Our old Sinhala films which followed the Sinhala-Natakas based on the Parsi and Baliwala Nurtis of North India revolved around the themes such as drunkenness, marriage and feminine fidelity, caste conflicts, nobility of the poor and the meanness of the rich. These films were woven around the eternal love stories.
The artificial background scenes and lengthy sermonising dialogues were evident in such old Sinhala films which were thriving under the influence of the South Indian cinema. These films were called 'Formula Films '. for example, Sujatha and Mathalan". Even actors and actresses imitated the South Indian films. In such a backdrop the crowned actor Gamini Fonseka broke the manacles of old Sinhala cinema and brought out the Sri Lankanness through his performances. That is why Gamini Fonseka is called the emperor of the Sinhala Cinema.
Destiny of Sinhala cinema
Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka, born on March 21, 1936 in Dehiwala had his education at S. Thomas College Mt.Lavinia. Even in his school days young Gamini had garnered a popularity among teachers and students by imitating teachers and administrative figures at the school. Gamini had amazed everyone by making the sound of Tabla at a school concert.
Speaking of his childhood, the obvious fact is that the field of cinema was not alien to Gamini ' s life. He was used to be talk about Sinhala and Western films with Tissa Abeysekara, Vijaya Abeywickrama and Premnath Moraes on the verandah. Gamini wanted to become not an actor but a cameraman.
Premnath Moraes with whom Gamini Fonseka had a longstanding friendship had recommended Gamini to Dr. Lester James Peries who was making the film Rekawa (The line of destiny). This film changed the destiny of the Sinhala cinema, which was previously influenced by the South Indian films. It was Dr. Lester James Peries who took the camera to the outside world, towards the natural scenes.
However, Gamini who worked as a camera assistant for the film was chosen for a scene of the film. In addition, as if with his luck he received an opportunity to work as an assistant director for the film " The Bridge on the River Kwai" directed by David Lean. It is certain that Gamini must have sharpened his knowledge and skills by working with David Lean. Speaking of the popular film industry, we can't forget the film Sandeshaya directed by Dr. Lester James Peries.
On the other hand, it can be said that Dr. Lester led a ray of light on the popular film industry of Sri Lanka because " Sandeshaya" paved the way for films such as Ranmuthu Duwa, "Chandiya" and "Dheewarayo."
However in the film "Sandeshaya" Gamini who plays the second role 'Dhammita' to Ananda Jayaratna , stole the eyes of audiences through his performances.
Natural performances
Moreover, songs of this film such as "Pruthugisi karaya" by Jothipala, "Rejina Mamai Apey Rajje " and "Sudu Sada Eliyai" by Latha Walpola are still enjoyed by us. Another milestone in the Sinhala cinema was the "Ranmuthu Duwa" film directed by Mike Wilson and produced by Shesha Palihakkara, Mike Wilson and Arthuor C. Clarke.
In this film Gamini portrays the character of Bandu. Undoubtedly underwater scenes, fight scenes between Bandu (Gamini) and Renga and songs such as "Galana Gagaki Jeewithe", "Paramitha bala pujitha" and "Pipi pipi Renu Natana" written by Sri Chandrarathna Manawasinghe had held the audience spellbound.
Indeed, not only our Sinhala audiences but also our Tamil audiences welcomed Gamini's natural performances by wolf-whistling when he appeared on the screen at movie theatres. We felt that Gamini is not a South Indian character but a Sri Lankan character.
Before focusing on the scientific theory of Gamini, it is sensible to study his wide range. Gamini Fonseka is an unrivalled actor with a wide range of acting. " If you ask about the best actor, he is Joe Abeywickrama. If you ask about the most popular actor, the answer is Vijaya Kumaratunga. But if you ask about Gamini Fonseka , undoubtedly he is the actor who can surpass both extremes." The best example for Gamini's range is the film Sagarayak Meda directed by himself.
In this film he plays two roles Doctor Moladanda and Fredrick Ramanayake. Surprisingly, the same audiences who abhor the politician Fedrick Ramanayake, have much respect and love towards Doctor Moladanda. However, the amazing fact is that both characters are portrayed by Gamini Fonseka. Economic problems, the highest taxes and the social unrest among the unemployed youths forced Doctor Moladanda towards committing an offence. These lines delivered by him reveal the pathetic situation he faced.
