Jayantha Chandrasiri has garnered a cult following. Or at least is in the process of amassing one. Such was my sentiment when I had the privilege of immersing myself in his latest cinematic creation, Midunu Vishwaya (Frozen Cosmos).
Allow me to digress momentarily. Love is the quintessential force that binds humanity. It carries with it an immense responsibility for those who wield the power of artistry, as they can perpetuate this love. Hatred, on the other hand, has the potential to dismantle humanity just as an atomic bomb razes cities, as Nazism obliterated entire communities, or as the Coronavirus claimed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. Love, however, permits humanity to breathe and surpass mere survival. It enables us to revel in the very essence of our existence.
Now, how does Jayantha Chandrasiri fit into this grand tapestry? How does he distinguish himself from other filmmakers? While I cannot definitively attest to the box office success of his films, one thing remains certain: the Jayantha Chandrasiri movies are renowned for their limited edition quality. Whereas mainstream cinema often presents us with Mills and Boons-style fantasies, Jayantha’s movies unfurl a tapestry of romance that encompasses a myriad of dimensions.
I take the opportunity to explore two of his earlier movies, Samanala Sandvaniya (2013) and Gharasarapa (2018), and now complete the triune with his latest offering, Midunu Vishwaya (2023).
Tales of love, redemption, and transcendence
In Samanala Sandwaniya, we find Vadeesha Devaminda Wickramanayaka, a highly creative and sensitive young music student who embarks on a soul-searching journey after discovering a love letter written by Punya, a woman much older than him. Failing to deliver the letter, Vadeesha’s guilt and his mixed emotions of sympathy and love towards Punya inspire him to create a cathartic song. This composition, along with many others over two decades, propels him to become a renowned musician, yet his memories of Punya hinder his married life. After twenty long years, by a stroke of chance, Vadeesha finally crosses paths with Punya once again. In a moment of redemption, he returns the long-lost letter to its rightful owner. Yet, this reunion, while offering closure for Vadeesha, leaves Punya grappling with an overwhelming sense of emptiness in her own life.
In Gharasarapa, we find ourselves transported to the 1980s, where a fateful encounter unfolds between a Sinhala boy and a Tamil girl: Sandares and Vidya. Vidya is possessed by Kalu Kumaraya, a Sri Lankan folklore incarnation of the Incubus, and only Reverend Camilus Dabare can heal her. Kalu Kumaraya struggles to possess Vidya. But he cannot succeed in his demonic possession as the girl is already in love with Sandares. Their true love proves powerful enough to overcome the possession. After Vidya recovers, they part ways but exchange postal addresses, hinting at a future meeting. Later, due to the impending Sri Lankan Civil War, Vidya’s family is forced to relocate to Canada. Although she asks Sandares to marry her, his hesitation and her departure lead them on separate paths. Several years later, Vidya returns to Sri Lanka as a psychiatrist. Kalu Kumaraya fulfills his promise of reuniting Sandares and Vidya. However, the presence of the very Kalu Kumaraya threatens to disrupt Sandares’ stable married life, causing unexpected turmoil in their journey towards rediscovering their enduring love. Sandares’ wife falls under the possession of Kalu Kumaraya, as the demon takes advantage of the absence of Sandares’ true love to easily infiltrate her being. In a remarkable turn of events, Vidya, who once experienced the transformative power of Sandares’ true love when she faced the threat of demonic possession, now persuades Sandares to rekindle his love for his present wife, offering a potential remedy for her afflictions. This heartfelt endeavour seeks to harness the healing potential of genuine love and reunite long-lost friends in a quest to bring solace and well-being to the woman caught in the grip of her ailments.
And in Midunu Vishwaya, the captivating tale unfolds as Warenya, our protagonist, crosses paths with Sumadya, a remarkable student with the extraordinary ability to delve into a profound hypnotic trance. However, their connection takes an unexpected turn as Sumadya becomes a vessel for Rajini, a renowned actress from a bygone era. As their love transcends not only two lives but also two distinct periods in time, complications arise, adding layers of complexity to their blossoming relationship.
Transformative power across three cinematic journeys
In Samanala Sandwaniya, Chandrasiri delves into the intricacies of love and its transformative power. The story revolves around Vadeesha and Punya, whose connection is sparked by a love letter. Through their journey, the filmmaker emphasises the impact of missed opportunities and unspoken words, portraying the lasting effects of unresolved emotions. Chandrasiri demonstrates that love can be a catalyst for personal growth and healing, while also exploring the challenges and sacrifices that love often demands.
Moving on to Gharasarapa, Chandrasiri delves into the supernatural realm to explore the boundaries of love. The film intertwines elements of folklore and the paranormal, showcasing the love between Sandares and Vidya. By introducing Kalu Kumaraya, the filmmaker highlights the external forces that can threaten and disrupt a loving relationship. Chandrasiri skillfully weaves together themes of destiny, redemption, and the enduring power of true love, emphasising that love can transcend time and overcome formidable obstacles.
In Midunu Vishwaya, Chandrasiri takes a unique approach by incorporating elements of hypnosis and past lives. Through the characters of Warenya and Sumadya, the filmmaker explores the idea of love that transcends the boundaries of time and age. By channelling the spirit of Rajini, Chandrasiri delves into the complexities of love and affection, showcasing how connections can be forged across different lifetimes. The film highlights the intertwining of past and present, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. It emphasises the eternal nature of love and its ability to transcend conventional boundaries.
From the exploration of missed opportunities and unresolved emotions in Samanala Sandwaniya to the supernatural forces and enduring love in Gharasarapa, and the transcendent nature of love across lifetimes in Midunu Vishwaya, Chandrasiri skillfully crafts narratives that delve deep into the complexities of human relationships. His films challenge conventional notions of love, presenting it as a powerful and transformative force that can defy time, fate, and external influences.
Cultivated devotion
As we exit the theatre, we are enveloped in a shower of love emanating from the screen. The film becomes a profound meditation on the power of loving kindness, equipping us with the strength to navigate life’s intricate challenges. If only we were granted the opportunity to witness more works of this calibre, the world would undoubtedly become a better place.
Ajahn Brahm’s words echo in our minds: “When the weather is hot, keep a cool mind. When the weather is cold, keep a warm heart.”
These words remind us that only through acts of love and compassion can we maintain the equilibrium of a composed mind and a caring heart. Works of art, such as Chandrasiri’s, hold the responsibility of inspiring and motivating us, fragile souls, to embrace the transformative power of loving kindness.
My accountant friend, Waruna Sugathapala, possesses a meticulous taste when it comes to appreciating works of art. He is selective about the books he reads and the films he watches, making it a rarity for him to engage with just any piece of art. However, when I mentioned that I was heading to the theatre to savour Chandrasiri’s Frozen Cosmos, he expressed a genuine desire to experience it himself.
“You’re not really a movie enthusiast, are you?” I asked, taken aback by his keen interest.
“I am not, but I have made it a point to never miss any of Jayantha Chandrasiri’s movies.”
This response highlights the undeniable power and influence that Chandrasiri has acquired, forming a dedicated cult of enthusiasts. There exist connoisseurs who firmly believe in the artistic prowess of Chandrasiri. They recognise the impact his works have in nurturing a profound sense of love and connection.
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