War, it is said, makes great movies. Sri Lankan director Sudath Mahaadivulwewa should know, writes Rajaneesh Vilakudy.
War, it is said, makes great movies. Sri Lankan director Sudath Mahaadivulwewa should know. The 20-year internecine civil war in the Emerald Isle has left a generation disillusioned. Every spell of momentary peace was followed by a cascade of tears. Some wept, some suffered silently, while for some, like Mahaadivulwewa, it had a cathartic effect. The CEO of a leading advertising agency, Mahaadivulwewa made his film debut with Shades of Ash, which was screened at the Asian Film Festival in the city. He talks to Rajaneesh Vilakudy about his film that takes you to a life beyond Colombo. Excerpts:
You being an advertising professional, how did the idea of making a film germinate? And that, too, a war film?
It was sheer coincidence. I accompanied one of my friends to the hinterland of Sri Lanka. And the things I saw there have to be seen to be believed. What I had been listening to or watching in Colombo did not have an iota of truth. I wanted the rest of Lanka — and the world — to know the reality. So, I decided to document it. The research took one-and-a-half years. Back in Colombo, it was my close friends and colleagues who told me to take up the project. Thus came Shades of Ash.
It must have been difficult for you to make a war movie, especially in conflict areas. Were there any threats or challenges?
The trouble started after the movie was released. The People’s Liberation Front (JVP) came out openly against the movie, terming the movie anti-war and thus anti-government. So much is the opposition that the film can be banned any time. Maybe, even before I return to Lanka.
Have you had problems with the Censor Board?
No. I thank the Lankan government on that part. Not a single scene was cut.
The war is still on. As a filmmaker, what is the solution or a prognosis?
One thing is clear. There has to be sacrifices. I can’t say autonomy to the northern part is the solution. The government should initiate a serious dialogue. There’s no point in rabble-rousing.
The LTTE suffered a split in 2004 when Prabhakaran’s key aide Karuna broke away. Is it still a force to reckon with?
LTTE is too strong a force to neglect. It has complete control over the North-West areas. There is a separate government there. They have own post offices, communication systems and transportation network. Still, a common man would like to believe it as a part of Lanka. No Sinhalese can enter the LTTE-ruled areas. But, a Tamil can always come to Colombo and stay peacefully.
Have you been influenced or inspired by any filmmaker?
I have been influenced by Krzysztof Kieslowski. His A Short Film About Killing and A Short Film About Love are my favourites. Bengal’s Ritwik Ghatak and Malayalam director Shaji N Karun’s Piravi also inspired me. Then, there is Satyajit Ray’s Pratidwandi.
Did your film appreciation course in Pune help?
It was where I learnt that there are a thousand narratives of filmmaking. That was a revelation.
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