because of the bike. The story is interwoven with the humorous incidents providing comic relief to the unfolding intensity. Ranjan Ramanayake shows his mastery as the boss of the company where Hemal is employed.

Humour and love runs parallel with violence. And this is delivered via Bando, the underworld kingpin and drug lord of the area and his wanna be brother, who is initiated to the drug transport business, but with disastrous results.

The film reaches its climax when Hemal's bike is stolen and he, together with his friends begins the search for it, but with no luck. The loss of the bike leads to him losing his job and very nearly his love too. What he would do and to what extents he would go to get back the integrity, dignity and honour of his life is the rest of the story.

Jayantha has been able to get what he wanted from his star studded cast, which also includes Jackson Anthony, to deliver a movie that is guaranteed to keep the audience at the edge of the seat excited. The cast includes Hemal Ranasinghe, Udari Perera a new faces in the cinematic field, Muareen Charuni, Jayalath Manorathne who plays a superb role as Saranapala, with Kavinga Perera, Mahendra Perera, and Janith Wickramage as the good hearted friends.

Sanath Gunathilaka, plays a beautiful cameo as the narcotics officer, Hemal Ranasinghe does justice to the main role, even though this is his first action movie. Yureni Noshika and Upeksha Swarnamali make guest appearances.

Choreography has been done with much thought and this is reflected in the dance scenes. The music is more South Indian than Sri Lanka, especially in the scene where Hemal dances at a wedding ceremony, which incidentally adds colour and flavour to the film.

The facial expressions and gestures of the cast are naturally highlighted. The film includes the latest technology and colour effects, and the director has carefully selected the locations to suit the moment. Jayantha has certainly made a mark with his first foray into the large screen scene as a director.

‘Pravegaya’ is a film that will certainly give the film goers a thrilling experience, especially those who love a bit of action and adventure, and is bound to be a major attraction for the youth. The director has been able to give priority to speed and power, seen through the speeding bikes and action. ‘Pravegaya’ the ‘fight to survive’ is a movie worth watching.

Music for the film is done by the popular duo Bathiya and Santhush and Pasan Liyanage.

Reported by Sureshni Pilapitiya