Asokamala අසෝකමලා | |
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Directed by | Shanthi Kumar / T. R. Goppu |
Screenplay by | Shanthi Kumar |
Produced by | Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner |
Starring | Shanthi Kumar, Emaline Dimbulana |
Cinematography | M. Masthan |
Music by | D. T. Fernando (lyrics) Mohammed Ghouse (music) |
Release date |
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Country | Sri Lanka |
Language | Sinhala |
Asokamala is a 1947 Sri Lankan historical film co-directed by Shanthi Kumar and T. R. Goppu and produced by Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner. It was the second film made in the Sinhalese language and the first by a Sinhalese director. It also was the first film that W. D. Albert Perera (later known as Amaradeva), Mohideen Baig and Mohammed Ghouse contributed to. The melodies of the songs of 'Asokamala' were original ones devised by Mohamed Ghouse- a departure from what was to be the copying of Indian melodies in the time to come.
Prince-heir Saliya gives up the throne to marry the commoner Asokamala.
This movie was shot at Central Studios in Coimbatore, India as was many other Sinhala films that were shot in Madras Presidency in center like Madras, Coimbatore and Salem. [1]
The person who was in charge of Asokamala production in India was Mr Manuel Saverimuttu.He was the General manager of Celyon theatres during Chitambalam Gardner days.
Mahagama Sekera was a famed Sri Lankan poet, lyricist, playwright, novelist, artist, translator and filmmaker. He is considered to be a groundbreaking figure in Sinhalese poetry and literature. He is best remembered as a poet and songwriter with several of his works even becoming popular songs in Sri Lanka. His works occasionally have an introspective Buddhist-influenced outlook. His poems and songs remain widely quoted on the island nearly thirty years after his death.
Sri Lankabhimanya Wannakuwattawaduge Don Albert Perera, better known by his adopted name Amaradeva, was a prominent Sri Lankan Sinhalese vocalist, violinist and composer. Primarily using traditional instruments like sitars, tablas and harmoniums, he incorporated Sinhala folk music with Indian ragas in his work. Many consider his contribution to the development of Sinhala music as unmatched; hence, he is occasionally cited as the "Maestro of Sri Lankan Music".
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