• Can our old stories get new beginnings? 

Reboots and remakes offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with audiences by revitalising cherished stories for a new era. They can serve as a bridge between generations, allowing timeless narratives to find relevance in today’s world. 

However, the reception to these reimaginings can be mixed. While some appreciate the fresh take, others hold the originals in higher regard. 

Globally, we seem to be living in an era of reboots and remakes. There is a new ‘Lion King’ movie coming up, telling the story of how Mufasa became king, which serves as both a reboot and remake. The ‘Alien’ science fiction horror movie franchise has also seen a reboot of the series open in cinemas last weekend. The 1994 movie ‘Interview with the Vampire’ saw a TV series remake take place in 2022; this remake also refreshes the story in some ways. 

Old stories are either being retold or being picked up and expanded on. In this context, what of Sri Lankan Intellectual Property (IP)? Could they use rebooting or remaking? 

‘Respect the original creation’

Exploring this dynamic within the Sri Lankan film industry, The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to several local directors and actors for their insights on the impact and perception of reboots in Sri Lanka.

Somaratne Dissanayake, whose most recent film project ‘Sinhabahu’ is a retelling of an ancient story, shared his thoughts on the value of remakes. 

“Of course, I think that we should definitely allow for remakes, and they can be made with different interpretations and reiterations. If it is not real history, then we can definitely take liberties and create a new product.

“This is especially so if it is something like a mythical story – something that is created, like my most recent project ‘Sinhabahu’. We all know this mythical, imaginary story – it’s been taught to children for generations. What I did was interpret and adapt it to a more realistic setting; I reimagined the story.”

Dissanayake also reflected on the evolution of filmmaking technology and its impact on reboots. “The way we present reboots has changed and we are now using more advanced technology. Now that film has turned digital and electronic, you can take an existing masterpiece and make it even better suited to today’s audiences. 

“It is not wrong to want to remake a film and interpret it in different ways. It is art, after all, to suit new generations. However, you definitely have to keep in mind that when you remake them, you must learn from the old greats. There are skills you can learn, but there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to remaking. Yet you must always respect the original creation.”

‘Must align with contemporary sensibilities’

Donald Jayantha, another filmmaker renowned for his successful remakes, shared his insights on the importance and value of remaking classic films. 

“Many of the films we consider classics today are actually remakes. We have films like ‘Sujatha,’ which had a version in the 1960s, but now we have a new version. Even the very first Sinhala film, ‘Kadawunu Poronduwa’ got a remake in the 1980s which became incredibly popular. 

“It’s important for filmmakers to revisit old stories so that new audiences can be reintroduced or introduced for the first time to these narratives. Personally, I believe remakes should be done in a way that aligns with contemporary sensibilities. Some good examples of old films being remade are ‘Mamai Raja’ and ‘Allapu Gedara,’” he noted.

Jayantha also highlighted the advancements in technology that had significantly impacted the quality and execution of remakes today. 

“In the case of remakes, we’re now using the best possible cameras. We use a camera called the Arri Alexa and film in 8K resolution. Nowadays, we don’t need helicopters; we can get a drone shot with no issue. In the most recent film I worked on, we used 3-4 cameras, unlike in the past, and now we have access to multiple lenses for every shot.”

The director also shared a personal favourite he hoped to remake in the future. “‘Awa Soya Adare’ is one story I’d really like to remake. Perhaps someday, we’ll see this classic brought back to life with a fresh perspective,” Jayantha added. 

‘Can’t help but compare’

Giriraj Kaushalya, a veteran comedy actor and director, shared his mixed feelings about the concept of remakes. 

“I think it’s good to remake films. I don’t feel any negative emotion towards it,” he began. However, he quickly pointed out the risks involved, citing a personal experience with the remake of the classic comedy film ‘Hathara Denama Soorayo,’ originally starring Joe Abeywickrama. 

“The remake gave the film a second wind with a different audience, and as someone who enjoyed the original, I couldn’t help but compare the two. It really didn’t match up to the original. It was a pale comparison and sometimes I wish my memory of the original hadn’t been tainted by this new version. I think some film fans feel this way when it comes to an inferior reboot or remake.”

Kaushalya emphasised that even if the original director was at the helm of a remake, there was no guarantee of success. 

“Time has passed, and so has that original magic – it’s like lightning in a bottle when it comes to a successful film, especially a comedy. When it comes to remakes, you must respect the original, and if you decide to remake it, you have to make it better. 

“You have to find a new angle to tell the story, and if you can improve it, then it’s justified. But if you can’t, then it’s better left untouched.”

He also expressed that filmmaking wasn’t solely about technology, despite the advancements that had made films visually stunning. 

“Simply because new technology is making films look better doesn’t mean the art is complete. An artist depends on many different elements and talent plays a big part. A film can fail if talent and all these other elements don’t come together in a perfect symphony. Unfortunately, with remakes, people can’t help but compare them to the original. If the first one was very good, and you can’t live up to it, then it’s a waste of effort.”

When asked if he would ever consider taking on a remake or a remade role, Kaushalya was firm in his stance: “I look somewhat similar to Anthony C. Perera – we’re both bald and have a similar vibe – but I would never take on a role that he has done because I simply can’t capture the unique skill and talent he brought. 

“His art is unique to him, so I will not take on a remade role. I also don’t feel like I could do it as a director either. But I am happy to enjoy other people’s art and I’m sure there are those who are able to do it better.”

An enduring conversation 

It is clear that the topic of reboots and remakes is complex and nuanced. While these projects offer an opportunity to breathe new life into beloved classics and introduce them to a new generation, they also carry the weight of expectations from audiences who cherish the original works. 

For some, remakes are a creative playground where stories can be reimagined with modern technology and fresh perspectives. For others, the risks of not capturing the original magic are significant, often leading to a sense of loss rather than renewal. 

Ultimately, the success of a reboot or remake hinges not only on the technical prowess of its production but also on the delicate balance of respecting the original while offering something new and meaningful. 

As Sri Lankan cinema continues to evolve, these voices remind us that the art of filmmaking is as much about honouring the past as it is about innovating for the future. Whether a remake resonates with audiences or not, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of tradition and innovation in storytelling, ensuring that the conversation and the art remain vibrant and relevant.