Firstly i urge you all who see this film and enjoy it at some level(or even hate it) to vote at IMDb because it is a rare genuine attempt from a Sri Lankan at creating something that is not embarrassing. so please appreciate the attempt and vote it whatever you think it deserves!
For me, i had a wow reaction to this film, especially considering the uninspired attempts at 'film-making' in the form of either pathetic comedy or embarrassing 'youth films' or boring and politically correct pieces of history-selling in the post-war era. the first half is nice and realistic enough, with very good attention to detail and fine editing with beautiful cinematography and also some real small moments.when did you last hear a 'bajawwak' in a sinhala film which is exactly as how we do it in real life? And kumara thirimadura makes for, as strangely as it may sound, a far better lover who's vowed by a charming lady than most our local young 'heroes'. he puts most of our handsome young 'actors' to shame.
The second half is exhilarating, i dare not spoil any surprises for you, but i'll not refrain from saying that it hits you in the chest with its emotional power and surprises you with its final act. Although the film, for many reasons may be,is an apolitical look at the post- war common man in Sri Lanka, finds time to condemn violence and there are minute moments of subtle social commentary.
Although i want Mr. Nilendra to explore more about the things he flirts with here, that would be a different film and may even be impossible to make with the artistic freedom an artist can get at present in SL. It is admirable he made a film without any obvious propaganda.
I'm no one to nitpick a movie and i don't have enough experience of expertise to do so. but i didn't feel any parts that i felt didn't fit and all the actors did their job pretty well.
trio of friends does an excellent job and to me, the expression of Swarna Mallawarachchi while the camera walks with her is one of the most touching moments in the film. she just comes from nowhere, but in that beautifully subtle scene, she conveys a great deal. i now got some clue as to why is she so highly regarded.
if i have to say anything negative at all, the Derana parts may come across as bit too prominently considering the quality of the film and frankly seems like too much of a product placement.
finally, i urge all you common men to see this film! if my review sounded as if this is a boring artistic film, believe me it is not, it is hugely entertaining, there are many moments of comedy and laughter and its a story for all the audiences, not just for critics and experts. Since we have had mostly films which either made for the former or the latter, Thanha Rathi Ranga is an important important important film, please don't miss this one! (and for international viewers, i hope and think this can be a universal experience, although it'll resonate more with Sri Lankans)
