Hemal Ranasinghe in the film: Unorthodox methods of teaching a school of children
The film was screened by University of Kelaniya Alumni Association of Canada in aid of its Scholarship Fund assisting deserving students at Kelaniya University. Last year 18 scholarships were offered.
Reviewed by Liyanage Adrian Peries
Thaalais a recent movie, directed by Palitha Perera and starring Dr. Jayalath Manorathne, Hemal Ranasinghe, and Kaushalya Fernando.
The story centers around the appointment of a new teacher to a rural village school, fallen upon hard times where the teachers are increasingly looking to move away towards careers with better prospects. The movie moreover smartly places its focus on the children; who are portrayed as nothing but ragamuffins in the beginning, allowed to run wild and with free rein without heed to their education, and are ultimately transformed in the end to students whose lives were changed for the better due to the actions of Hemal Ranasinghe’s Asela.
There is also a subplot involving a wealthy businessman who aims to build a road that would demolish the school in the process; however, this subplot remains unrealized in favour of the bigger picture, being the education of the children.
Watching this movie in a theatre is an incredible experience, thanks to the spectacular cinematography that it utilizes to properly showcase the Sri Lankan countryside. Wide, sweeping and overhead shots of mountains, lakes and rural footpaths winding adjacent to a scenic lotus-pad covered lake are just few of the sights to behold when experiencing this movie.
In short, the cinematography of Thaala is displayed not just with a sense of scope but out of a genuine love and appreciation. Nevertheless, beneath all the beauty and the wonderment of the forest, lake and community the movie does not fail in recognizing the hardships of a rural life.
There is a present trend in this age of internet and social media to idealize the rural life and a life highlighted by simplicity. However, Thaala portrays that while a simple rural life seems ideal, it is one that is marked by sheer hardship and struggle. This is no life that allows the average family to spend their time gazing at a peaceful lake seated atop a sun-kissed rock; instead, it is a life of unpredictability and frugality.
The movie’s portrayal of the school as lacking in various educational implements, even down to the point of showcasing how some students lack a basic uniform is an example in this regard. Moreover, beneath the ideal and peaceful-looking village atmosphere the movie portrays the existence of petty politics and superstition, which are thwarted in hilarious fashion by the movie’s portrayal of the children.
‘Thaala’s optimistic outlook on the nature of change emanating from the passion and dedication of a single individual is just such an ointment that a nation and culture reeling from the psychological shock of recent events requires’
The children’s joys are a sight to behold, and their antics ranging from the dangerous such as climbing tall trees and swimming across lakes to making animal noises in class and playing truant are captured faithfully. In short, the movie represents childhood innocence in realistic and remarkable form.
While the movie centers around the actions of Hemal Ranasinghe’s character and his admittedly unorthodox methods of teaching a school of children, standout performances from Jayalath Manorathne and Kaushalya Fernando solidify the perception of the school as a real entity.
In many an instance, personally speaking, I could not tell the difference between Fernando’s figure of Amarawathi as a teacher figure and her mannerisms that echo those of any educator of a Sri Lankan government school. Although Fernando’s Amarawathi is represented as the traditional foil to Ranasinghe’s Asela who attempts to invent new methods of education, Amarawathi represents the true heart and soul of a teacher that genuinely attempts in educating the future of a nation.
Manorathne in turn captures the sheer frustration and burden of a school principal who is besotted by issues such as teachers fleeing his school and lack of basic equipment to nefarious businessmen who seek to subvert the daily activities of his school.
One criticism of the movie remains in the form of the aforementioned businesspeople who are framed as the villainous figures of the movie; however, their character arcs are not fully explored in a satisfactory manner, instead of being sacrificed as cut-and-dry figures who remain a threat to the continued existence of this rural village school. This is but a minor criticism that does not deter in the overall experience of the movie. The movie’s staunch realism overall is a welcome change, but by far, Thaala’s biggest achievement is its simplicity.
Thaala’s simple premise is its strongest suite. The movie does not relish in complex, interweaving and often tedious romantic arcs that have become a staple of cinema of late. It chooses to instead focus on the children’s lives and how one individual’s passion is enough to rekindle the fires of education through invention. It shows that it only requires the passion and hard work of one over the indifference and apathy of the many to make a difference in a society no matter how big or small.
The songs are also incorporated within this movie excellently; but perhaps the movie’s strongest impact is on the mindset of every Sri Lankan individual watching this movie during this period of time.
Following the Easter attacks of this year, the pall of terrorism had once again reopened old wounds of the Sri Lankan populace; and amidst all the sadness and uncertainty this movie offers a glimmer of hope that all will be made well eventually.
Its optimistic outlook on the nature of change emanating from the passion and dedication of a single individual is just such an ointment that a nation and culture reeling from the psychological shock of recent events requires.
The movie itself stands as a hopeful reminder to all Sri Lankans that politics and superstition are no equal to the person who is willing to make a difference in his community using his talents.
The culmination of the movie’s plot is a celebration of culture and passion that is sorely needed, going forward in a society that is forever changed.
Sri Lankan-born Liyanage Adrian Peries is studying English Literature at the University of Toronto. He describes himself as lover of literature and history. Writer of poetry and searcher of stories. He is a grandson of late comedian Annesley Dias of ‘Vinoda Samaya’ fame.
