ANALYSIS OF TELEDRAMA - KOOMBIYO

Drama Koombiyo (The Ants)

Koombiyo is a  2017 Sri Lankan crime political thriller series created by Lakmal Dharmaratne and Damita Chandrasiri . The show premiered on ITN on 26 August 2017 with 30-minute episodes airing weekly on Saturdays and Sundays at 08:00. The last episode aired on 17 March 2018.       

companies
genre	A political thriller
Written by	Lakmal Dharmaratne Dear Chandrasiri
directed by	Lakmal Dharmaratne
By acting	The Greatness of Dodanthenna Kalena Gunasekara Ureni Noshika
a creator	Come on Solomons
country of origin	Sri Lanka
Original language	Sinhala
the seasons	1
episodes	57
production
The manufacturer	Countless gardens
Editor	Dear Chandrasiri
Running time	17 minutes
Original release
the network	ITN
set free	August 26 - March 17, 2017

Cast

Main

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• Thumindu Dodantenna  as Jehan Fernando / Jayalath Aarachchilage Don Susantha Sagara Chandrasiri
• Kalana Gunasekara  as Priyantha Mahaulpathagama
• Yureni Noshika  as Hiruni Jayawardena

Supporting

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• Senaka Titus Anthony as Austin
• Andrew Pulle as Tyrant
• Jagath Manuwarna Kodithuwakku as Jude

Recurring

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• Sujeewa Dias  as Anjana
• Peter D'Almeida  as Opposition Leader Dudley Maldeniya
• Dharmapriya Dias  as Padmakumara Kasthuri
• Parakrama Jayasingha as Senadhi Thennakon
• W. Jayasiri  as Adhikari (Opposition leader Maldeniya's Secretary)
• Lakshman Mendis  as Dissanayake
• Maureen Charuni
• Map Siriwardena
• Vishwajith Gunesekara  as ASP Cyril Abeysekara
• Udara Abeysundara as Mesha
• Bandula Sooriyabandara as Shakya Jayawardana
• Thusitha Laknath  as Gune
• Buddika Jayarathna  as Saliya
• Nishantha Priyadarshana as MP Ananda Pathirana
• Nethalie Nanayakkara  as Priyantha's Grandmother
• Deshapriya
• Sadda Uthpala Kandage as Anthony
• Danushka Jayarathna
• Ramya Wanigasekara  as Priyantha's Mother
• Kalani Dodantenna  as Woman at home

Plot

Koombiyo tells the story of Jehan Fernando, who lives alone in a deserted building complex in Colombo, with no family or home. When Priyantha comes to Colombo looking for a job, he accidentally meets Hiruni and Priyantha Mahaulpathagama on a public bus. 

Jehan convinces Priyanth to leave his job and join Jehan's Perpetual Lanka Company. The customers are given groceries from the local flea market, claiming that the items are groceries from supermarkets. Priyantha starts living with Jehan, one of his business partners, and they soon become good friends. The company is eventually wound up by government officials after a complaint from a disgruntled customer, one of Jehan's former batchmates. Anjana settles the case and both Jehan and Priyantha are released without charge.

They then start a motivational magazine using information copied from other sources, but with the help of a gang of unemployed street gangs led by Jude, their attempt to sell the magazine on public buses fails after a fight between Jude and the bus conductor, which lands them in jail. 

A local mobster named Austin and his right-hand henchman, Tiran Jehan, visit him for a job to steal an expensive car from a retired businessman. Jehan is revealed to be no ordinary con man, but a renowned criminal mastermind with a reputation for planning and executing heists. Austin and Tyran are Jehan's close friends and have apparently worked together in the past. After successfully stealing the car as planned, another client comes to Jehan through Austin's recommendation to stop a journalist from exposing the dirty past of a popular politician. Jehan discovers that the journalist is waiting for his home loan to be cleared and exploits this by prompting the journalist to bribe a fake bank official (another of Jehan's connections). The entire act is secretly recorded and Jehan uses this to convince the journalist to do as he says.

