Malaka Devapriya’s film ‘Bahuchithawadiya’ offers a poignant and unsettling psychological portrait, particularly through its central character, Sasitha. From a psychological counsellor’s vantage point, the film is not merely a narrative but a series of interconnected case studies, expertly woven together to reflect prevalent societal dynamics, especially within Sri Lankan society. Devapriya’s ability to show multiple “true stories” linked by one individual is truly remarkable.
Sasitha: The manifestation of disordered seeking
Sasitha embodies a complex psychological profile, a man adrift, seemingly unable to discern what is genuinely beneficial for himself, perpetually undecided, and desperately seeking financial and job opportunities from virtually everyone he encounters. This relentless, almost compulsive pursuit of external validation and material gain often leads him down paths that are ultimately unfulfilling and ethically questionable.
From a clinical lens, Sasitha’s behaviour could be indicative of underlying issues, potentially touching upon traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). His constant search for opportunities and his use of relationships might stem from a fragile ego and a pervasive need for external admiration, rather than a genuine sense of self-worth. His difficulty in committing and forming deep bonds, coupled with his exploitative approach to women, aligns with the lack of empathy and superficiality often seen in NPD.
Alternatively, his patterns could be rooted in an avoidant attachment style, developed from early life experiences. This style often manifests as a deep discomfort with true intimacy and vulnerability, leading to a preference for casual, uncommitted relationships. The “womanizing” becomes a mechanism to avoid emotional closeness, while still seeking attention and validation.
His inability to be “in love” with any of the women he sleeps with strongly supports this lack of genuine emotional connection. He appears to be constantly looking for an external “fix” – be it financial, occupational, or sexual – rather than addressing an internal void or developing a coherent sense of self and purpose.
Sasitha’s unfocusedness: A symptom of systemic neglect
Sasitha’s perpetual state of being undecided and his frantic, almost desperate, search for opportunities from every acquaintance can be profoundly linked to a crucial omission in his formative years. The Sri Lankan education system, for too long, has overlooked the critical importance of compulsory career guidance.
Imagine a young Sasitha, navigating the demanding academic structure of schools, but without any meaningful exposure to diverse career paths, self-assessment tools, or structured guidance on how to translate his talents or interests into a viable future. Without this foundational support, students often emerge from school with academic qualifications but without a clear sense of purpose, direction, or understanding of their own aptitudes and passions.
They are, in essence, launched into the complex professional world without a compass.
This educational void directly contributes to Sasitha’s adult predicament:
* Absence of self-awareness: Without guidance to explore his own strengths, weaknesses, and genuine interests, Sasitha never truly develops a strong sense of what he is good at, or what he truly desires from a career.
* Indecisiveness: Lacking a solid internal framework of goals and values, he becomes highly susceptible to external suggestions and perceived “quick wins,” leading to a perpetual state of indecision and a reactive rather than proactive approach to life.
* Desperate opportunism: When genuine career paths are unclear, and self-direction is absent, individuals such as Sasitha resort to grasping at any perceived opportunity, no matter how ill-suited or ethically dubious. His frantic pursuit of financial and job opportunities from everyone he meets is a direct consequence of this underlying lack of self-identified purpose and a well-defined career trajectory. He’s not pursuing a chosen path; he’s merely chasing the next available chance, hoping it will lead somewhere, anywhere.
This desperate opportunism, combined with the lack of ethical grounding, subtly echoes and contributes to a darker facet of Sri Lankan society: the henchman formation in the political culture. In a landscape where formal avenues for career advancement can be limited or meritocracy is undermined, individuals like Sasitha, perpetually seeking leverage and quick gains, become prime candidates for attachment to powerful political figures or local strongmen.
Their willingness to act as informal agents, to leverage personal connections for patronage, or to engage in ethically ambiguous activities to secure opportunities, mirrors the dynamics of “henchman” roles.
This isn’t necessarily about direct violence, but about being a foot soldier in an informal network of influence, where loyalty (or perceived loyalty) and transactional favours supersede formal qualifications or ethical conduct.
Sasitha’s story, therefore, isn’t just about personal failings but about how a society’s systemic deficiencies can inadvertently nurture individuals susceptible to perpetuating its more problematic political and social structures.
The women
The women Sasitha encounters are equally compelling from a counselling perspective, often becoming casualties of his opportunistic existence.
* Kanthi and Nirmala (in Dubai): These two women are particularly poignant counselling cases. They are both genuinely looking for marriage, a deeply significant commitment, only to be deceived by Sasitha’s calculated pursuit of Dubai connections and expensive gifts (phone, motorbike, laptop). Their dreams of a stable future are exploited for his material gain, leaving them vulnerable to significant emotional distress, betrayal, and a shattered sense of trust. Their experiences highlight the pervasive issue of individuals, especially women, being financially and emotionally exploited under the guise of romantic intentions.
(To be continued)
