Jeevan plays main role in Veediya Bandara

By Mohammed Naalir

"Films or teledramas should be produced in a manner that protects our culture and identity. Only then will it reach an appreciative audience. Now there is a need to produce patriotic films and teledramas instead of the commercial types which appeal only to a limited audience. At a time when the country faces challenges from pro-LTTE internal groups conniving with Western forces, such creations are vital to throw light on the reality that exists", veteran film star Jeevan Kumaratunga in an interview with the Sunday Observer said.

Although he is now a politician, he was a popular actor at one time and a real draw. "Acting is in my blood and if the character I play is one to my liking I give of my best and portray it in the best possible manner", he said. Of late he has gone back to acting he said and plays the role of different characters in films. He acted in Mahindagamanaya, Daladagamanaya and Siddartha. His latest creation is Veediya Bandara in which he plays the main role. It is the story of a patriot, he said.

"When compared to characters I have acted in films and teledramas earlier, the role I play in Veediya Bandara is in total contrast. It exposes the patriotic sense to the people", he said. Dilhani Ekanayaka, Upeksha Swarnamali are starring with Jeevan Kumaranatunga in Weediya Bandara.Upeksha plays the role of King Mayadunne's daughter. Dilhani and Upeksha are doing their job well. Sathishchandra Edirisinghe, Buddadasa Galappathi, Sarath Dikkumbura and several other stars are also acting in the teledrama. It will be telecast in a couple of months.

Indispensable

"Even though Veediya Bandara did not have any links to the monarchy, he remained indispensable to the king. He fought with enemies to protect the country", he said.

Veediya Bandara consists of 55 episodes. Jeevan expressed confidence that the teledrama will reach a larger audience in a short period when it is telecast.

Actually Prince Veediya Bandara is a rebellious character. His aim was not to take over the monarchy but he wanted to protect the country and the king from enemies. He became popular and important to the king. His rebellious nature was the main feature that drew him to the king.

He pursued this aim. He gave strength to the king and helped him to eliminate external and internal forces who were subtly operating against the king.

Techniques

The Portuguese also conspired to weaken Veediya Bandara using various techniques. They had made an ultimate plan to kill him in Jaffna.

Veediya Bandara is being filmed close to Bingiriya in Deduru Oya, Galle Fort, a Rajamaha Vihara in Galle. The atmosphere inside has been captured in the Maharagama studio.

"A teledrama such as Veediya Bandara is the need of the hour.

The international community is watching the progress of our development activities. Each and every one should be patriotic to defeat the conspiracies against the country", Jeevan said.

He said at this point in time there should be no difference between the Opposition and the ruling party. "We should unite and strengthen the hands of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to achieve the development goals", he said.

When asked whether he had an idea to produce Veediya Bandara as a movie, he said he nurtured it in his mind for quite a while. "We held several rounds of talks in this regard. During discussions it was proposed to produce Veediya Bandara as a teledrama so that it will reach a larger audience, he said.

"Even though I am a film star, if the character I have to depict is good I am ready to act in teledramas. I have starred in teledramas such as Ran Kahawanu, Sudu Paraviyo and Hingana Kolla. Even when I was well-known in the film industry I acted in teledramas.

"I had close connections with the late veteran film star Vijaya Kumaratunga. He is my role model .

I worked cordially with him in films as well as in politics. He had a lot of good qualities to emulate", he said.

Kumaratunga said, the telefilm Paasku is being filmed now. It is is to be telecast on Easter Sunday.

Ravindra Randeniya, Rosy Senanayake, Robin Fernando, Roy de Silva, Tennyson Cooray and Peter Mendis will star with Kumaratunga.

"During last Easter we staged the Paasku stage play at the Thambakanda Church. I played the role of Jesus Christ. Even in the telefilm of the same name, I am starring as Jesus Christ", he said.

"Producers approach me with different characters as I have grown a beard. I also play the role of an aborigine in the forthcoming film Sadhee, he said.

"I have been invited to act in many films. However, I am unable to accept the invitations as I am busy with my ministry. If I am offered a good character to play in a film or teledrama I will certainly accept it. I like to act the role of a hero. A film which speaks of the history of a hero is yet to be filmed. I understand some film producers plan to cast me in such a character", he said.