According to Mathew is an upcoming Sri Lankan English film directed by Chandran Rutnam. It is a romance, crime and thriller film based on the crimes of Father Mathew Pieris, Anglican priest of the Church of St Paul the Apostle, Kynsey Road, Colombo 10, who was convicted of the double murders of his wife (Eunice Pieris) and Russel Ingram, the husband of his lover in 1979.
The film stars Jacqueline Fernandez, a former Miss Sri Lanka Universe and Bollywood actress and Alston Koch. Directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam. Chandran Ratnam started his film career in 1956 as a 16-year old lad with the world famous and Oscar-winning Hollywood movie known as ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’. The veteran Sri Lankan film director and a producer who has contributed to movies such as Road From Elephant Pass, Sri Siddhartha Gauthama and The Common Man re-enters the limelight with a movie based on a controversial figure, Father Mathews. Titled ‘According to Mathews’, the film is billed to be released soon.
Q: Why have you chosen a historic event occurred in the 1970s?
A: I sensed strong emotion and sensation in the story. I felt that this can be a brilliant success only if we launch it as a motion picture. I have utilized the actual facts and the paper cuttings related to the legal documents and the judgment. Before working on the script, I met individuals associated with the priest of the subject. They are still alive and in sound health. I am grateful to them for the exclusive support and assistance given.
Q: You claim to have met Father Mathews in person during his jail term in Welikada Prison. How would you assess that experience?
A: It was a random occurrence. I was in the middle of a foreign motion picture. We had to shoot some of the scenes in Welikada Prison. I was busy when somebody suddenly came behind and patted on my shoulder. I turned back to see Father Mathew. He was attired in the prisoner’s clothing. He had a large Cross and a Bible in his hand. I had known him long before his sentence because I used to frequent his church in Borella as a Catholic. Over our conversation, he suddenly asked me why I would not make a film on his case. I agreed and questioned as to who could play his character. He suggested Gamini Fonseka. He was not pleased with my choice.
Then he said that the role should be played by himself as no other actor could possibly do any justice to his character. He wanted to prove his innocence. I declined that request with a laugh. There is not much of a story plot to make if he is innocent. I said that to his face and earned his ire. His choler was too much that he said he is a scorpion who would bite the enemies acting against him. I got scared at that point and left the place. I knew well that he was an expert in black magic.
This happened 25 years ago. The Court of Appeal issued a verdict to convert his death sentence into a life-imprisonment. Following some time in prison, he got released in 1997. Father Mathews died under strange circumstances following one year of the freedom.
Q: Filmmaker aside, how do you personally view this controversial figure?
A: He was a Commander. Father Mathew enjoyed immersive commanding power over so many people in civilian life as well as inmates at the Welikada prison. I took part in several religious functions held in the Catholic Church in Borella in the late 70s. The functions were held under the patronage of Father Mathew.
I had a closer look at his activities. I observed good as well as bad qualities. He was not someone scared of anything or anyone.
If anyone is ever going to make a film on his character, I think I must be in the best position. I personally know him. I remember him sending a child for medical treatments in the USA by his own money. He had such humdinger qualities.
Q: You made reference to the people associated with Father Mathews. He is a revered figure, though later given into many controversies. How did his associates, especially the close relatives, respond to your work?
A: While the film was still being shot, his associates continued to come and expose many interesting narratives related to his life. Well, if I really went ahead with those narratives I will certainly end up with an R-rated movie. On the other hand, I had to face influence coming from the Anglican Church and the relatives from the Dalrin Ingram (Father Mathew’s paramour). I did not get permission to shoot the scenes in certain church premises. We had to create a set and a church in a bare land. I am a Catholic. But I do not regret any wrongdoing.
Q: You are a Catholic. Yet you have made a film on a Catholic Priest with a negative implication. How can you justify your actions?
A: Suppose a police officer wants to search your house. But he does not have a warrant. Will you let him in simply because he is donned in a uniform? The answer is clear. Likewise, most people hide behind ceremonial robes to execute crimes. It could be anyone, a Buddhist monk, a Catholic priest, or any other religious dignitary. But we cannot accept it when people execute crimes hiding behind authoritative robes.
Q: You have contributed to the cinema in various ways. Where do you place ‘According to Mathews’ among your other works?
A: This is based on a true incident. It happened in the 1970s. So I think this could be my best movie.
I did not make this film particularly to the Sri Lankan audience. I had the western world, especially Hollywood, in my mind. It’s a US-collaborated production.
The movie is currently available in English. There will be a Sinhala version soon.
Q: Do you mean to keep your film on par with Hollywood quality?
A: Yes. I strongly believe so.
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