Manikkawatha

"Manikkawatha" (Sinhala: මාණික්කාවත) is a remarkable 2021 Sri Lankan drama serial that graced the screens of Independent Television Network. Directed by Sudath Rohana, the series is a live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Mahinda Prasad Masimbula. Produced by Fahim Maujud and featuring music direction by Navaratne Gamage, "Manikkawatha" boasts a talented cast and crew that has brought this narrative to life in a captivating manner. The narrative of "Manikkawatha" revolves around five central characters, namely "Ketihami," "Pichchi," "Gunadari," "Tilakaratne," and "Senehalatha," who reside in the picturesque Ratnapura area of the Sabaragamuwa Province. Ketihami embodies the quintessential villager, living a simple life in harmony with nature. Pichchi is the ideal village woman and Ketihami's wife, who has a haunting past as she was raped by a man in the palace before her entanglement with Ketihami. Their firstborn, Gunadari, is a resilient character who faces life with remarkable courage, despite being disabled. She lost her eyesight during childhood due to a leopard bite but, as a teenager, she starts plowing the fields at night. The series weaves their lives into a tapestry of challenges and changes that unfold in their country. The cast of "Manikkawatha" features Jagath Chamila in the lead role as Ketihami, Uma Aseni as Pichchi, Volga Kalpani as Gunadari, Sarath Kothalawala as Hathirihan Rala, W. Jayasiri as Anthraekuruppu Garlis Arachchi, and Priyankara Rathnayake as Kirendera, Pichchi's father, among others. This ensemble skillfully portrays the diverse characters in this captivating drama, creating a connection between the audience and the world of "Manikkawatha." The actresses in the series, including Damayanthi Fonseka, Vinu Perera, Nilangani Perera, Mahidi Ashlesha, Iresha Namali, Sudharshani Galanigama, and Thivanka Nanayakkara, contribute their unique talents and charisma to the screen, embodying a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. The creator of "Manikkawatha," Mahinda Prasad Masimbula, not only wrote the novel but also crafted the teledrama script. The novel took three years to complete, from 2013 to 2016, and received a nomination for the 2016 Swarna Pusthaka Awards. The series marked the return of the award-winning director Sudath Rohana to the director's chair after an eight-year hiatus. According to Rohana, the book provided a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic, political, and cultural changes in Sri Lanka over a century, from 1880 to 1980. The screenplay went through twelve revisions to achieve a cinematic appearance. While reading the book, Jagath Chamila was chosen to portray "Ketihami," and many other characters were selected in a similar fashion. The shooting of the series took place against the stunning backdrop of the Balangoda area. The teledrama premiered on December 9, 2021, at the "Ape Gama" premises in Battaramulla, showcasing the scenic beauty of its filming locations. The series benefits from the cinematography of Thusitha Anuradha, editing by Jagath Weeratunga, and color correction by Praveen Jayaratne. Renowned singers like Saman Lenin, Nilakshi Halapitiya, Sunil Edirisinghe, and Abhisheka Wimalaweera, along with lyrics by Dr. Rathna Sri Wijesinghe and music by Navaratne Gamage, contribute to the musical tapestry of "Manikkawatha." "Manikkawatha" has been broadcast on Independent Television Network every weekend since December 19, 2021, at 8:30 PM. Director Sudath Rohana has plans to make the series available on YouTube with English subtitles and translations in Japanese and Chinese languages. Additionally, it can be heard on weekends from 9:30 to 10:00 PM on Lakhanda Radio.