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Popular actor Ranjan Ramanayaka,
whose latest cinematic venture ‘Leader’, is currently being screened in
the EAP circuit theaters, says the motive behind using Indian actors and
technicians is to widen the market for local films to reach global
audiences.
“Our cinema needs to reach film fans in other countries”, he told
`Panorama’. “We have struggled to expand our horizons outside Sri Lanka,
and I thought one of the sure fire ways to tackle this issue was to get
involved with stars and technicians for my newest film `Leader’.
Ramanayaka, said that for his latest creation `Leader’, he had come
to an understanding with a studio in India that the technical crew and
stars should be divided 50-50 between the two nations if it is to be
released into the mass market of Indian cinema.
He stated that the cameraman, choreographer, music director, art
director, stunt director, editor, and main actress a South Indian
starlet Aadeen Khan have been used to maintain an Indian flavor.
He noted that among locals a few parts have been filled in by Anusha
Damayanthi and a few stars reputed for their comic roles.
 Speaking
further on his newest celluloid venture, Ramanayaka who has become a
hearthrob among local moveigoers for the past decade or so, observed
that ‘Leader’ was the only film which he had worked day in and day out
in a bid to tie its loose ends up more than for any other film in his
movie career.
Ramanayaka, who is renowned for his past box office hits such as
Parliament Jokes, One Shot One and a few other films as Bahu Bharya,
Rosa Wasanthe, Neelambare to name a few opined that his intention was to
poke fun at politicians from all political strata by making a film of
the calibre of ‘Leader’.
However, the director of ‘Leader’ was quick to add that he was keen
not to take sides and treat all politicians alike when making this film.
Ramanayaka, who has been feted for the past two consecutive years as
`Peoples’ Actor’, emphasised that he had to face numerous obstacles in
trying to get his film released for general exhibition most notably from
the Public Performance Board (PPB), but was particularly pleased with
the support rendered by Minister of Cultural Affairs Mahinda Yapa
Abeywardene towards its ultimate release.
 “I
have used special effects for this film like no other film in the
history of Sri Lanka cinema. Film fans and critics can vouch for it”, he
commented.
Ramanayaka known for calling a spade a spade during his involvement
in the domestic cinema arena for the past 15 years called on authorities
to give equal facilities and publicity for all artistes.
Asked about his plans for the foreseeable future, Ramanayaka,
insisted that he has no intention of swapping the director’s chair for
any other job, and that he might consider tackling all together
different subjects in time to come rather than confining it always to
politicics.
“A lot of my fans have asked me why I have not decided to focus on
topics like love, adventure and serious issues which could be discussed
in art films,” he pointed out.
A film that is due to come titled ‘Paya Enna Hiruse’, by Udayakantha
Warnasuriya is one based on a love story and I guess I will deviate from
my current track and highlight those issues”.
He also expressed his gratitude to his fans for the warm response at
his film `Leader’ thus far and told ‘Panorama’ that he will be leaving
for Italy shortly to screen the film there for the Sri Sri Lankan
audience.
-JATILA
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