SANKARA - Review previously posted in Sydneysrilankan blog in 2008

SANKARA Written by Lalith Mallawarachchi Sunday, 06 July 2008 11:54 

As it was evident by some comments from the viewers which were posted here few days ago, last Sunday (29 June) some of us in Sydney had that rare opportunity of a cinematic experience of high quality, at the screening of Sinhala Movie 'Sankara' directed by the young film maker Prasanna Jayakody. This, in no doubt, is the first effort by a filmmaker of any calibre to explore the depths of Buddhist philosophy with an insight to the susceptibility of human mind, which is far from 'Nirvana', 

Sankara in Pali is the fourth and decisive of five clinging aggregates (pancha upadana skanda) defined by Lord Buddha, form (Rupa), feeling (vedana), perception (Sanna) , mental formation (Sankara), Consciousness (Vinnana}, as those which cause Dukka or suffering, accompanying us through this eternal samsara. The film depicts this 'dharma' through the exposition of the internal struggle of the young Buddhist monk, Ananda, who is engaged in restoring some priceless Buddhist murals in an ancient temple. It explores the monks efforts to discipline his mind, which is constantly, agitated in the presence of a village damsel. Presanna, cleverly uses a separate character to portray the alienated mind of this young monk to elucidate this occurrence, a technique used elsewhere by master film makers. It is noteworthy how the director articulates the girl's presence cinematically, in many different forms (or Rupa), such as through her physical presence, her hair pin (visual) and her voice/laugh, tinkle of her bangles, (Audible). 

Sankara, was an audiovisual experience of high quality, both in form and content, with excellent photography, natural sound and meaningful music blended skilfully to take us through a memorable cinematic journey. With dialogues at its minimum, the film converses through colour, form, light and sound, displaying skills of a master filmmaker in making. Sadly though, the film has failed to attract much audience, however not surprisingly, for a film of this nature beyond a stereotype storey line with a beginning, middle and end, with songs, familiar to many filmgoers. As much as Presanna Jayakody, the young director, the producers of the film need to be congratulated for the taking up the challenge in making this outstanding movie.