Supporting roles are minimal but impactful. Kusum Renu appears as the long-suffering wife who eventually abandons him, her silence speaking louder than any dialogue. A cameo by veteran actor Henry Jayasena (in one of his final film appearances) as a skeptical veda mahattaya (traditional healer) adds a layer of cultural authenticity.
In many ways, Ara Soysa is closer to the Iranian New Wave (films of Abbas Kiarostami) or the early works of the Dardenne brothers (Belgian social realists). It proves that Sinhala cinema can be universal.
: A versatile actor who seamlessly moved between serious art films and popular comedies, Wimal Kumara de Costa brought a unique energy to his roles. He is even cited as a pioneer of the Sri Lankan mime industry. In "Ara Soysa," he plays Costa, Soyza's best mate who is always ready to help in the battles against Wadigapatuna, showcasing his flair for both physical and situational comedy. Ara Soysa Sinhala Film
Unlike many 80s films with numerous songs, Ara Soyza has only a few, but they are highly memorable. Most notable is the Wadha Baila musical battle between Soyza (dressed as an angel) and Wadigapatuna (dressed as a devil).
Ara Soyza stands out because it bypassed heavy political or social themes to focus entirely on . The Golden Age of Comedy Trio Supporting roles are minimal but impactful
Ara Soysa continues to be beloved by audiences for its lighthearted, humorous, and timeless approach to storytelling. The film's legacy is maintained by fans who share clips and trivia online, often remembering the iconic scenes of the three roommates and the famous "Wadha Baila" song.
The protagonists deliver performances that are grounded and sincere, allowing the audience to invest in their journeys. In many ways, Ara Soysa is closer to
The narrative centers on three eccentric, middle-aged bachelors—, Don , and Costa —who share a room in a boarding house and work as modest potato farmers. Their routine changes when they fall madly in love with Kanthi , the beautiful eldest daughter of the house owner.
as Soyza: The undisputed powerhouse of Sinhala comedy. Don Sirisena as Don: The perfect, deadpan comedic foil.
Joshua Eze is the Founder & Salesforce Architect at Sailwayz, a certified Salesforce Consulting Partner based in the UK. With over 6 years of experience leading CRM transformations, he is a certified Application & System Architect passionate about using technology to simplify business processes. Joshua helps companies unlock the full potential of Salesforce with strategic, scalable, and secure solutions.
