Director: Mr. Chandran Rutnam

Language of the Film : Sinhala

Adopted from the book: The Road from Elephant Pass

Ashan Dias, being the captain 'Wasantha', is entrusted with a particular mission by his chief. As he does not receive gender-specific information regarding the spy he is going to meet, the suspense runs all over the faces of the audience. The POV shot at the very beginning, reveals the spy, to be a woman. A woman, who is not timid at all.

While revolving around the characters of the captain and the spy, the film is recognized under the genres of Drama, War, and Romance. As a country, that went through 30 years of war, people have their interpretations and definitions of whatever pops up regarding the struggle. However, the filmmaker has subtly addressed this sensitive topic creatively allowing the audience to think with the first POV shot.

As mentioned before, the woman is autonomous and strong enough to be a part of the mission. Though the captain is portrayed as a stubborn person, his acceptance of the idea of pretending to be Vasu Velayudan shows his adaptability and quality of submissiveness. Simultaneously, both the characters bring out the real essence of loyalty to their ethnic group, which is natural. The dialogues they throw at each other, initially screen them as strangers, while highlighting their Adour for the race.

To carry out a successful mission, both of them have to work hand in hand. Though the army officer is trained for it, the character of the woman evokes the idea that her adaptability rises from the struggle she encountered in her life. Further, this film emphasizes on the gender identity as well. especially, how the spy uses the identity of femininity to win others as a tactic during the time of mission. On the other hand, it reveals the insecurity of being a woman in a society intertwined with war.

Both persons start the mission as strangers and eventually, express their feelings for each other. especially, because of birds, who have unlimited freedom to fly over unlimited sky, revealing the unfortunate fate of the individuals. As the audience moves on with the characters, the storyline embosses that irrational loyalty can lead to uncontrollable turbulences within a peaceful territory.

'Alimankada' is not just a war film. It fills the vacuum of the perspectives of the people regarding the socio-political and economic situations. The connection between society and the individual's responsibility, the right to speak about peace, the difference between leadership and vision, and how the name only can not define ownership are a few of the topics that need to be put on the table, and addressed via the film. Most importantly, the film elucidates the power dynamic in the concept of give and take. " Peace is not a gift to be given or taken away when necessary" is paraphrased dialogue, which talks about the extent to which politics can be involved in our lives. Even the emotions are politicized except for jealousy and revenge as mentioned in the film. Further, the film highlights how the value of life fluctuates between the politicized priorities in the country, giving the audience a second thought.

In addition, this cinematic approach brings a sense of romance, drama, and war to the screen, while pinpointing the ability and the necessity not to stand against but to unite as one, irrespective of gender, race, caste, or religion. "Together we are a good team, badly we are fighting on two different sides"- the words of Captain Wasantha requests us to dig deeper into his thoughts.

UNITE AS ONE !!

(A shout out to the team behind this film)

The ownership and credits of the photos of the film poster go to the team behind them.