Going to the movies – Maya

The credit has to go to Pubudu Chathuranga, the script writer who introduced characters such as the Buddhist monk and the kapuwa that were not in the original movie, Kanchana. Through elements such as the chant “Nahi Wera Werani”, the temple and the use of the kendiya to secure the spirit, he localised the movie. The use of Sri Lankan comedy and songs also gave the movie a Sri Lankan touch. The actors too wanted to maintain the country’s identity.

Although Maya is a remake it was adapted into a unique story. However, the original script was written by Raghava Lawrence and it is a beautiful creation. I always believe that a Samurai does not take credit for the victories of others. I always give credit where it is due. If I ever recreate someone else’s work I will always give the creators due credit. 

This is a movie with one of the highest budgets in Sri Lanka. All on-screen fights, choreography, and effects were handled by Indian experts. Stunt master Silva, who has worked with Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vije, choreographed our fight sequence and the entire team had to fly to India. Even the fight scenes in Sri Lanka were choreographed by Indian experts.

The filming of the movie was primarily in Sri Lanka, with certain scenes being filmed in India’s Tamil Nadu and Cochin. All the special effects were done in India.

Mr Arugamam was the co-director. Everything was executed by the team who did the original movie. The entire team came and they used the RED camera, which was the first time it was used in Sri Lanka. 

I have made this mistake as well and I have to accept that. People generally insult transgenders. But it is something that they cannot control. It is not their fault that they are transgender. People must remember that anyone can have a child like that. This happens due to a hormonal imbalance, environmental conditions or trauma. Maya sends out that message.

What we are saying is that if a child like this is born into your family do not ill treat them or kick them out. They have to be given equal rights. Transgenders go through difficulty everyday of their life, at school, hospitals, when they go to vote and when they walk on the road. It is indeed a sad story. Because of the way society treats them, they start to hate the world. They are very innocent people and society has made them helpless.

They are also very creative. I have attended many of their meetings and have seen this firsthand. They have also greatly appreciated that I have spoken on their behalf.

I am asking the public to not insult or ridicule them, because they are humans too. Lord Buddha, Shiva, Jesus Christ or Prophet Mohammed, they did not treat these people differently. It is a sin to mistreat them.

Now I understand that Maya was a role that I had to play. I am the titular character of the movie. This is the character that people will talk about. If I had played the hero, it would be something that I have always done. 

I take that as a compliment. Many have told me about the various scenes that touched them. The story does tug at your heartstrings. Many movies have been released during the past few months, but nothing had this impact. People are still talking about Maya.

The credit goes to the director, artistes, stunt directors, cameraman, choreographers, make up artists and the entire team. The credit esspecially goes to the director because he is the one who connected all the beads together.

I invite everyone who has not watched the movie to watch it. I thank those who watched the film and grateful to those who have respected the character of Maya. 

“The cast used to tease me saying I looked better than the actresses.”

“Once I went to a bank in costume, and scared people.”

“Initially, though I did not like to dress up as the character, later on it became quite fun, because I could play pranks.”

“One morning we ran behind joggers and freaked them out.”

“I was filming Siddartha Gauthama at the same time, where I was playing the role of King Suddhodana. One day I went to the set in my Maya costume and everyone was wondering who the new lady was!”.