They wanted to do something unique and they believed that there is talent in Sri Lanka. This is the concept behind S-Three, a group of three influential women who are responsible for bringing Rookantha & Chandralekha down from the United States for a performance.

Rookantha is here in Sri Lanka after nearly four years and will be performing for local audiences.
S-Three is a collaboration of Sangeetha Weeraratne a veteran actress and model, Sudharma Nethicumara, the visionary behind S3 event management company and promoter of the company with her business expertise and Shereen Kumarathunga, a well known name in the entertainment industry. All three have exposure in Sri Lanka as well as abroad in their respective fields.

“We wanted to make a change in the entertainment industry. We wanted to do something new. Rookantha influenced the music culture of the ’90s. We wanted to bring the duo back [Rookantha and Chandralekha], so we invited them and they agreed to come” said Sangeetha.
“We thought that this is the change we were looking for [Rookantha and Chandralekha],” she added.
Sudharma Nethicumara also voiced a similar opinion. “We wanted to bring something new and we decided to create the organisation” she said.

This is the first live performance organised by S3. And they have great ambitions.
“From beauty pageants to fashion shows, from Musicals to Dance extravaganzas, from foreign artistes to Bollywood Superstars, Sri Lanka is about to be hit by a wave of entertainment like never before.” was the bold statement printed in the pamphlet given at the press briefing organised by S3.

Rookantha Goonetilleke and Chandralekha Perera who left Sri Lanka four years ago, at that time did not know when and if they would come back. “It is not the island that was. There is so much change. I am a citizen and lover of this country.
There is now hope and peace. There are new opportunities for music.” said Rookantha.

At the press briefing Rookantha was asked whether he would ever come to Sri Lanka with his family. He answered that for the next few months he would be coming and going, but the basic idea is to come and reside here.
Rookantha and Chandralekha will be performing live at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on August 14 at 7.00 p.m.

In the search for novel themes for telefilms industry, award winning director Thusitha de Silva has released a series of telefilms, ‘Therani Geethaya’ telecast every Poya day at 9.30 pm on ITN.

Director Thusitha Chathurika in yellow robe
Influenced by ‘Theree Gee’ that we come across in Buddhist literature, each episode revolves around different female characters who were enlightened by the teachings of Lord Buddha and attained Nibbana.

“The period of time the stories are set in is an era where there was a lot of suppression on women by the male-dominant society. Establishing the order of female monk itself was a revolution by the Lord Buddha,” said Thusitha de Silva who earlier directed a series of telefilm ‘Paramitha’ based on Jathaka stories.

“It is said that sometimes the women decided to become Bikkhuni as they wanted to get rid of the suppression and suffering they underwent specially from the males,” he said.

Some of these Bhikkhunis developed their mental status to reach the level of Arahathhood and the stories that come in ‘Theree Gee’ are tales narrated by these female monks in the form of flashback, the director said.

Award winning script writer Somaweera Senanayake has written the scripts originally from Pali and the main role of all the stories are played by a female who tells her story as a narrative.

“In the original stories, these female monks have openly spoken about problems they faced in their lives as layman and this included even problems related sex which are now considered taboo for media. It reflects how open and liberal our literature was. But today we cannot use them in today’s media and this is mainly because of false Victorian mentality introduced by our colonial rulers,” Thusitha explained.

The first episode of the series was telecast on last Poya day and it was played by Kanchana Mendis. “Kanchana being a Christian played the role with lot of dedication and enthusiasm,” Thusitha said. Kanchana had to undergo a four and half hour makeup session of Jayantha Ranawaka patiently to turn herself into a bald-headed Bikkhuni.

Talking about his search for variety of themes for his tele-production, Thusitha said, “Our audience is fed up of the present teledrama culture which has limited family problems. We need a diversion and novel theme before our audience gives up the small screen,”.

Thusitha’s team of technicians for ‘Therani Geethaya’ include Jayantha Ranawaka, experienced prosthetic artiste in handling make-up, Thisara Thulwan as camera director, Nalani Malkanthi as art director and Kamini Rajapaksa as production executive.

Thusitha was grateful to People’s Bank and its chairman W. Karunajeewa for sponsoring the teledrama series.

from: http://sundaytimes.lk

The launching ceremony of the Dancing Star movie and the compact disc (CD) was held at the Jaic Hilton on January 28 along with dazzling figures of the movie industry and many others.

“This is not the first movie that Maharaja Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Networks Private Limited produced where we produced a Tamil movie named ‘Iee’ back in 1979,” said Head of Electronic Media, MBC Networks Pvt Ltd, Sri Lal Ahangama.

