Rerun of the Cowboys

The 70s decade aka the golden era of Sinhala cinema saw enthusiastic film directors making films of diverse genres.

Whilst art house films were made by a handful of veterans in this period, an array of comedy films too were made by a set of experienced directors that attracted the masses.

Each of these films enjoyed a healthy market share.

‘Kolamba Sanniya’ a comedy film directed by Manik Sandrasagara of Seetha Devi fame grabbed the attention of filmgoers overnight to become a box office film. The film was screened in 1976.

The story of Kolamba Sanniya revolves around some village folk lead by Andiris (played by Joe Abeywickrama) who move to Colombo after winning a massive amount of money from a lottery ticket.

Jakolis being the close associate of Andiris in the cinema was none other than the comedy king of Sinhala cinema, Eddie Jayamanne. Deneweka Hamine, Freddie Silva and young Geetha Kumarasinghe breathed life to other characters.

The film also cast a different character called Nirwasthara Mahaththaya who is hired by Colombo bound Andiris to teach his team the etiquettes practiced by Colombo 7 people.

Andiris and Jakolis sending the next-door foreign lady, a pumpkin wrapped in toilet paper was so amusing. The song Dum Barabaage in the film too thrilled the audiences.

A remake of Kolamba Sanniya directed by Harsha Udakanda is now being screened as ‘Kolamba Sanniya Returns’.

The original screenplay has been subtly changed by Harsha to add value to the storyline. New changes brought in to the story make it more contemporary.

Seasoned actor Sarath Kothalawala plays the role of Andiris in ‘Kolamba Sanniya Returns’. Other characters are played by Meneka Maduwanthi, Rajitha Hiran, Sanett Dikkumbura, D B Gangodatenna, Kumuduni Adikarai and Rasika Nimali Delwala.

Sarath Kothalawala remarkably does justice to Andiris’s character to remind filmgoers of Joe Abeywickrama’s original performance in the 1976 film. Meneka Maduwanthi harmonizes her character so well with that of Sarath Kothalawala.

Kolamba Sanniya Returns is co-produced by Sahan Abeywardene, Shermal Dilshan and Dineth. Camera is handled by Janith Gunesekera. Music scores are done by Gayan Udawatte.