"Machan"
A Mikado (in Italy)/Fox (in Germany) release of a Redwave Film, Studio
Urania (Italy)/Babelsberg Film (Germany)/Shakthi Films (Sri Lanka)
production. (International sales: Beta Cinema, Munich.) Produced by Prasanna Vithanage, Conchita Airoldi, Uberto Pasolini. Co-producer, Henning Molfenter. Directed by Uberto Pasolini. Screenplay, Ruwanthie de Chickera, Pasolini.
With: Dharmapriya Dias, Gihan de Chickera, Dharshan Dharmaraj, Namal Jayasinghe, Sujeewa Priyalal, Mahendra Perera, Dayadewa Edirisinghe, Jayani Senanayake, Sunil Pathirana.
"The Full Monty"
producer Uberto Pasolini makes his helming debut in the sweet, overly
earnest immigration comedy-with-a-soul "Machan." Based on the true
story of a group of Sri Lankans flying to Bavaria and pretending to be
the national handball team, pic is a standard collective tale,
populated with stereotypes while distancing itself from any hint of
carpet-bagging. Co-scripted by Sri Lankan playwright Ruwanthie de
Chickera, with helmer Prasanna Vithanage onboard as producer,
"Machan's' credentials are sound, though grit rather than mere pluck
would have added punch. Feel-good vibes should work at smaller fests
and on Euro screens.
Serious bartender Manoj
(Gihan de Chickera) and scampish fruit-seller Stanley (Dharmapriya
Dias) have their visas to Germany rejected. Stumbling on a flier for a
handball tournament in Germany, and desperate to better themselves
abroad, they apply without knowing what the sport is about. A motley
team is assembled, with the intention of disappearing into the night
once they've landed in Europe, but an unexpected welcoming committee
means the guys need to delay escape until after the games. Moments of
charm exist, but the few surprises feel tacked on. Visuals favor
theatrical over-lighting.
Camera (color), Stefano Falivene; editor, Masahiro Hirakubo; music, Stephen Warbeck, Lakshman Joseph de Saram; production designer, Errol Kelly;
costume designers, Sandhiya Jayasuriya, Rob Navis. Reviewed at Venice
Film Festival (Venice Days), Aug. 27, 2008. (Also in Toronto Film
Festival -- Contemporary World Cinema.) Sinhala, English dialogue.
Running time: 110 MIN.
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