 ‘Alimankada’ journey of arch-rivals
by Ruwini Jayawardana
Nihal de Silva’s 2003 Gratiaen
award winning novel, ‘The Road from Elephant Pass’, now comes to
theatres in celluloid form to Regal, Colombo, and theatres islandwide as
globally acclaimed film personality Chandran Rutnam’s latest movie ‘Alimankada’.
Work began on the movie in 2007. Saumya Liyanage was expected to play
the lead role of Captain Vasantha but date problems occurred and the
team had to look for another suitable face to take up the part.
They finally came upon Ashan Dias and roped him into the project.
Both Ashan and Suranga Ranawaka, who portrays the role of activist
Kamala, are new to the scene but display exceptional acting skills in
the cinemascope - Dolby SR film.
 The story traces the journey of two individuals who flee from the
north, amidst dangers, to Colombo. At first Captain Vasantha and
activist Kamala’s ideas and actions do not tally as they represent
different groups and embody different ideas and habits. Gradually a
relationship based on understanding and trust in established between
them. However a shocking revelation is in store for Captain Vasantha
when he reaches Colombo, a secret which threatens to shatter their
new-found friendship.
Rutnam is no stranger to the movie arena. His film ‘Adara Kathawa’
was Sri Lanka’s official entry to the International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) and the Cairo Film Festival. ‘Witness to a Killing’,
another of his creations won a Sarasaviya Award and represented the
country at the International Tokyo Film Festival.
He had worked with a number of globally renowned filmmakers like Sir
Carol Reed, Sir David Lean, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, John Boorman
and Regis Wargnier. His most recent project was India’s movie mogul Ram
Gopal Varma’s ‘Agyaat’. He was also the local line producer in over 40
international films shot in Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
He clinched the best picture award at the Presidential Awards in 1999
for producing ‘Pilgrimage’, directed by Vasantha Obeysekara. Another of
his productions, Lester James Peries’ ‘Vakanda Wallawa’ (Mansion by the
Lake) represented Sri Lanka at the Cannes Film Festival. He even won a
special Presidential Award for his services to the local film scene.
Sanath Gunatileke, Athula Pathirane, Joe Abeywickrama, Iranganie
Serasinghe, Kumar Mirchandani and Veena Jayakody comprise the rest of
the cast of ‘Alimankada’. The script is penned by Rutnam and the
cinematographer is Suminda Weerasinghe. The production designer is Sunil
Wijeratne, the production manager is Chandimal Kodituwakku and the
production supervisor is Krishantha Gunasekara. The music director is
Ajit Kumarasiri. The film is presented by Taprobane Pictures. |
