Abeywardhana Dilki Sandarekha Jasing; Perera H.D.; Achini Poornika; Gunawardhana H.G.; Sureshika Lakthilini; Dissanayaka R.A. Nethmi Madhara (2021), The Gothic Elements in the Sri Lankan Film “Garasarapa”, Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Humanities Undergraduate Research Symposium, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. 121p.

Abstract

This research study seeks to examine the gothic representations depicted via religion and superstition in the Sri Lankan contemporary film Garasarapa (2018). Garasarapa [The Lurking Serpent] directed by Jayantha Chandrasiri has been selected as the primary source for this research. This research study argues that the representation of gothic elements in this film explores the impact of the Sri Lankan culture in the expression of religion, such as Buddhism and Christianity since the 21st century. Moreover, the gothic ideologies and belief systems prevalent within Sri Lankan society are demonstrated through the demonology of Black Prince; Kalu Kumaraya. The review of previous research on gothic literature reveals the East Asian gothic elements, gothic symbology in film and television, beliefs concerning myth and monstrosity and the uncanny in Asian Diasporic film and literature. However, the study reveals the presence of a lacuna in the area of study concerning the impact of the Sri Lankan culture in representing religion and gothic ideologies in the film, Garasarapa. Textual analysis is the primary research method used in this study to chiefly examine the visual text. Since the research examines historical events, the study will also be conducted according to a historical approach while taking into consideration the subjectivity of the researchers involved in the study. This research study aspires to examine the manner in which the Sri Lankan culture has influenced the portrayal and expression of religion and gothic ideology within the Sri Lankan society. Moreover, this study argues that Garasarapa is a reflection of Sri Lankan social and cultural values, ideologies and traditions, contributing to the depiction of an Asian gothic element usage in the film.