Cinema
හන්තානේ කතාව
Sugathapala Senarath Yapa · 1969
Synopsis
On the campus of the University of Peradeniya, at the foot of the Hanthana mountains, a group of students lives to the rhythm of lectures and love affairs. Two young men become rivals for the same young woman, and Anura is among the friends around them.
Context
The first feature film by its author, the film was financed by a group of investors who took the name Contemporary Film Company. The screenplay was written with Berty Gunasekara, Berty Jayasekera and a student from the campus who would himself become a filmmaker; Sumitta Amarasinghe was behind the camera, Titus Thotawatte edited, Premasiri Khemadasa wrote the music. Released on 30 December 1969, it introduced the kiss into Sinhalese cinema, which brought it sharp criticism, and marked the debut of Vijaya Kumaratunga.
Who it is for
A film in Sinhala about student youth, reissued on video in 2016; to be seen in a subtitled copy.
Prizes and reception
Over a hundred days in cinemas; regarded as one of the few Sinhalese films of its time to remain as fresh as on release.