23rd May 1999
The Sunday times plus section

He says so much in few words

Too much has been written in recent week of the superb portrayal of a blind man refusing to accept the death of his son ion battle conveyed poignantly by Joe Abeywickrema in 'Pura Handa Kaluwara' which brought him the coveted award for the Best Actor at the recent 12th Singapore International Film Festival.

In Vasantha Obesekera's latest creation, 'Theertha Yatra',Joe turns out another unforgettable performance this time as a simple villager who is looking for his son taken away in the night, a common happening not so long ago.

In a sneak preview of the film, we saw Joe in another perfect rendering of a mature actor who, with each new role, strives to give of his best. That has been the secret of his success. For Joe it's not just another role but conscious effort to live the character he portrays. And doing it so well he often steals the show.

At the Singapore festival Joe was chosen best actor "for the simplicity and maturity of his performance in the role of a blind man whose nobility and honor transcends the depth of his personal sorrow". That is what the citation said. But there was more.

The member of the jury (the six member panel was mixed lot from Singapore, India, Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea) told Prasnna Vithanage, the young film maker made "Purahanda Kaluwara" that Joe was "simply amazing".

He has very little to say in the film. Though the dialogue is minimal, Joe says so much with his face. (Incidentally, the film was among the four nominees for the Best Screenplay at the Singapore Festival too.)