Golu Hadawatha
Encyclopedia
Golu Hadawatha was a popular 1969
Sinhalese language romance film
directed by maestro Lester James Peiris. The film stars Wickrema Bogoda and Anula Karunathilake in the lead roles. Based on a novel by Karunasena Jayalath, its screenplay was written by Regi Siriwardena
. Music was by Premasiri Khemadasa
. The film is far in advance of its time and shows the touch of a master in the cinematography. The first half of the film depicts the story though the eyes of Sugath and the next half the audience see the story through the eyes of Dammi. The film departs from the normal recipe of Hero, heroine, villain, joker, songs, fights etc. and was regarded as one of the landmarks in Sri Lankan Cinema.
Indrani Wijebandara and Sisira Senaratne duo sang a duet "Aadarei mama Aadarei - Dhammi thavamath aadarei, Sugath thavamath aadarei", in which, the words were composed by Karunasena Jayalath, became quite a popular radio song after the movie but was not sung for the film, and not in it.
It was awarded the Best Film
, Best Director
and Best Actress
of the year at the prestigious Sarasaviya Awards Festival
. The film, which depicts the love affair between two school going teenagers, created a sensation among Sri Lankan film lovers, both young and old, and is considered a landmark in the history of Sri Lankan cinema
.
The original script was being written by Piyasiri Gunaratne
and Karunasena Jayalath. Before being finished, Piyasiri Gunaratna casually mentioned he was working on the script to Lester James Peiris. A few weeks later, the newspapers announced Lester James Peiris was about to shoot the film. It came out that Mr. Pieris took advantage of the situation, took over the script from Karunasena Jayalath and so de facto stole the script as well as the film from Piyasiri Gunaratne
.
Sugath, who has lost his parents when he was very young, has a brother who is attending university. He tells his brother, Sarath (Wijeratne Warakagoda) about his relationship with Dhammi.
On the day of the final exam, Dhammi tells Sugath that she only loved Sugath as a brother and not to keep any further hopes about her.
Sugath is heartbroken and comes home to meet Sarath. In the meantime, he passes his exams with flying colors and Sarath marries Champa (Sriyani Amarasena
), who is willing to accept Sugath as her own brother.
But Sugath is unable to forget Dhammi, and keeps thinking about her and begins to drink heavily to alleviate his pain. He also loses his job as a teacher and leaves the home he shares with his brother's family.
One day, Dhammi comes to meet Sugath and reveals the secret for her sudden change. She states that her family arranged her marriage to her cousin, Nihal, many years ago when Dhammi was very young. She tells Sugath that she loved him despite knowing that she would never have the chance to become his wife. She begs for forgiveness from him for playing with his feelings and asks him to change for her sake, and to return home.
1969 in film
The year 1969 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* Last year for prize giving at the Venice Film Festival until it is revived in 1980...
Sinhalese language romance film
Romance film
Romance films are love stories that focus on passion, emotion, and the affectionate involvement of the main characters and the journey that their love takes through courtship or marriage. Romance films make the love story or the search for love the main plot focus...
directed by maestro Lester James Peiris. The film stars Wickrema Bogoda and Anula Karunathilake in the lead roles. Based on a novel by Karunasena Jayalath, its screenplay was written by Regi Siriwardena
Regi Siriwardena
Regi Siriwardena was a Sri Lankan academic, journalist, poet, writer, playwright and writer of screenplays.- Early life & education :...
. Music was by Premasiri Khemadasa
Premasiri Khemadasa
Dr.Premasiri Khemadasa also known as "Khemadasa Master" is one of the most influential composers in Sri Lankan music. Exploring the various styles of music around the world Khemadasa endeavored to develop a unique style of music...
. The film is far in advance of its time and shows the touch of a master in the cinematography. The first half of the film depicts the story though the eyes of Sugath and the next half the audience see the story through the eyes of Dammi. The film departs from the normal recipe of Hero, heroine, villain, joker, songs, fights etc. and was regarded as one of the landmarks in Sri Lankan Cinema.
Indrani Wijebandara and Sisira Senaratne duo sang a duet "Aadarei mama Aadarei - Dhammi thavamath aadarei, Sugath thavamath aadarei", in which, the words were composed by Karunasena Jayalath, became quite a popular radio song after the movie but was not sung for the film, and not in it.
