Tuesday, September 15, 2009

AKASA KUSUM

A Has-Been actress of yesteryear, a promiscuous actress of the modern era and an emotionally damaged nightclub hostess comprise the three main characters of AKASA KUSUM (Flowers of the Sky), a tale of regret, remorse and redemption.

AKASA KUSUM stars Malini Fonseka (Sandhya Rani), Dilhani Ekanayake (Shalika) and Nimmi Harasgama (Priya). The film is written and directed by Prasanna Vithanage.

AKASA KUSUM marks the directorial return of filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage. After a five year hiatus Vithanage tackles a topic that is closer to home than his previous stories, Sri Lanka's Entertainment Industry. The primary protagonist is an aging actress (Sandhya Rani) who has faded into anonymity. She now spends her days in a dreary repetitive cycle of renting a room out to entertainment folk, dealing with her self-centered sister, frying patties for the local "thé kadé" and feeding her cat. Her friend Shalika is a working film actress who frequents the room-for-rent with her lover. The plot begins when Shalika's husband catches his wife with her lover at Sandhya Rani's abode. Although this turns out to be a very embarrassing predicament, it is not necessarily the plot point that thrusts Rani back into the media spotlight. Rani reluctantly agrees to appear on a reality game show as a one-time judge; this reawakens fans of the forgotten actress. She then consents to work on a mega-teledrama series in the vain of Indian soap operas such as "Mahagedera" and "Praveena." This new found fame is what brings Rani to the attention of Priya a nightclub escort/prostitute. The most significant plot twist is when Priya claims to be Rani's daughter. The emotional state of pregnancy is cause for Priya's need to reconnect with the mother who abandoned her. This unravels the guilt and shame of Rani's past, which will consequentially change the lives of both mother and daughter.

The technical aspects of the film take a backseat because it is mainly a character driven piece but they do compliment the subject matter explored. The cinematography is subtle and unobvious, the style of editing is appropriate and the score matches the tone of the film with its somber melodies.

This is truly an actor's movie; where obviously the actors steal the show. Nimmi Harasgama's portrayal of Priya is articulate and captures the tainted fragility of her role. Dilhani Ekanayake is one of a few who can seamlessly work in both commercial and art house films. She gives a capable performance as Shalika. But it is veteran actress Malini Fonseka who deserves all the credit, her acting is filled with nuance and multi-layered emotions. This is a great example of getting the right person for the role.

AKASA KUSUM is a well made film by one of Sri Lanka's prominent filmmakers. But appreciation boils down to personal preference which is why I feel that it isn't a bad film but it isn't great one either. The director brings to surface a number of contentious themes that affect modern Sri Lankan society such as illegal abortion, prostitution, extra marital affairs, same-sex relationships and the two-faced nature of media and fame. But none of the above is prevalent in the overall story. Where Sri Lankan Cinema is concerned, I feel that local filmmakers try to misdirect the viewer with beautiful locations, gaudy wardrobes or lengthy songs. So it is refreshing to see that there are still some filmmakers who value "story" above all. Unfortunately this story in particular is not gripping and did not keep me at the edge of my seat. Nevertheless this film is far superior than the usual trite that’s produced by commercial filmmakers which is why it's worth watching. Support "true" Sri Lankan Cinema by watching it in theatres.

Rating: 3 COCONUTS

S. V. Fernando