In an inspiring discussion, we had the pleasure of interviewing Rehan Amaratunga, a promising young actor who recently made his film debut in ‘Rani,’ directed by acclaimed filmmaker Asoka Handagama.
Rani is currently receiving enthusiastic responses from filmgoers and is generating significant attention on social media, with positive and negative reactions. Rehan stepped into the role of Richard de Zoysa, a character who made a profound impact on Sri Lankan history through his fearless journalism. However, his brutal, unsolved death highlights the failures of humanity, justice, and freedom of expression in our country, responsibilities that we all must share collectively. Here’s what Rehan had to say about his experience, the character, and his journey into acting.
Response to the film and performance
We began by asking Rehan about the response to ‘Rani’ and his portrayal of Richard. “The response for the movie so far has been incredible,” he said with palpable excitement. “Tickets sold in unprecedented numbers during the first few days, which was unexpected but an achievement in itself.”
When it comes to feedback on his performance, he noted, “There’s been some good feedback. My intention was never to be Richard in the film, but rather to play the character written for me and connect with the audience.” He humbly acknowledged the stature of Richard, saying, “I don’t think I ever tried to climb that pedestal, that’s Richard’s rightful place. I aimed to deliver a performance that resonates with people, showcasing the human behind the legend.”
Discovering Richard de Zoysa
Scene from the film Rani
Before landing the role, Rehan had heard a lot about Richard’s performances on stage. “People told me I looked like him, especially those who had seen him perform,” he recalled. “I had heard about the murder but didn’t delve deeply into it until I was considered for the role.”
At that point, he fully immersed himself in research about Richard’s life and legacy.
“I wanted to understand who he was beyond the headlines,” Rehan said. “Richard had a beautiful way with words, and I was drawn to that. I discovered his poetry and performances and realised I needed to portray his essence rather than only mimic his actions.”
Debut on screen
When asked if this was his first experience in front of the camera, Rehan confirmed, “Yes, it’s my first experience with any kind of camera.”
He detailed the research process, saying, “Asoka Handagama gave me the script early on. I started with the usual articles about his death, but when I dug deeper, I found his poems and performances in ‘Yashorawaya’ and ‘Yuganthaya’.”
He realised that “analysing his work wasn’t as important as portraying his personal life.” The challenge was to capture the intimate bond between Richard and his mother, making it necessary for Rehan to employ his imagination.
“It was about feeling the emotions and recognising that Richard wasn’t a mere figure; he was a son, a poet, and a person who longed for connection. That intimacy was the core of my performance.”
Working with legends
Rehan expressed awe at working with co-star Swarna Mallawarachchi, whom he rightfully described as an icon. “When I learned I would be acting with her, I was shy at first,” he admitted with a smile. “Although she is very talented, she is humble. We formed a friendship offstage that enhanced our on-screen chemistry. Working with someone of her calibre pushed me to elevate my own performance.”
Picture by Shan Rambukwella
He went on to praise director Asoka Handagama, calling him “pure genius.” Rehan remarked, “He has a vision created in his mind, and he always has answers to my questions. His insights made me feel more confident in my portrayal.”
He also noted the incredible perseverance of Handagama during filming, despite his health challenges: “It was motivating to see his strength. He never let anything hinder his creativity. He taught me that resilience is as important as talent.”
Evolving perception of Richard
As we discussed the evolution of his perception of Richard throughout the filming process, Rehan emphasised the importance of doing justice to the character. “I knew I had my work cut out for me,” he reflected thoughtfully. “This story hasn’t been told like this before. If I didn’t do it right, I knew many would be disappointed.”
Aware of the rich history surrounding Richard, he expressed his desire to connect his legacy with younger audiences. “I wanted to honour his memory while making him relatable to a new generation,” he said earnestly. “The challenge was to encapsulate his vibrancy and pain without reducing him to a mere historical figure.”
The journey to acting
When asked what inspired him to become an actor, Rehan said, “Acting has always been my first passion. It’s an escape for me from the troubles of life. I was introduced to Shakespeare at a young age, and it opened up a world for me.” His eyes lit up as he reminisced about his early experiences.
Having started his journey at St. Peter’s College, he participated in various drama competitions and productions. “My first experience was a school production of A Christmas Carol, and I later joined Jerome De Silva’s workshop for Shakespeare plays, which was a transformative experience. Those early years defined my love for acting, making it not only a hobby, but a part of who I am.”
Inspiration
Rehan was asked who his muses were. “Richard de Zoysa is definitely an inspiration for me,” he stated, his respect for him evident in his tone. However, he quickly clarified, “I don’t have a singular idol in acting. My goal is to learn as much as possible from different performances and remain dynamic. I find inspiration in the work of various actors and directors; each brings something unique to the table, and I want to absorb all I can.”
Balancing acting with other pursuits
He said that while there are no upcoming art projects for him at present, he works as a business development consultant and sound engineer. “My main source of income is music production, so I’m always busy with that,” he explained. “Everything happens in my laptop and production studios. But whenever an opportunity to act comes up, I take it.” Here, his passion for music and acting intertwines, fueling his creative spirit while permitting him to explore diverse avenues in the arts.
Words of wisdom for aspiring actors
Finally, Rehan’s advice for young and amateur actors. “Number one, the script is God. It’s your guide and your world,” he stressed. “If you can access the person who wrote the script, even better.”
He wants aspiring actors to understand the significance of a solid foundation: “The script not only provides context but also delves into the intricacies of character development.
“Acting is always about learning. An actor must remain open to understanding human behaviour and how we react to different situations. It’s a never-ending journey of growth.”
Rehan concluded with invaluable advice from his experiences. “Being humble is a super power. It opens doors and fosters genuine connections with fellow artists. Always approach your craft with humility, and it will serve you well.”
Rehan Amarathunga’s insights into his craft and experiences reveal a passionate young actor committed to his artistic journey. As he continues to grow and explore new opportunities in the world of theatre and film, we can expect to see this dynamic talent make a significant mark on the industry. His debut in ‘Rani ‘is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
At Observer Muse, we celebrate the artistic freedom of people such as Rehan, who embody the spirit of creativity and self-expression. Here’s to discovering and embracing your inner muse, just as Rehan has through his journey in acting!
