Thun Man Handiya movie (Sinhala for Three Way Junction) is a 1970 dramatic film made by Sri Lankan artist Mahagama Sekera. It is autobiographical and recounts Sekera's childhood though the character of Sirisena.
Plot
The film is set in a small village and follows progression in painter Abilin's (Joe Abeywickrema) life through the eyes of his nephew Sirisena (Kumara Balasooriya, Karunarathna Ranasinghe). Abilin is an alcoholic and drifts through his life in debt and without focus. After getting into arguments with other villagers and his own brother (Dharmadasa Kuruppu), Abilin decides to take a job with a rich landowner (A. P. Gunarathna).
Sirisena then goes to art college inspired by his uncle. He develops his art skill there and dreams of showing his talent to Abilin. Abilin's situation, however, deteriorates due to alcoholism, juxtaposing serenely with Sirisena's foray into art in the city.
Cast
Joe Abeywickrama as Abilin Singho 'Mama'
Kumara Balasooriya as Adolescent Sirisena
Karunaratne Ranasinghe as Young Sirisena
Shanthi Lekha as Sirisena's Amma
Dharmadasa Kuruppu as Podi Mama
Denawaka Hamine as Sirisena's Achchi
D. A. Balasuriya as Sirisena's Thaththa
A. P. Gunaratne as Ralahamy
Gemunu Wijesuriya as Aisey
Somasiri Dehipitiya as Jamis
Swarna Mallawarachchi as Yasawathie
Srimathi B. Lekamge as Doctor
Chandra Kaluarachchi as Sophie
Chandrapala Wijesooriya as Podi Mahaththaya
Soma Bopitiya as Hamine
Geethani Wickramasinghe as Sudu Menike
Sunil Jayaweera as Art Teacher
Karunarathna Ranawaka as Napo Singho
Dharmasena Athukorala as Jayasinghe Teacher
Wijeratne Warakagoda as Nadagam performer
D. S. Karunarathna as Varliyanu
W. D. Amaradeva as Harmonium player
Music
W. D. Amaradeva composed the music for the film and sang the song "Atheethayen Ganga." Wijerathna Warakagoda sings "Yannem Dakna Se Ma." Both were written by Mahagama Sekera with music by Amaradeva.
Awards and nominations
1971 - The Most Promising Director - The Awards Festival of the Film Critics and Journalists of Ceylon in 1970 - 1971. Awarded to Director, Mahagama Sekera.
1972 - Diploma Certificate - Symposium of Young Cinematographers of Africa, Asia, and Latin America at the 17th International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia. Awarded to Director, Mahagama Sekera.
1972 - Diploma Certificate - Committee for Afro-Asian Solidarity of the USSR, The Tashkent International Film Festival. Awarded to Director, Mahagama Sekera.
1980 - Mahagama Sekera was awarded for the Most Outstanding Film Creation of the Decade of 1970 at the OCIC [Office Catholique Internationale du Cinema] Salutation Festival held in 1980.
1997 - Mahagama Sekera was awarded the Golden Jubilee Award from the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Thung Mang Handiya was rated among the ten best cinematic creations of the Sri Lankan Cinema.
References
1970 films
Films set in Sri Lanka (1948–present) 1970 drama films Sri Lankan drama films