“Machang” an anecdote of triumph

Even though I’m Sinhalese I must confess that the number of sinhala movies I watch compared to English is seldom. The reason being there is less Sinhala movies on the shelves of DVD stores and even less movies in theaters. Out of the ones shown in theaters there is only very few which make a spark of desire to go there and spend few hours and extra bucks.

As you may all aware by now (or you will be after reading this!) there is a movie now showing in theaters in Sri Lanka called “MACHANG”. I watched it an hour back at Regal Cinema (which is a poorly facilitated theater compared to the big English movie showing theaters in Colombo). Despite the conditions of the theater and its location (Which I have experienced before) I took the gruesome decision of actually showing in there yet again because I felt that “MACHANG” is worth the risk.

And just as I expected the movie was worth every rupee I spend on it including the most precious time & petrol!!!!!

The first good thing about “MACHANG” carries the tag ‘based on a true story’ which is very rare in sinhala cinema. And even it’s a true story the passion to make it screen worthy is even rare. This story is not magic or sci fic or extra thrilling. Yet it speaks to a deep corner of our hearts and minds which are day by day becoming polluted by influences which flows in from the so called western societies and our own mulish media.

“MACHANG” is based on little over a dozen individuals who belong to different races who live in the city of Colombo with problems, dreams, responsibilities just like we all have. Yet they have one dream in common. That is leaving SL and start a fresh and new life in Europe. Which in this case they choose Germany. “MACHANG” is the remarkable story of courage of these individuals who choose an illegitimate technique to slip in to Germany as Handball players in 2004!!! Starting from the first set of scenes to the end of it it’s a journey “MACHANG” keeps the viewer wondering what would be the next move of this gang. How will they jump over the next hurdle which they face? Are they really up for this kind of risky plan? Do they have the knowledge to behave as they should be and will they have the mindset to escape the unexpected?

Apart from the script “MACHANG” is a worthwhile movie to watch in the making. When I sat in the theater I thought I will see lots of Europe in “MACHANG” and some similarities to “Mille Soya”. But to my amazement “MACHANG” is packed with breathtaking sceneries of unseen Colombo. Life’s that we see on the road everyday unfolded in a true cinematic style giving a meaning and depth to Sri Lankan culture, life styles and its beliefs. Further more it plants a small seed in our minds without our knowledge that our mother land is great and its cultures and sports are great and so do its people.

“MACHANG” is packed with a large yet unforgettable cast and unseen humor than most of the sinhala movies. For some “MACHANG” can be a comedy and for some it can be another well told story of life. For me it’s a mix both worlds. And a true celluloid expression which will last in my mind for many years to come. My sincere wish is that Sri Lankan cinema to be blessed with more of such movies which breaks the boundaries of cinema and minds of the viewers.