Themes: Infidelity, Self-Destructive Romance, Misfits and Outsiders
Main Cast: Linton Semage, Shyamalee Warusavithana
Release Year: 1998
Country: LK
Run Time: 87 minutes
Plot
Padadaya is a truly minimalist film, which is rather rare for South Asia. There are no subplots intertwining to obscure the main plot; not a single unnecessary word is spoken; no scenery is exploited to divert the audience from the main issue. Space is used sparingly and economically. Acting is never theatrical. A lonely widower begins to lust for his neighbor's young and attractive wife. The affair that ensues brings his downfall; in the process, the whole community suffers. The director, who plays the lead, has been a dancer, theatre director, and mime artist, all of which seem to have influenced his directing as well as his acting. Padadaya competed at the 4th International Film Festival of Kerala (India). ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