He further stated that they were the first to introduce the Tamil super hit Rajinikanth to the Kollywood movie industry. “Today the movie industry is totally different and with this differece Dancing Star is the very first movie that the MBC is launching in this new era,” said Ahangama.

“The whole production team is our in-house team where the movie includes 12 songs,” said director, the Dancing Star movie, Susara Dinal. According to Dinal they have spent a lot over this movie as it has exceeded their targeted budget.
“The movie will be screened from February 12 onwards in 35 CEL circuit cinema halls,” said Dinal.
“I am extremely happy about this movie and wish everyone the very best for successfully completing this production,” said Chairman, Janet Hair and Beauty Group, Janet Balasooriya.

“We are very excited today to join hands with Sirasa and as Dinal said there are a lot of talented youth in our country for whom Sirasa have given an opportunity to demonstrate their talents,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tigo, Duminda Rathnayake. He further stated that Tigo is also mainly for youth and they have reached up to two million customers.
“We received a huge cooperation from everyone while composing music for this production,” said music director, the Dancing Star movie, Santhush Weeraman.
According to Weeraman after composing music for the movie Feel My Love’this is the fifth movie that B&S are composing music for.

The very essence of the story, Dancing Star is as Shiroshi, being a remarkably talented young dancer emerges out of the squalor of an impoverished urban neighborhood through her performances with her group of friends. But her journey from the backwaters to the glitz and glamour of stardom, takes many a twist and turn.

Her unexpressed feelings for fellow dancer and singer Dushyanth remains just that unexpressed. But fate would have it that her talent is spotted by Greshan Dunuwila who sees the immense potential in this young performer quite by accident. While Dushyanth is left behind, Shiroshi is swept up into a life of glamour.

The cast includes Ravindra Randeniya, Malini Fonseka, Sanath Gunathilake, Dushyanth Weeraman, Shiroshi Romeshika, Rosy Senanayake, Sabeetha Perera, Srilal Ahangama, Roshan Ranawana, Nilanthi Dias, Lakshman Mendis, Pubudu Chathuranga, Hashini Gonagala, Vishaka Siriwardena, Sarath Kothalawala, Ramani Siriwardena, Nirosha Perera, Paristha Nayani Dula, Priyantha Wijesinghe and Faizal Burah.

The 12 songs include, ‘Saragi Sihina Andakare’, ‘Karuwala’, ‘Sina Koo’, ‘Adure’, ‘Thunee Wasse’, ‘Wasana Lowak’, ‘Thunsiya Hatapas’, ‘Dass Piyan’, ‘Jeewithe Riddmayai’, ‘Rana Monarun’, ‘Ras Ras Nikmena’ along with ‘Sithak Nam’.
Lyrics are done by Kalum Srimal, Nilar Casim, Wasantha Dukgannarala, Milroy Darmarathna, Aruna Jayawardane and Shehan Galahitiyawa.

Dancing Star, the movie is co-directed by Aruna Jayawardane, director of photography is Sumith Prasannalal, edited by Jeewantha Devapriya, music directed by Bathiya and Santhush along with assistant direction by Waruna Karunaratne.
The costumes were designed by Malki Wijemanne, make up done by Nimal Subasinghe and Saleem Mohammed, still photography by Surang Bopitiya while choreography done by Sanka Abesinghe, Gayan Srimal and Asanga De Silva.
Directed by Susara Dinal, screen play by Susara Dinal and Aruna Jayawardane.
‘Dancing Star’ the movie is produced by MBC Networks Pvt Ltd.
Pix by Ravindra Dharmathilake

****
from http://www.nationa.lk

Link: http://www.smartlanka.net/blog

Every person in the world has a heart
Every heart has a place within
That wants only to love and be loved
Let us connect with that
Place of love in our own heart
And in the hearts of all around us
Let us take a moment now
To open to the heart connection
We share with all people through love

By Indika Hettige
, gives a great opportunity to experience love, that it will attract most young hearts with the theme of love, imagination, friendship and many more.
‘Hadawatha Mal Yayai’ is the latest movie directed by experienced filmmaker Ananda Wickramasinghe and The Nation spoke to him to know more about it.

“The story revolves around two main characters, Channa Perera as ‘Himal’ and Chathurika Peris as ‘Lihini’ and is based on a love affair”, said Wickramasinghe.

“Himal and Lihini are good friends earlier become lovers following a casual tryst”, explained Wickramasinghe.

Wickramasinghe further stated that in this movie there are no villains or heroes nor fights. All the characters are good and simple.
“Actually the story of this movie is very simple and interesting,” said Wickramasinghe.
“Today, people do not like to watch terrible movies with fights because of the war situation in our country”, Wickramasinghe continued.

