Sri Lanka’s Dark Comedy Movie ‘Tentigo’ (Nelum Kuluna)

In a remarkable feat for Sri Lankan cinema, debutant director Ilango Ram’s Sinhala-language film “Tentigo” (“Nelum Kuluna”) has not only sparked conversations with its unique storytelling but is also on its way to reaching an Indian audience through a Tamil-language remake. The film, which garnered the Special Jury Prize at POFF last year, has been lauded for its fresh perspective on social issues and dark comedic elements.

The film opens with the death of Wilbert Jayabahu, whose lifeless body is found by his eldest son, sitting on a wooden chair, an erect penis standing as a testament to an unfinished chapter of his life. This peculiar phenomenon sets off a series of events that thrust the family into chaos as they scramble to maintain decorum before the funeral.

“Tentigo” tackles a plethora of underlying themes such as familial responsibility, generational flaws, social stigma, and the complexities of grief. The characters are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, each bringing forth their own idiosyncrasies and secrets. The eldest son embodies the traditional eldest child role with an ever-present sense of duty, while the younger son’s propensity for truth-telling leads to unintended consequences.

Actress Kaushalya Fernando shines in her role as the mother, transitioning from predominantly serious roles to a character that holds much of the film’s comedic weight. Her performance is pivotal as she navigates the dual challenges of mourning her husband and keeping her family from unraveling.

The film’s technical prowess is evident through its authentic depiction of the Sri Lankan middle-class community. Cinematographer Ilango Ram captures the funeral home’s setting with a keen eye, and sound editors Nanda Nandi Jayakodi and Rangana Sinharage deserve commendation for their work that amplifies the comedic timing.

The production team behind “Tentigo” is a collaboration of talent from Sri Lanka and India. Hiranya Perera of Silent Frames Productions, who has been recognized as an emerging producer at the Asian Producers Network by SGIFF Film Academy, leads the production efforts along with Sanjay Gulati and Neeraj Pandey of Crawling Angel Films, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam of Stone Bench Films, and Navaneethan Nachimuthu and Pon Umapathy Kailash.

With its forthcoming Tamil-language remake, “Tentigo” is set to cross cultural boundaries and introduce its unique blend of humor and societal commentary to an even wider audience. The film prompts viewers to consider the inherited traits within families, communication dynamics among loved ones, societal biases, and ultimately our understanding of those closest to us.

As Sri Lankan cinema typically leans towards arthouse and political dramas, “Tentigo” offers a refreshing departure with its dark comedy that stands out as a new-wave entry from the island nation. The combination of smart writing and a strong ensemble cast earns this film a four-star rating and marks it as an essential watch for those looking for something that pushes beyond conventional storytelling.