Stupid is the new smart, and it’s hilarious…
Thisara Imbulana’s second cinematic venture, ‘Moda Tharindu’, is a truly hilarious and undoubtedly bold attempt for the Sinhala comedy genre. From beginning to end, it delivers a steady stream of chuckles, with big laughs arriving nearly every five minutes.
Unlike most Sinhala comedies, which are often known for slapstick, exaggerated physical humour, and clumsy gags (barring exceptions like ‘Sikuru Hathe’, ‘Kolamba Sanniya’ and a few others), ‘Moda Tharindu’ operates in the realm of absurd-satiric humor. This style takes a real-world issue and escalates it to a point of complete irrationality. The genius lies in the humor emerging naturally from the well-crafted plot rather than relying on forced situations.
Thisara Mangala Bandara and
Thisara Imbulana
At its core, the film revolves around the protagonist, Tharindu (Soorya Dayaruwan), a middle-class college student whose heart is broken by betrayal by his lover, Dinu (Shanudri Priyasad). It’s only after Tharindu faces an accidental death that his love story, and his discovery of the truth about his relationships, truly begins to unfold in the unseen world. Without giving away any spoilers, this is a long-awaited Sinhala comedy that delivers genuine, tear-inducing belly-laughs.
This film is far more than a comedy; it’s a commentary on the unseen realm that all cultures seek to understand. Director Thisara Imbulana frames the film between the visible and invisible, engaging deeply with Asian spiritual concepts such as Samsara. The film’s philosophical backbone is the idea that our thoughts fundamentally “pave the destiny of lives” across dimensions. Imbulana uses sharp, accessible comedy to deliver this profound idea. By consciously choosing familiar, everyday settings and casting relatable, non-”star” actors, he ensures the audience feels a genuine, emotional connection to the spiritual themes woven into the storyline.
At a screening for the media recently, director Thisara Imbulana clarified the meaning behind the film’s title. He explained that the adjective ‘Moda’ (meaning ‘fool’) used to describe the protagonist has layers far beyond a negative “loser” effect. In this context, it refers to the character’s genuine, honest nature, qualities that sometimes make him easily manipulated. While the title ‘Moda Tharindu’ might sound funny initially, it actually hints at the various complexities and layers of the main character in the film.
It is a known truth that in comedy, the actors’ commitment is everything. In ‘Moda Tharindu’, the entire cast fully inhabited their ridiculous roles. The chemistry of the main duo and, notably, Tharindu’s grandmother (Kaushalya Fernando) harmonized beautifully, portraying believable and engaging relationships. It was especially surprising to see the veteran artist Kaushalya Fernando, who is often cast in serious roles, deliver such an effortless comedic performance.
The acting capacities of Soorya, Shanudri, Dhanuka, and Shehani are truly appreciated. Crucially, every great comedy needs a “straight man” to anchor the absurd moments. In ‘Moda Tharindu’, every character, from the protagonist to the supporting leads (even the ghosts!), was well-grounded in reality. The film never prioritized jokes over the story; instead, the comedy emerged naturally from the emotional and narrative plot points.
Thisara Imbulana falls into the fourth generation of Sinhala cinema, and it is fascinating to witness how this millennial generation uses film to express their unique worldview. It must be mentioned that Imbulana’s cinema is ignited by the presence of his soul-friend, Thisara Mangala Bandara, the co-scriptwriter of ‘Moda Tharindu’. The director’s cinematic voice is possible because of this enormous friendship that spans decades. The uniqueness of this duo’s cinema is that it is not manipulated by any political ideologies; instead, it carries the pure wit, innocence, and playfulness of their creativity. The film is surely representative of national cinema and a genuine milestone in the Sinhala comedy genre.
‘Moda Tharindu’ Cast and Crew
‘Moda Tharindu’ is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys clever, genre-pushing humor blended with genuine heart. It is a fantastic showcase of local talent committed to elevating the standard of Sinhala comedy cinema. Be prepared for a delightful viewing experience filled with genuine laughter.
The film is due for island-wide release on October 10.
****
Cast and crew:
Director: Thisara Imbulana. Story and Script: Thisara Mangala Bandara and Thisara Imbulana. Cinematography: Hasitha Warnasooriya. Editor: Chandana Prasanna. Music Director: Dinesh Gamage. Makeup: Chamara Niroshan. Art Director: Sudeera Chandrasena. Colourist: Bhavantha Gamage. Choreography: Kavindu Madhushan. Assistant Director: Thisara Mangala Bandara.
Cast: Soorya Dayaruwan, Kaushalya Fernando, Shanudri Priyasad, Dhanuka Dilshan, Shehani Kahandawala, Xavier Kanishka, Nilmini Kottege, Nimal Jayasinghe, Upali Silva, Nilmini Sigera, Chathura Rajapakse, Shakya Sriwardena, Rovell Rehan Kothalawala (child-actor)
