IRREPLACEABLE TITUS TOTAWATTE

The 7th death anniversary of renowned filmmaker and television personality Titus Totawatte falls today, October 15. Titus Totawatte entered the film scene more than fifty years ago as an editor, but he proved his versatility and tried his hands on many spheres. During the last two decades in his life, he specialized in television dubbing programmes especially those catering to the children of this country. His last film ‘Handaya’ in 1979 is also considered to be one of the most significant children’s films ever made in this country. The veteran filmmaker, editor, scriptwriter and dubbing tycoon Titus Totawatte passed away at the age of 82 on October 15, 2011. Born in Borella on April 17, 1929 the award-winning genius entered films as an editor in Dr. Lester James Peries’ ‘Rekhawa’ in 1956 and followed it up as editor in several other cinematic masterpieces like Sandeshaya, Ranmuthu Duwa, Dheewarayo, Getawarayo, Sarawita, Chandiya, Parasathumal, Senasuma Kothenada, Punchi Baba, Hanthane Kathawa, Thewatha, Haralakse, Maruwa Samaga Wase and others including his last direction ‘Handaya’. Incidentally, Handaya was adjudged the best film at the International Film Festival for Children and Youth in Italy in 1980. ‘Handaya’ was the only black and white film shown at the festival among hundreds of other colour movies. Titus started winning awards from 1965 (Sarawita). From thereon he kept on bagging awards

Titus started winning awards from 1965 (S a rawita). From thereon he kept on bagging awards in various categories like direction, editing, screenplay writing and production.

in various categories like direction, editing, screenplay writing and production. He directed his first movie Chandiya in 1965 and followed it up with Kawuda Hari (1969), Thewatha (1970), Haralakse (1971), Sagarika (1974), Sihasuna (1974), Mangala (1976), Maruwa Samaga Wase (1977) and Handaya (1979) – while editing all his films. Besides directing tele dramas, short films and documentaries, Titus pioneered the dubbing of tele serials, especially world renowned creations which became instant hits among the small screen audiences. Ha Ha Hari Hawa, Pissu Pusa, Dosthara Honda Hitha, Oshin, Robin Hood were among the hundreds of such creations.