The movie was shot in some areas around Colombo, Ingiriya and Kuruwita. Wickramasinghe further stated that they are hoping to release the movie at the end of the year or beginning of next year.
“We have not yet decided on the theaters to screen the movie in.”

Director Ananda Wickramasinghe’s previous movies were ‘Satana’, ‘Danaya’, ‘Yasasa’ and ‘Sergeant Nalla Tambhi’. ‘Hadawatha Mal Yayai’ is Wickramasinghe’s 10th.

The sub roles are by Sanath Gunatilaka, Tennyson Cooray, Mahinda Pathirage and Rathna Sumanapala along with many others.
“All the characters in my movie extended great support to me. Among them Chathurika and Sanath’s support is noteworthy”, said Ananda.

“Art direction was by Gamini Bandara, camera direction by M.A. Gaffoor, make-up by G.D. Nandasena”, said Wickramasinghe.
Music direction was by Ranga Dasanayake and most of the songs were sung by superstar singers Gayani Madushika, Nalinda, Sanka Dineth and Manjula Nimanthi.
Assistant director is Leslie Siriwardena.

‘Hadawatha Mal Yayai’ is produced by Tilak Kodikara.
Finally, director Wickramasinghe said, “Let the people decide whether it is a good movie or not.”

from http://nation.lk

Link: http://www.smartlanka.net/blog/

The entertainment industry of Sri Lanka is something that is growing by leaps and bounds with every passing day. New faces, new ideas and new styles merge into the mainstream constantly, making it rich in variety and ensuring better entertainment for the audiences. What we see on screen is nothing compared to what goes on behind it, the hardships the actors go through when shooting a scene, the preparations and the costs.
To find out more about what happens behind the screen The Nation talked to someone directly involved in the field.
Sajeewani Perera is a rising star in the entertainment industry who aspires to give something back to society, while doing what she loves most; acting.

Q: Can you tell us something of your family and your background?
A: I am the only child in our family. I live with my parents, who are a source of strength and inspiration to me. I schooled at Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda.

Q: Any extra activities that you were into while schooling?
A: I took part in many school dramas and I was also a member of the school band. Other than that, I have also had lessons in both Eastern and Western dances.

Q: What do you think influenced you most to take up to professional acting?
A: As I mentioned earlier, I have had a lot of acting experience from my school days. And it all began for me when I got an opportunity to act in the famous ‘Angili Salakuna’ (Fingerprint) about four years back.

Q: Any projects you’re involved in at present?
A: I am acting in a new movie directed by Chathurika Peiris. I am also starring in one of the five lead roles of ‘Last Chance’ directed by Roy De Silva.

Q: And what about the projects you took part in the past?
A: There are quite a few, ‘Adaraniya Niranji’ directed by Tikiri Rathnayake, ‘Peramaga Salakunu’ by Nalin Mapitiya, ‘Suwanda ma langa thiya’ by Chanaka Perera and ‘Kaluwara eliya saha makara dhadayama’ directed by Wasantha Moragoda.

Q: How has your acting experience been so far?
A: Enjoyable. Acting is one industry that keeps changing every moment. With different people bringing in different styles and different approaches, you need to keep an open eye and an open mind in order to go places. The newcomers are, in most cases, given all the assistance that they need and that is really important to a healthy upbringing of a new generation of actors/actresses.

Q: Do you have any special preferences where acting is concerned?
A: Yes, usually, I prefer roles/tele-dramas that have something to give back to society. In my view, a good tele-drama/movie is something that contributes in a positive way to society, without tarnishing or destroying its values and traditions.

Q: What is your definition of a perfect actor?
A: Talent, enthusiasm and a basic knowledge of the profession are some of the things that are necessary in order to be perfect. Total dedication is another thing that I think as essential. You have to be prepared to give up everything else, when you’re in acting, and be able to move around and blend with the crew. Perfection is the end result that comes with the ability of ‘living’ your character.

Q: Any comments on the present condition of the local industry?
A: There is definitely more room for improvement. There are certain barriers that need to be broken, in order to make new faces and new ideas feel more welcome. And there is a huge need for an authority to control and regulate the process, especially, where payments are concerned. There are no such regulations at the moment, and that is a huge disadvantage.

Q: And who has been helping you so far? Any names you’d like to mention?
A: My parents, for all their support and understanding, Kapila Perera of Rupavahini Corp, for introducing me to the acting field, Nalin Mapitiya, Tikiri Rathanayake, Roy De Silva, for the invaluable opportunities. And everyone else, who has helped me through in numerous ways, including all my fans, I’d like to thank them all.