Film review

Maharaja Gemunu :

Extraordinary cinematic experience

By Sureshini Pilapitiya

Sri Lanka has a history of 2,500 years, and during the ancient times our kings shed their blood, sweat and tears for the betterment of the country. They built dagobas and viharas which became national treasures later, and also harvested paddy fields for the country to flourish with prosperity.

What they did took the pride of Sri Lankan heritage and culture to the world. In the ancient times too, there were invaders from the Indian sub - continent, but due to our kings' bravery and courage, we could overcome such issues.

In the distant past too, we were a colonial regime, but our national heroes fought for Independence. We had national heroes such as D.S Senanayake, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan and Sir D.B. Jayathilaka. When we study Sri Lankan history, we cannot forget King Dutugemunu.

He is the most famous king in Sri Lankan history and he comes alive on the screen on Jayantha Chandrasiri's film, Maharaja Gemunu.

Maharaja Gemunu is an extraordinary cinematic experience. Apart from the other historical films it gives a clear insight into the life of an ancient king who unified the country.

Elara

The story begins with the advent of Elara, who sets up his kingdom in Rajarata, after killing king Asela. He tries to annex the kingdom of Ruhuna ruled by Kavantissa. He comes to know of a prophecy that Gamini Abhaya would invade the kingdom of Rajarata and build a massive stupa. While Elara and his advisor Bhattara were plotting to capture the Ruhuna kingdom, Dutugemunu raised an army to fight against the invader.

The film depicts the humanitarian qualities of King Dutugemunu and highlights his attitudes to war. At one point he says, "My aim is not to find pleasure in fighting or killing, but to let people live a better life".

The role of king Dutugemunu is played by Uddika Premarathna, while Jackson Anthony does justice to the role of king Elara. Sriyantha Mendis acts as King Kavantissa, while Kusum Renu plays the role of the unforgettable Viharamahadevi.

The other characters are represented by Yashoda Wimaladharma as Elara's queen and Saranga Disasekara as prince Tissa. The film starts with a young bhikkhu reincarnating in queen Viharamahadevi's body soon after his death, as the heir to the throne and that is king Dutugemunu.

Dress code

Moreover, the costumes represent the dress code of the era and king Dutugemunu living in a remote village known as Hiddalaya and being an expert in harvesting and cropping paddy fields and being a member of a farmer family shows how the life of the people of that era was full of prosperity and fulfilment. Later on he falls in love with Ranmanika and she gives birth to a son called Saliya.

Even though the soldiers come in search of him to announce that he is appointed the king, his faithful friend and official, Nandimithra helps him to carry all his plans.

He does not forget the farmer family who had helped him when he was in need. He goes back to his kingdom to plan his war strategies and gets ready to save the country.

Mother's love

The ordinary village girl who became his wife becomes the queen. The story reveals how a mother's love can be very strong.

Queen Viharamahadevi's unconditional love for her sons are shown throughout the whole film, and there are scenes where things get emotional and make the audience have the same feeling. The film also depicts the brotherly love between Dutugemunu and Tissa.

The director has taken the maximum advantage of the talents of the crew, and also make their emotions and expressions come out naturally.

The technical effects and the costume designing is admirably done. Ruwan Costa, the cinematographer, Nadeeka Guruge the music director, Ravindra Guruge the editor, have contributed their share to the process of the film.

The vocals are done by Chandrika Siriwardene, Nirosha Virajini and Dileeka Abeysekara. The film will be released to all cinema halls shortly. Chandrasiri's other creations include films such as Samanala Sandhwaniya and Agnidhahaya.

Scenes from the film