It was awarded the Best Film
Sarasaviya Best Film Award
The Sarasaviya Best Film Award is presented annually in Sri Lanka by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival for the best Sri Lankan movie of the year....
, Best Director
Sarasaviya Best Director Award
The Sarasaviya Best Director Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited as part of the Sarasaviya Awards Festival. It was first given in 1964....
and Best Actress
Sarasaviya Best Actress Award
The Sarasaviya Best Actress Award is presented annually by the weekly Sarasaviya newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited at the Sarasaviya Awards Festival.The award was first given in 1964...
of the year at the prestigious Sarasaviya Awards Festival
Sarasaviya Awards
Sarasaviya Awards are the most prestigious awards presented to distinguished individuals involved with the Sinhala cinema, each year by the Sarasaviya weekly newspaper in collaboration with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited , Sri Lanka in recognition of the contributions made by them to...
. The film, which depicts the love affair between two school going teenagers, created a sensation among Sri Lankan film lovers, both young and old, and is considered a landmark in the history of Sri Lankan cinema
Cinema of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cinema encompasses the films made in Sri Lanka. It is a fledgling industry that has struggled to find a footing since its inauguration in 1947 with Kadawunu Poronduwa produced by S.M.Nayagam of Chitra Kala Movietone.Sri Lankan films are usually made in the Sinhalese language, the...
.
The original script was being written by Piyasiri Gunaratne
Piyasiri Gunaratne
Piyasiri Gunaratna is a Sri Lankan director.Gunaratna studied film directing in Prague, Czechoslovakia at the Film Faculty and completed a master's degree before beginning work on film. His only film Mokada Une told the story of a single mother who becomes a prostitute after moving to the city...
and Karunasena Jayalath. Before being finished, Piyasiri Gunaratna casually mentioned he was working on the script to Lester James Peiris. A few weeks later, the newspapers announced Lester James Peiris was about to shoot the film. It came out that Mr. Pieris took advantage of the situation, took over the script from Karunasena Jayalath and so de facto stole the script as well as the film from Piyasiri Gunaratne
Piyasiri Gunaratne
Piyasiri Gunaratna is a Sri Lankan director.Gunaratna studied film directing in Prague, Czechoslovakia at the Film Faculty and completed a master's degree before beginning work on film. His only film Mokada Une told the story of a single mother who becomes a prostitute after moving to the city...
.
Plot
Damayanthi Kariyawasam (Dhammi) (Anula Karunathilake) is a mischievous school girl. Sugath Weerasekara (Wickrema Bogoda) is a shy and introverted boy who is new to Dhammi's school. He is quiet and gifted at schoolwrok. Dhammi is immediately attracted to him and they become friends. The friendship eventually develops in to a special relationship.Sugath, who has lost his parents when he was very young, has a brother who is attending university. He tells his brother, Sarath (Wijeratne Warakagoda) about his relationship with Dhammi.
On the day of the final exam, Dhammi tells Sugath that she only loved Sugath as a brother and not to keep any further hopes about her.
Sugath is heartbroken and comes home to meet Sarath. In the meantime, he passes his exams with flying colors and Sarath marries Champa (Sriyani Amarasena
Sriyani Amarasena
Sriyani Amarasena is a Sri Lankan actress and producer. Sriyani has appeared in several Lester James Peries' movies including Golu Hadawatha, Desa Nisa and Ahasin Polawata.-Career:...
), who is willing to accept Sugath as her own brother.
But Sugath is unable to forget Dhammi, and keeps thinking about her and begins to drink heavily to alleviate his pain. He also loses his job as a teacher and leaves the home he shares with his brother's family.
One day, Dhammi comes to meet Sugath and reveals the secret for her sudden change. She states that her family arranged her marriage to her cousin, Nihal, many years ago when Dhammi was very young. She tells Sugath that she loved him despite knowing that she would never have the chance to become his wife. She begs for forgiveness from him for playing with his feelings and asks him to change for her sake, and to return home.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Wickrema Bogoda | Sugath Weerasekera |
| Anula Karunatileke | Damayanthi |
| Wijeratne Warakagoda | Sarath |
| Sriyani Amarasena Sriyani Amarasena Sriyani Amarasena is a Sri Lankan actress and producer. Sriyani has appeared in several Lester James Peries' movies including Golu Hadawatha, Desa Nisa and Ahasin Polawata.-Career:... |
Champa |