On November 2, 2016, when Indira Jayasuriya departed this world, she was just 40 years old. She left two children, her husband Martin, her parents, and her only sister, having imparted countless lessons about humanity to the world. She was a woman of courage and an inspiration to all despite being plagued by a cruel cancer.
The film Asu directed by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara is inspired by Indira’s story. Through Asu, he focuses on the sufferings and aesthetic approaches of human life.
“Through my films, I have always attempted to delve into the socio-political dilemmas that we, as human beings, encounter. As I gain more experience, I find it challenging to distance myself from these themes. However, I believe that my comprehension of cinema and literary aspects, which I have developed over my life of more than 40 years, is continually evolving and expanding,” Pushpakumara said.
Director Sanjeewa Pushpakumara
“Through Asu, I aimed to craft a form of cinema that could delve deep into the human experience. However, this doesn’t imply that I create films divorced from the socio-political challenges of our times. With my growing comprehension of cinema, I strive to weave narratives that are profoundly intertwined with the human condition,” he said.
Pushpakumara’s wife, Sangeetha Nilnadee joined him in writing the screenplay. According to him, the screenplay was a challenge and is a result of research conducted over a year. “It is not only based on Indira’s story but also on the stories of several other women who faced cancer,” he said.
He said he was inspired by the well-known Sasa Jataka story in making the film.
Pushpakumara stumbled upon this opportunity by chance, thanks to his association with a film production company. It was within this context that Asu earned the opportunity to participate in the Asian competition section of the 34th Tokyo Film Festival.
He stressed tha the film is merely based on a true story and not Indira’s life story in full.
Indira
“However, we endeavoured to craft this film while preserving Indira’s socio-cultural ideology and her unwavering spirit. Indira was a remarkably nurturing woman, and it takes a unique mindset to make such a sacrifice,” he said.
Udari Warnakulasuriya, Shyam Fernando, Dinara Punchihewa, Chandani Senaviratne, Somaratne Dissanayake, Swethaki Vadisinghe, Atula Weragoda, Yashoda Rasanduni, and Renuka Balasuriya are among the contributing actors to the film. Asu is a co-production by Amila Abeysundara and Sanjeewa Pushpakumara.
Asu features editing by Ajith Ramanayake and music composed by Ajith Kumarasiri and Namini Panchali. The costume design is by Ajantha Alahakoon, and art direction is handled by Poorna Jayashree.
In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya shared fond memories of her beloved sister, Indira Jayasuriya. Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is their loving father.
“The film Asu has been crafted based on the life story of my sister. It has been done in a very artistic manner. The film portrays a mother’s deep love for her children. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, which first appeared around 2008. She received the necessary treatment for it, and it was well-managed. However, when she was about to give birth to her second child, the cancer resurfaced,” she recalled.
“She made the difficult decision not to take cancer medicine during her pregnancy to protect her child. After the child was born, she resumed treatment, but by then, the cancer had already spread. She sadly passed away when the child was about a year old.
Her death and the way she fought cancer serve as an example to many. She faced the disease with a positive attitude, always wearing a smile. Her passing was peaceful and painless, with her loved ones by her side to support her during that difficult time,” she added.
Just days after Indira’s passing Dr. Lanka and her family led by their father Karu Jayasuriya established the Indira Cancer Trust to support other cancer patients in Sri Lanka.
“In memory of my sister, we have established a comprehensive care centre for cancer patients, providing all support for their well-being.
This project includes a Suva Arana care centre specifically designed for children affected by cancer. Here, these children can receive the care they need while living together as a supportive family, and all these services are provided free.
These initiatives were initiated by my father, and we continue this work in honour of my sister,” she said.
Cancer Trust
According to Dr. Lanka, the Indira Cancer Trust is not seeking donations through the film and merely aims to encourage other women suffering from the disease. “We are attempting to convey the message that cancer does not signify the end of life,” she stressed.
The movie Asu, inspired by the life story of Indira Jayasuriya, is scheduled to be premiered at the PVR Cinema Complex, One Galle Face, on October 11, with the participation of many distinguished guests. It is believed that the film Asu inspired by her story, which added immeasurable value to life, will inspire all those who see it.
Translated by Maneshka Borham
