Having studied at Ananda College, Colombo, he left for Australia for his higher education. He carried with him many gifts from his alma mater, Ananda College. Among these gifts were cinema and literature. He was a prominent student in the literary section of Ananda College at that time. He illuminated the literary society by writing poems and short stories.
“My most beautiful song in cinema… ‘’Guru Geethaya’’”
He also had an immense love for cinema. This was nurtured by his grandfather Ambangoda Heren De Silva, who owned a cinema hall. Heren ‘s influence sparked a strong desire in him to learn about cinema. As a result, he became a film producer. He is Dr. Arosha Fernando.
Having produced 17 films so far, Dr. Arosha has made a significant contribution to the Sri Lankan film industry. Recently, he released his most outstanding cinematic work. It is the film “Guru Geethaya,” based on the Russian writer Chingiz Aitmatov’s literary work “The First Teacher.”
When there are plenty of suitable themes within the Sri Lankan context for cinema, why did you choose a story from Russia?
Guru Geethaya” by Chingiz Aitmatov is a valuable gift from world literature. The deep philosophical essence that flows delicately throughout the story is truly remarkable. Moreover, there is hardly anyone who hasn’t read this story. I even know people who have read this book more than a hundred times, yet it never feels enough. That’s how beautiful this literary work is.
That’s why I felt that this incredible Russian masterpiece deserved to be brought to life through cinema.
Some people say that this was a deal you made with Russia.?
That is completely untrue. I am not someone who makes deals with anyone. People have a habit of creating stories whenever something good is done, so I don’t pay attention to such things.
The only ‘deal’ I had while making this film was with the great writer Chingiz Aitmatov’s The first teacher. Other than that, I have no deal with Russia.
Are you saying that you didn’t receive a single cent from Russia?
Honestly, yes. This entire film was funded solely by my personal wealth, which I earned through hard work and dedication.
Alright. The latest trend in Sinhala cinema today is bringing Sri Lanka’s historical themes to the big screen. Why did you step away from that and choose to adapt Guru Geethaya instead? Was it because you couldn’t find a good historical story?
I have produced 17 films so far. Some of them are themed around social and political issues, while others are comedies. However, I have never produced a historical royal-themed film.
I believe that these historical royal stories fall into the category of documentary-style films. At present, audiences have started to reject films of this genre.
Adapting a classic creation like Guru Geethaya to cinema is not an easy task. It requires an exceptionally skilled director, talented actors, and a dedicated, capable crew. How did you face this challenge?
That’s a very good question. I had no intention of making ‘Guru Geethaya’ into a film at all. It was the National Film Corporation that introduced me to film director Upali Gamlath. Upali had already started the work of bringing ‘Guru Geethaya’ to the screen. Upali asked me, ‘Doctor, shall we do this project?’ I agreed. But the work was not easy. The main shooting location of the film was at the highest point of the Himalayas, requiring us to trek about ninety kilometers up a mountain. We carried the camera equipment and other supplies on the backs of donkeys. This journey took ten days. One day, a huge blizzard came. The place where we were staying was covered in snow. Many people thought it was the end of their lives. The people of that area came and helped us. We were so scared that a third of the team was ready to abandon the project and return.
The next difficulty we faced was that when we reached the highest point of the location, our cook fell ill. Then there was no one to cook. Upali and the lead actor Roshan Ravindra cooked together. They filmed during the day and cooked at night. About ninety percent of the way through this extremely difficult journey, we were about to turn back. That’s when Roshan said, ‘We all came to Nepal knowing this would be difficult, so even if no one else comes, I will come with Upali.’ Therefore, the success of ‘Guru Geethaya’ should be attributed to Upali for the most part.
Meeting Upali Gamalath was by chance. If you had met a different director instead of Upali, what would have happened to Guru Geethaya?
If I had met a different director, there would be no Guru Geethaya. Everything would have failed. I firmly believe that. Upali’s innate talent, his extraordinary dedication, and his immense patience were truly remarkable. He possessed all the qualities one would expect in a top-tier director.
Because of the challenges we faced, there were some delicate moments we couldn’t capture for the film. Upali, quietly, at his own expense, traveled back to India and re-shot those scenes to ensure the film had the highest possible quality. That’s why I say Upali is an exceptional director.”
The film is currently being shown in theaters, right? How has the public reacted to it?