Meanwhile, Jehan meets Hiruni several times and they begin to develop a cordial relationship. A strange boy starts chasing Hiruni's love and when he meets Hiruni and Jehan in public, a tense situation ensues and Jehan is finally attacked by the boy's gang. A seriously injured Jehan is hospitalized and the situation brings both Hiruni and Jehan closer.

A group of trade union leaders from a left-wing political party approaches Jehan to reveal that the earlier attack on him was not a coincidence, but a clever plan to avenge Jehan's earlier plan to blackmail his friend Padmakumara. They were impressed with his work and offered him a job wreaking havoc in a factory called Shakya Holdings, which treated workers well but did not allow unions in their factories. Jehan is sent to the factory as an employee to find any loopholes that can be used to break the relationship between the owners and the workers. Meanwhile, a secret police officer named Cyril Abeysekara came to meet Jehan to question him about a bank robbery that happened 6 years ago. The police suspect that Austin is behind the robbery and Jehan is seen at a restaurant near the crime scene. Unable to find any clear evidence to link Cyril to the theft, Jehan deftly dodged questions.

Jehan works with his friend, a computer hacker, to create a software that predicts "life ambitions". And sell it to a company with Hiruni's help.

Jehan successfully executes his master plan and leads the workers to go on strike, however, during the protest Priyanth is jailed and an employee is shot dead. After discovering their connection to the death, Jehan leaves for a remote village school to escape his criminal ways. While there, he teaches students science and English. Party officials are being brainwashed by Priyantha. And they manage to get him out through legal procedures. He is very famous. When Jehan was in jail, he tried to talk to Priyantha, but now Priyantha can't talk to Jehan because the party officials have brainwashed him.

Austin dies at the hands of his nemesis "Barrel Sunil". Tiran flees to Malaysia. CID officer Assistant Superintendent of Police Abeysekara Jehan arrested.

Meanwhile, Priyantha is contesting the local government elections. He also finds out that Jehan has told his computer friend to give a part of the profit from the software to Priyanth. Even a party official says that Priyantha Jehan really took care of him. Priyantha then goes to meet Jehan who is now in jail and gets some advice on how to win votes.. Priyantha wins votes. And after 2 years, Jehan is released from prison.

Priyantha meets Jehan after 2 years and gives him shelter in her home. Priyantha is a little disappointed with her party officials. Priyantha finds a job for Jehan and Jehan realizes that even Priyantha is a bit corrupt now. Jehan tries to leave Priyantha after an argument between them, but Priyantha brings him back home. Tyrant threatens Jehan to illegally return to Ceylon and help avenge Austin's death.

Characters 

1 . Jehan Fernando (Thumindu Dodantenna)Role:

 The mastermind and anti-hero. Analysis: Jehan is an enigmatic character with a sharp mind, who maneuvers through the underworld with calculated precision. Unlike a typical villain, Jehan's actions are often justified by a larger, personal code of ethics. His intelligence, charm, and resourcefulness make him a compelling figure. He is morally ambiguous, often blurring the lines between right and wrong, but always maintaining a sense of purpose. He represents the survival instincts of individuals who adapt to a corrupt society.

2. Priyantha Mahaulpathagama (Kalana Gunasekara) Role: 

The loyal friend and sidekick. Analysis: Priyantha starts as a naive character, unwittingly dragged into Jehan's world of crime. He represents the ordinary man, someone who is struggling to find a place in society. His transformation throughout the series shows his moral decline, as he gets further involved in Jehan's schemes. However, he maintains a sense of loyalty and vulnerability, making him a relatable character, especially in contrast to Jehan's calculated nature.

3. Hiruni Jayawardhana (Yureni Noshika) Role: 

 Hiruni is an independent, strong-willed woman with significant wealth and social influence. Her character is essential in adding a layer of complexity to the narrative, as she interacts closely with the protagonist, Jehan Fernando. Personality: She is portrayed as confident, intelligent, and self-assured. Her character stands out for her pragmatism and sharp mind, qualities that make her both an ally and a potential challenge to Jehan. Despite her privileged background, Hiruni is drawn into Jehan's criminal world due to her intrigue and personal connection with him. Relationship with Jehan: Hiruni shares a complicated relationship with Jehan. Initially, she is intrigued by his intellect and strategic thinking. As the series progresses, her involvement with him becomes more personal and emotionally driven. She is one of the few characters who can hold her own against Jehan's manipulative tendencies, which adds a sense of mutual respect between them.

