All time cinema classics out on DVD

Two Sri Lankan films made de based on prolific writer Martin Wickremasinghe’s novels ‘Madol Doowa’ and ‘ Viragaya’ were recently released on DVD format by Torana Video Movies.

It is a treat that the two films which could be considered all time hits now can be watched at any time without any disturbance of an annoying advertisement that breaks the continuity and distracts film frames that the filmmakers created painstakingly adding artistic creativity.

Tissa Abeysekara’s ‘ Viragaya’ which is considered as one of the best films ever made by Sri Lanka is a landmark cinematic creation in the history of the country’s film industry.

Playing the protagonist’s role as Aravainda Sanath Gunatillake won the Best Actor in all major film festivals in 1987. Added to the stellar cast are Sriyani Amerasena and Sabeetha Perera.

Sri Lanka’s pioneer filmmaker Dr. Lester James Peries’ cinematic treatment to the ever popular children’s novel ‘Madol Doowa’ is considered as one of the evergreen hits of the country’s cinema industry. The film has been repeatedly telecast on television channels.

“I was so glad that we could release these two masterpieces based on Martin Wickremasinghe’s novels m made under the Torana l label,” said Kumara K Kothalawela speaking a about the release of the t two films in DVD format.

“We make it a point to g give priority to Sri Lankan c classic films when we r release films and I am r really grateful to Dr. Ranga Wickremasinghe, son of Martin Wickremasinghe who allowed us to release ‘Madol Doowa’ when we met him to seek permission for ‘ Viragaya’,” Kothalawela said.