Yes, the film is currently being shown in about fifty theaters. The public’s response has been incredibly positive. The moment of the premiere, I knew the film would be successful. A larger crowd attended than the one I had invited. Among them were both artists and politicians. I carefully observed their reactions. To be honest, many didn’t even notice the interval, and some were in tears. It was a deeply emotional experience, and the story truly resonated with them.
Because more people showed up than expected, many had to watch the film while seated on the floor. Among them was a politician watching the film from the floor. At the end of the film, I apologized to him for the situation.
Who was the politician who watched the film from the floor? I heard that a politician cried while watching the film?
Actually, both of those things were done by the same person – the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Lal Kantha, the Honorable Minister.
Isn’t it the first time in Sri Lankan history that a minister watched a film from the floor?
Indeed, it is. Especially for a minister like Lal Kantha to have tears in his eyes is the best proof of the emotional depth of the film. He told me that he cried more than ten times.
Guru Geethaya is truly a monumental cinematic work. How much time did it take for you to complete the film?
It took exactly three years to complete. However, it took twelve years to finally get the film ready for release.
It took three years to finish the film, and twelve years for the film to be released? What’s the story behind that? Your answer is unclear to me?
We are talking about the rice mafia, the pharmaceutical mafia, and various other types of mafias today. But when it comes to a film’s release, no one knows about the mafia behind it. I know some producers who have retired from cinema due to this dangerous mafia. So, how do we develop cinema? I discussed this with the relevant Minister. He promised to take action to eliminate this mafia.
At this point, the National Film Corporation needs to be regulated. Honestly, I kept Guru Geethaya in the due queue to the policies I protected.
Are you saying that you asked for a bribe to take your Guru Geethaya out of the queue?
Indeed, I have received countless influences. No matter what influences came, I never changed my principles.
Are you responsibly saying that you asked for bribe?
Yes, asked for a bribe. As I mentioned earlier, some producers have even lost their homes and doors due to this terrible monopoly. Those who are responsible must act immediately to eliminate this monopoly. It is because the current government has come into power that the teacher’s song can now be displayed.
Are you saying that if the current government did not come to power, the Guru Geetha will still be in the queue?
Yes, you are right. If the current government hadn’t helped, the teacher’s song would have been locked away for another twelve years. It is through the intervention of the current president that we were able to bring the teacher’s song to the public.
If you are someone who has produced seventeen films, how is the income…must have earned well, right?”
Yes, I have produced seventeen films, but the majority of them were losses. The income from the films that did make a profit was reinvested back into making more films. I haven’t earned money from cinema, I love cinema and that love cannot be measured in money.
I’ve heard that with the release of the film adaptation of ‘Guru Geethaya,’ the book has started selling in large numbers. I think through this film you have also encouraged people to read.?
Indeed, that’s true… ‘Guru Geethaya’ is currently the most widely read book in Sri Lanka. I am very happy about the fact that with the release of the ‘Guru Geethaya’ film, the new generation is encouraged to read this book. It is a great joy to see the new generation, who are addicted to mobile phones, moving away from them even for a short while and reading a book.
It can be seen that a large number of viewers are gathering at cinemas to watch the film ‘Guru Geethaya’… After a long time, the audience has had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, exemplary, and emotional story. What is your opinion?
As I mentioned earlier, this film conveys a subtle, deep message to the audience, which is to complete any task you start, until the very end. This message is very valuable to the Sri Lankan people. Also, ‘Guru Geethaya’ has a huge demand right now. I am currently working to meet that demand. I humbly request the audience to come and watch this valuable cinematic creation, and try to take something from it for their lives.
You are a permanent resident of Australia… Even though you have the ability to live a luxurious life in that country by investing this money in some other business, why did you decide to come to Sri Lanka and spend money on films?
Actually, I have dual citizenship. I have traveled to many countries around the world, including Europe, but I have not yet found a country as beautiful, wonderful, and free as Sri Lanka. I have unlimited love for Sri Lanka. That is why I spend every cent I earn for my country and for the cinema that I love. Indeed, the value of our country is felt when we go to another country. Until then, no one appreciates our country.
Tell me one last thing… Why didn’t you turn to film direction? Even though you have the knowledge and ability, why do you stick to film production? That’s a question for some people.?
If needed, I have the ability to direct films as well. But there are more talented people than me for that job. I prefer to give them that opportunity and stay in the role of film production. The most essential person for the film industry is the producer.
