- Mama’s Boys on redefining Sri Lankan music videos
t the ‘Derana Music Video Awards 2023’. Its work on Sanuka Wickramasinghe’s ‘Mohini’ music video claimed a staggering nine awards, marking the highest number of accolades ever won by a single music video in the event’s history.
This milestone not only celebrates the brilliance of the video but also underscores the dedication and creativity of the trio behind Mama’s Boys Films: Ilham Hossen, Dimuthu Kalinga Dahanayake, and Sithum Samarajeewa.
Mama’s Boys Films operates with a unique vision. “Our focus has always been on building our brand rather than presenting ourselves individually as filmmakers. We want people to know Mama’s Boys, not just us as separate names,” Ilham noted. This collaborative approach allows the team to create projects that stand out in the music video industry.
Commitment to excellence
The ‘Mohini’ music video triumphed in several prestigious categories, including Best Music Video of the Year, Best Direction, and Best Cinematography, among others. Speaking about the achievement, Ilham reflected on the team’s journey and their commitment to excellence. “Consecutive wins like this mean a lot to us,” he shared.
“Last year, it was La Signore’s music video that won us eight awards, and this time around, Sanuka’s ‘Mohini,’ mastered and produced by him with Master D, brought us nine. It’s really gratifying to see how well it has been received by audiences and critics alike. These awards are a testament to the hard work we put into making this video in 2022 despite the challenges we faced,” he noted.
For Mama’s Boys Films, this achievement is not just about breaking records but also about delivering artistry that resonates. “It’s really nice to end the journey with some awards after all the hard work is done,” Ilham added.
With their meticulous attention to detail and ability to tell compelling stories through visuals, the trio has once again proven why they are at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s music video industry.
Ilham shared insights into the creative process that brought ‘Mohini’ to life and the philosophy that drove their team.
“When Sanuka approached us, we knew we wanted to create something extraordinary. We decided to go with ‘Mohini,’ and as always, we took time to develop the concept. This is not our main source of income; we do not make music videos to make a living. It is about self-satisfaction and passion. It takes time, but that is what makes our work special,” he explained.
Creation and collaboration
Sanuka, the artist behind the award-winning song ‘Mohini,’ shared the story of its creation and collaboration with Mama’s Boys Films.
Reflecting on its origins, Sanuka said: “I started working on ‘Mohini’ during the Covid-19 period in 2022. It was a time when all Sri Lankans felt helpless, unsure how to move forward as the country was in turmoil. That is when the idea of creating something fantastical came to me.”
Drawing inspiration from Sri Lanka’s traditional folklore, Sanuka decided to reimagine the classic tale of Mohini, a ghostly figure who lures men and asks them to hold her baby.
“I took that story and flipped it. In my version, Mohini has a relationship with someone and leaves her baby behind. I wrote the lyrics, composed the melody, and completed the track. However, I knew that for something so fantastical, the perfect team to create a music video was Mama’s Boys – Ilham, Dimuthu, and Sithum,” he explained.
Sanuka recalled how the partnership came to life. “I went to meet them and they loved the song. From there, little by little, they took my concept and developed it into something extraordinary – a substance-induced trip with a cheeky little twist,” he said.
The team also took charge of casting, selecting Shavinda Lakshan and Natasha Perera to bring the story to life on screen. “Their choice of actors was spot on. Natasha and Shavinda gave stellar performances that added depth to the story,” he shared.
The success of ‘Mohini’ at the ‘Derana Music Video Awards 2023,’ where it won an unprecedented nine awards, came as a pleasant surprise to Sanuka. “I never thought we’d win that many awards. Nine awards – it’s incredible!” he said.
Sanuka also expressed gratitude to those who supported the project. “I have to thank Master D, who collaborated with me on the audio version with his rap, as well as our sponsors Aweera Hair and Beauty and Illumination Events. This video required a massive budget and I could not have done it without their support,” he said.
For Sanuka, ‘Mohini’ is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance during challenging times. Together with Mama’s Boys Films, he created a piece of art that not only captivated audiences but also set a new benchmark for Sri Lankan music videos.
Reflection of passion and creativity
Discussing the production of ‘Mohini,’ Ilham highlighted Mama’s Boys’ commitment to innovation and originality.
He said: “When it comes to music video production, we always aim for something unique. For this project, we brainstormed with Sanuka and decided to cast a fresh face, someone who wasn’t a conventional actor or actress.
“Natasha, the lead actress in the video, was the first person who came to mind. We believed she would take the risk and go beyond expectations, and she truly delivered, putting her 100% into the role.”
Natasha’s outstanding performance did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded Best Actress at the ‘Derana Music Video Awards 2023’.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see her receive the recognition she deserves,” Ilham shared. He also praised Shavinda, who was named Best Actor for his role in the video. “Both Natasha and Shavinda brought so much to the project, and their awards are a testament to their talent and hard work.”
For Mama’s Boys Films, the success of ‘Mohini’ is more than just a collection of accolades – it is a reflection of their passion, creativity, and commitment to storytelling. Their dedication to creating meaningful, innovative work continues to set them apart in Sri Lanka’s music video landscape.
Ilham attributes the success of Mama’s Boys Films to the collective hard work and dedication of their entire team. “From the assistant director to the camera assistants, lighting technicians, co-actors, extras, and even the catering department – everyone who comes to a Mama’s Boys production gives their best,” he shared.
“We see an entire crew of 50-60 people giving their input and what sets us apart is that we listen to them. It is all about teamwork. While the three of us make the final decision, we always try to push our collaborators to their limits to get the best out of them.”
Despite the accolades, Ilham emphasised that winning awards had never been their primary goal. “We don’t expect awards when we make these productions. But hard work and good work always pay off,” he noted, reflecting the team’s passion for creating quality art rather than chasing recognition.
The journey ahead
Looking to the future, Mama’s Boys Films has ambitious plans. “Our ultimate dream is to do a feature-length film,” Ilham revealed.
“For the past decade, we have worked on a few ideas, some of which fell through. However, over the last two or three years, we have developed a concept we’re confident in. We have a solid script that we know will work. It is something truly different from what we are used to seeing in Sri Lankan cinema. Our focus is now on securing a producer and funding to bring it to life.”
Ilham is optimistic about the project’s potential, promising: “This won’t just be a film; it will be the most commercially successful and technically accomplished film Sri Lanka has ever seen. That is a 100% guarantee.”
The team’s collaborative spirit extends to their casting decisions, evident in their work on ‘Mohini’. Natasha, who won Best Actress for her role in the music video, spoke about the challenges and opportunities the project presented.
“I wanted to do something out of the box. People have a preconceived image of me and I wanted to break those notions. I wanted to take on a new challenge and change my appearance. It was about overcoming barriers and pushing boundaries,” she shared.
Ilham praised Natasha’s boldness and dedication, saying: “She wanted to do something different and acted with boldness. She understood the context perfectly and delivered beyond our expectations.”
Natasha’s transformation and commitment not only resonated with the audience but also cemented her as a standout performer in the Sri Lankan music video industry.
Mama’s Boys Films, with its innovative approach, collaborative ethos, and bold ambitions, continues to redefine what is possible in Sri Lankan visual storytelling. Its journey from groundbreaking music videos to feature film aspirations promises to elevate the standard of Sri Lankan cinema to new heights.