Don Ruter Nanayakkara (1915–1989) was a leading character actor of Sri Lankan cinema. Playing lanky villains, Nanayakkara gained popularity in films like Rekava, Kurulu Bedda and Sikuru Tharuwa.
Nanayakkara was born in Kolonnawa in 1915 and attended the Kolonnawa Govt. School and St. Matthew’s College, Dematagoda. As a young adult, Nanayakkara showed interest in theater and became a regular attender of stage plays. At one such drama around 1936, he was noticed by playwright Sirisena Wimalaweera who took him into his troupe of players. Beginning with Amma, Nanayakkara appeared in many of Wimalweera's plays; these include Seedevi, Pitisara Kella, Rodi Kella and Maggona Charlie.[1]
Nanayakkara debut in film came when Wimalaweera adapted Amma into a motion picture in 1949, two years after the release of the first major Sinhalese film Kadawunu Poronduwa. Nanayakkara dabbled as a vocalist in Wimalaweera's films singing two songs for Amma. He continued to appear in Wimalaweera's movies up to Wimalaweera's death in 1963.[2]
Nanayakkara's had one of his most celebrated performances in Rekawa (1956) which is considered a landmark in film. He appeared in the critically acclaimed role of Sooty, the protagonist's father who is a thief and attempts to use his son's supposed healing powers to gain wealth causing a death and his son's condemnation by the whole villages.[2]
Nanayakkara continued his celebrated villainous roles in Kurulu Bedda (1961), Sikuru Tharuwa (1966) and Binaramali (1969).[2] He won the Sarasaviya Best Actor Award for his role in Bicycle Hora in 1968.[3] In 1984, Nanayakkara was one of the Sri Lankan actors chosen to appear in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; He played the village headsman.[4]
Other film appearances include Chandiya (1965), Parasathumal (1966), Kathuru Muwath (1971), Duleeka (1974), Lasanda (1974), Nedeyo (1976), Ahasin Polawata (1978), Siribo Aiya (1980), Baddegama (1981) and Dese Mal Pipila. Nanayakkara's last film Ahas Maliga was screened five years after his death.[1]
Contents |
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Amma | Saranapala | film debut |
| 1956 | Rekava | Sooty | |
| 1961 | Kurulu Bedda | Kaithan Baas | |
| 1963 | Sikuru Tharuwa | Village Headman | Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor (1964) |
| 1965 | Chandiya | ||
| 1967 | Parasathumal | Head Servant | |
| 1968 | Abudasse kale | ||
| Bicycle Hora | Sarasaviya Award for Best Actor (1969) | ||
| Dahasak Sithuvili | Man on bus | ||
| Adarawanthayo | |||
| 1969 | Binaramali | Village Headman | |
| 1971 | Kathura Muwath | ||
| 1972 | Lokuma Hinawa | ||
| 1973 | Sinawai Inawai | ||
| 1974 | Duleeka | ||
| Lasanda | |||
| 1976 | Nedeyo | ||
| 1978 | Vishmaya | ||
| Sandawata Ran Tharu | |||
| Ahasin Polawata | |||
| 1980 | Siribo Aiya | ||
| 1981 | Baddegama | Exorcist | |
| 1984 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | Shaman | |
| Welle Thenu Maliga | |||
| 1988 | Sandakada Pahana | ||
| 1994 | Ahas Maliga | posthumous release |