Titus Totawatte

Excelled as filmmaker, editor, scriptwriter and dubbing tycoon

The 92nd birth anniversary of renowned filmmaker and television personality Titus Totawatte fell on April 17.

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 past two decades, he specialized in television dubbing programmes especially those catering to the children of this country.

His last film ‘Handaya’ in 1979 is also regarded as one of the most significant children’s films ever made in this country.

The veteran filmmaker, editor, scriptwriter and dubbing tycoon passed away at the age of 82 on October 15, 2011.

Titus started winning awards from 1965 (Sarawita). From thereon he kept on bagging awards 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.