Themes and Narrative

Crime and Corruption: 

At its core, "Koombiyo" is a critique of the corruption that pervades various aspects of Sri Lankan society. It portrays how corruption influences every level of the social and legal systems. The show illustrates the impact of systemic corruption on individuals and the community, revealing the often murky interactions between criminals and officials. 

Socio-Political Commentary:

 The drama serves as a mirror to the socio-political climate of Sri Lanka. By depicting the struggles of ordinary people against a backdrop of systemic injustice, it highlights the challenges faced by those who seek to live honestly in a world rife with corruption. The series delves into how political and economic power can be manipulated for personal gain. 

Moral Ambiguity: 

One of the most compelling aspects of "Koombiyo" is its portrayal of moral ambiguity. Characters are depicted with both strengths and flaws, challenging viewers to question traditional notions of good and evil. Law enforcement officers, criminals, and other key figures are shown in complex lights, reflecting the gray areas that exist in real life. 

Characterization

Protagonists and Antagonists: 

The show features a diverse range of characters, each with their own intricate backgrounds and motivations. Protagonists often find themselves in morally ambiguous situations, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Antagonists, on the other hand, are not simply villains but are presented as products of their environment, driven by circumstances and personal grievances. 

Character Development: 

Characters in "Koombiyo" undergo significant development over the course of the series. Their arcs are carefully crafted to reveal deeper insights into their personalities and motivations. This depth allows viewers to empathize with or criticize them based on their actions and decisions.

Production and Style: 

Visual and Cinematic Techniques:

 "Koombiyo" is known for its gritty realism, achieved through its visual style and production design. The use of authentic locations and a raw, unpolished aesthetic enhances the show's realism and immerses viewers in its world. Cinematography plays a crucial role in setting the tone, with dark, moody visuals that complement the show's themes. 

Direction and Writing: 

Srinath Wilfred's direction is instrumental in creating the show's tense and engaging atmosphere. The writing is sharp, with well-crafted dialogues and intricate plotlines that keep the audience invested. The narrative structure often includes multiple intersecting storylines, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling. 

Reception and Impact

Critical Acclaim: 

"Koombiyo" has been well-received by critics for its bold storytelling and its unflinching look at societal issues. It has been praised for its intelligent script, strong performances, and its ability to engage viewers in meaningful discussions about corruption and justice.

Audience Reaction: 

The series has resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about the real-life issues it portrays. It has been particularly impactful in raising awareness about the extent of corruption in Sri Lankan society and the challenges of combating it. Cultural Significance: By addressing contemporary issues through a dramatic narrative, "Koombiyo" has contributed to a broader dialogue about social reform and justice. in Sri Lanka. It stands as a significant example of how television can be used to explore and critique societal problems.

Production Quality:

 Direction: 

Lakmal Dharmaratne directed the show, bringing a fresh and cinematic approach to Sri Lankan television. His use of tight, tense shots and minimalist direction helped create the show's intense atmosphere.

Screenwriting: 

The writing, led by Ravinda Fernando, is one of the most praised aspects of the show. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and full of subtext, often highlighting the socio-political issues in Sri Lanka without being heavy-handed. 

The writing, led by Ravinda Fernando, is one of the most praised aspects of the show. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and full of subtext, often highlighting the socio-political issues in Sri Lanka without being heavy-handed. 

Pacing: 

The series has a tight narrative structure, with fast-paced episodes that keep viewers on edge. Each episode builds on the last, deepening the complexities of the plot while revealing more about the characters.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, **Koombiyo** stands as a groundbreaking Sri Lankan teledrama that reshaped the landscape of local television. Its gripping plot, morally complex characters, and sharp social commentary set it apart from conventional shows. By delving into the corruption and power struggles in urban Sri Lanka, the series offered viewers a fresh, sophisticated narrative, earning widespread acclaim both locally and abroad. Its influence on the Sri Lankan entertainment industry remains significant, inspiring future content creators to push boundaries and embrace more realistic, thought-provoking storytelling.