Ruwini Jayawardana, Sunday Observer, Sunday, 17 February 2008
Senesh Dissanaike Bandara's 'Heart FM' adorns the Sinhala silver screen in EAP theatres island wide with its ability to touch all those young at heart. Though the story is no masterpiece, Senesh had mastered aesthetic skills in presenting the episodes in an appealing manner.
The movie is running into a packed house audience and is possibly another trend setter by the young director of the "Aadaraneeya Wassaanaya" fame.
Though the outward framework of 'Heart FM' is given a light touch the movie reveals the true state of the present society. Selfishness overtakes all barriers and ambitious individuals will take on any obstacle or risk to meet their needs.
With a light hint of humour the director allows satire to take over as we watch how the green-eyed monster takes control over a once bubbly, happy-go-lucky character - a personification of the unbalanced mind itself.
Heart FM is a novel cinematic experience with undeniably impressive visuals. The much-awaited romantic film by young director Senesh Dissanaike Bandara is a musically rich and substantial film. Certain to appeal to the younger generation, Heart FM also deserves a mass audience for its appealing music, technological gimmicks and very glamorous outfits. But perhaps the greatest achievement of Heart FM lies in its storyline, which although stylish, is commendable as it unfolds most beautifully.
Another aspect to take note is that the director had let the images do most of the talking, creating the scenes constantly enforced upon the viewer's mind, heightening the tension.
Though shooting had taken place in Colombo director Senesh had managed to bring the beauty and gaiety that are connected with youth lifestyle. With bright colours, eye catching settings and refined DI and DO technology (Digital Optical and Digital Intermediate) the director was able to transform the dreary Colombo environment to a spirited world of fantasy so typical for youths.
Sachini Ayendra as Shakya enacts her role to expertise transforming herself from a lively personality to a mentally imbalanced murderess. Kanchana and Gayan too contribute to display their talent though the latter leaves the former looking like nothing more than a wallflower, taking note of him when the need arises and barely acknowledging his existence at other times.
Heart FM shows a confident filmmaker once again working close to the top of his form and three cheers for young Senesh for his selections of young talents for acting and music for the wonderful foot tapping numbers that have already become hits. Senesh introduction duo of Kasun Kalhara and Uresha Ravihari once again prove their immense talent and scope.
Apart from the three main roles other roles are played by Irangani Serasinhghe, Chandani Seneviratne, Tony Ranasinghe, Mahendra Perera, Aruna Lian, Shrimal Wedisinghe, Pradeep Senanayake, Deepani Silva, Rex Koddipilli, Shani Fonseka, Sahan Ranwala, Varuni Madupani, Vindya Madusankani and Dinuli Mallawarachchi.