" Being a doctor is the path to do such an offence. The government stopped private practices so we could not live up to our standard. Income was limited to Rs. 2000 but no changes in taxes."
But, Fredrick Ramanayake has been brought out as a corrupt politician who takes the country's law into his own hand and governs the country in a brutal manner.
"The law is changed by me only when I needed to do so. "
These lines convey his dehumanised attitudes and behaviour. Another good example for his wide range is a comparison between Sumanadasa in " Yakadaya " and Sebastian in " Deviyani Oba Koheda" film. The raspy voice and the image of a hoodlum that Gamini maintained in the Yakadaya film were not observable in Deviyani Oba kohedaa".
Furthermore , we can focus on another two characters ' baiysan' in Amal Biso directed by Neil Rupasinghe and the role of Willy Abeynayaka in the film Nidanaya( The Treasure) directed by Dr. Lester James Peries. Nidhanaya (The Treasure) brought the Sinhala cinema to the international arena.
In this film, Gamini Fonseka played the role of a bankrupt businessman named Willy Abenayake who sacrificed his beloved wife named Irene Abeynayake to gain a hidden treasure in a rock with the intention of settling his father's debts and maintaining his family honour.
As pointed out by the critics, the climax of the film is the last scene in which Willy Abeynayaka stabs Iren Abeynayake to death. It can be said that the audiences had been bewitched by the last scene in which Gamini Fonseka had rolled his eyes back in order to portray that he was possessed by a devil. On the contrary, Baiysan unlike Willy Abeynayaka is an innocent villager who can't harm even an ant.
Surprisingly, both roles that belong to far different extremes were portrayed by Gamini. In Sarungale directed by Sunil Ariyarathna , Gamini lives the character of Nadarajah who is involved in a struggle to eliminate ethnic conflicts between Sinhalese and Tamils. This film conveys caste contradiction and inter-ethnic communal violence. No doubt that Gamini does the maximum justice to Nadarajah. It can be said that Gamini's (Nadarajah) excellent Tamil pronunciation was closer to the real Tamils.
True that we have witnessed Gamini's versatility in 108 films and one teleplay titled " Kalu Saha Sudu. He had directed 10 films, namely Parasathu Mal (1966) Uthumaneni (1980) Mayurige Kathawa (1980)Sagarayak Mada (1981) Ra Manamali (1981) Sakwithi Suwaya (1982) Koti Waligaya (1986) Nomiyena Minisun (1994) and Anthima Reya (1998). Similarly far different roles such as Willy Abeynayaka in Nidanaya, Dr. Moladanda and Fedrick Ramanayake in Sagarayak Meda , Ranabahu in Nomiyena Mnisun, Simon Kabalana in Yuganthaya, Bandu in Ran muthu Duwa, Bonny mahattaya in Parasathu Mal, Wickramarandeniya in Welikatara , Linton Cooray in Anthima Reya and Dhara in Hulavali bear testimony to Gamini's widest range of acting.
Moreover, it can be said that Gamini' s face is a devise which generates multiple expressions. The delivery of his expressions, voice modulation and unparalleled brave personality blended with his unique deep voice contribute to the naturalness of every character. As pointed out by critics, Gamini had gone beyond the scope of Hollywood actors.
As a poet
Poems and songs penned by Dr. Gamini Fonseka enable us to consider this renowned artist as a poet. We have watched films adorned by his songs such as "Mihi Pita Agalak Himi Nethi Minihek " (Nomiyena minisun), "Nolebuna Adarayak wenuwen" (Mayurige Kathawa) and "Bambarindu Bambarindu" ( Sarungale).
"Ahimi wunath Nuba lade Adanna Awasara nehe" sung by Victor Rathnayake is one of his melodious songs. Not only in Sinhala but also in English he had written many poems and songs. For example, "Dream woman", "Dr. Lester", "My dear son" and so on.
All in all, the renowned artiste Gamini Fonseka is the emperor of the Sinhala Silver Screen. It is not only because of his unchallenged wide range, brave personality and his profound knowledge but also because of his revolutionary actions.
Today if there can be found a better place for artistes in the country, undoubtedly it is because of Gamini Fonseka who fought for artistes' self-respect and dignity. Regrettably, on September 30, 2004, we lost the glory of our Sinhala cinema. Even though Dr. Gamini Fonseka had gone on a journey to never to return, he lives in our hearts forever.