My heart and soul is cinema: Jeevan

Jeevan Chandimal at decisive juncture; plans to resume filmmaking

Jeevan Chandimal WITH President Gotabaya Rajapaksa 

Seasoned Jeevan Chandimal whose passion is movie-making has been behind the success stories of hundreds of television commercials, documentaries and thousands of songs. In a career spanning some 20 years, photography has been his hallmark too.Jeevan now excels as the official photographer of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa attached to the President’s Media Unit. “I have been involved with Mr. Rajapaksa for some five years, since 2015, playing a key role in graphics, videography, animations and photography. In fact I sacrificed my showbiz career and agreed to play this role in Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s campaign since I found that he is a true hero born in this soil. This is a country that has created so many heroes. But in the present context I think we have a hero in President Rajapaksa. I don’t regret leaving myself behind and dedicating myself for this worthy cause. But now I feel I have fulfilled my mission and the hero has put the country on the right track,” said Jeevan.

“When I joined the President, I had to forego my newest film production with international collaboration. Most of the pre-production work of the movie had been completed by 2015. I had even made advance payments to some artistes by then. That was my biggest dream project. But I don’t regret missing on such a task, because being part of an inspiring mission was crucial at that time. I have now decided to resume my film project with locations in several countries,” he said.

I am not going to do this movie for the sake of doing it. This will be done professionally, in a meaningful manner. I have my own production house with all the latest technology

“I am not going to do this movie for the sake of doing it. This will be done professionally, in a meaningful manner. I have my own production house with all the latest technology. I think my potential lies there. I am planning to resume work on the movie in two months. We have already spent about Rs. Two million on it with collaborations with film companies in Japan, India and other countries. We have already obtained permission to shoot in these countries. It carries a socially relevant emotional theme, centred around a suicide bomber. It’s a plot by Rajabdeen based on a true incident that took place in 2004. Since I feel I have accomplished my mission with President Rajapaksa, I want my creations to speak for me.

I had no agendas during the past five years, other than being there for a genuine leader. My intentions were so sincere and genuine too. As a creative man, we always derive satisfaction through our creations. But it’s sad to note that the quality of arts is deteriorating today. We must create a generation which will appreciate good pieces of art. The language of film must be understood. Filmmakers have a huge responsibility towards the well-being of society. We should never think of monetary benefits. I also believe that films must be graded in some manner,” said Jeevan.