Handaya

Handaya (Sinhala: හඳයා) is a 1979 Sri Lankan Sinhala black-n-white children's film directed and produced by Titus Thotawatte for Thotawatte Salaroo.[1] The film is cited as a legend in Sinhala cinema history.[2] It stars many child actors along with Henry Jayasena, J.H.Jayawardana and Pearl Wasudevi in lead roles along with U. Ariyavimal and Gemunu Wijesuriya.[3] Music composed by Somapala Rathnayake. It is the 434th Sri Lankan film in the Sinhala cinema.[4]

Handaya
හඳයා
Directed byTitus Thotawatte
Produced byTotawatte Salaroo
Written byTitus Thotawatte
Based onStory by Damith Totawatte
StarringHenry Jayasena
J.H. Jayawardena
U. Ariyavimal
Music bySomapala Rathnayake
CinematographyAndrew Jayamanne
Edited byTitus Thotawatte
Sujatha Thotawatte
Release date
16 November 1979
Running time
135 minutes
CountrySri Lanka
LanguageSinhala

The film received mainly positive reviews from critics and awarded in many local and international film festivals.[5][6] Handaya received 8.8 of ratings from IMDb database.[7]

Background

Before screening in film halls, the film was screened few times for children orphanages around the country. The premier screening of the film was celebrated on 2 November 1979 on 10am onward at the Savoy Cinema Hall with the presence of prime minister Ranasinghe Premadasa and lady Hema Premadasa. Film was released to public on 16 November 1979 on 6.30pm at Majestic Cinema with the presence of whole film crew. Film completed the showtime nearly for 150 days around 15 cinema halls of the fifth board.[5]

Television release

The film was telecasted on Rupavahini on every Saturday from 7 to 7.30pm as a six episode film.[8]

Plot

Cast
  • U. Ariyavimal as Yousuf Nana
  • Fantalian De Soysa as Thadi Piya
  • G.B. Ilangakoon as Doctor
  • Henry Jayasena as Mr. Perera
  • P.G. Jayawardana as Teacher
  • J.H. Jayawardena as Marshall
  • Jayalath Manoratne as Commentator
  • Karunaratne Abeysekera as Commentator
  • Ivoen Panditharathna as Judge
  • Rekha Samaratunga as Layisa
  • Pearl Wasudevi as Suzee Akka
  • Gamini Wickramanayake as Kota
  • Gemunu Wijesuriya as Abaran
  • Bandara K. Wijetunga as Double Kolama
  • Ranjith Yainna as Serpinu
  • Daya Alwis as Commentator box viewer

Child cast
  • Pradeep Roshan Fernando as Sena (Lead)
  • Kithsirimevan Jayasena as Sooppuwa (Lead)
  • Dharshana Panangala as Ukkuwa
  • Kasun Madurasingha as Chutte
  • Viranga Indunil Galpihilla as Sister
  • Sanjaya Abeygunawardana as Giya
  • Sunny Nawagaththegama as Jine
  • Shanthapriya de Silva as Sooppuwa's friend
  • Nimal Kingsly Wijesingha as Anta
  • Muditha Ranasingha as Bolaya
  • Ekiyan Bacho as Tommy

Songs
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Sihina Lowe Sita Aa Handaya"Sunil AriyaratneLalith Kumar Danchuwasekara, Kelum Wijesuriya, M. Mahingoda 
2."Kawuruda Kawuruda Dan Lokko"Arisen AhubuduLalith Kumar Danchuwasekara, Kelum Wijesuriya, M. Mahingoda 

Awards and accolades

Handaya is the first Sri Lankan film to be awarded at the Italy International Film Festival, which was won in 1980.[8]

  • Best Children's Film 1980 at Italy International Film Festival.
  • Special Jury Award for the Best Film at Presidential Award Ceremony.
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Best Director Award
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Producer
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Script
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Editor
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Cinematography
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Lyrics
  • 1980 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Supporting Actor
  • OCIC Award for the Creative Direction
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References
  1. "All about Handaya". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  2. "Innovative creations of Titus". Daily News. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  3. "Handaya - හඳයා". Sinhala Cinema Database. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  4. "Sri Lanka Cinema History". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  5. "Sinhala screened films". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  6. "Handaya A Film By Titus Thotawatte". Torana Video. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  7. "Handaya (1979)". IMDb. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  8. ""Handaya" back on screen". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 17 November 2017.


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