Ilango Ram’s ‘Tentigo’ (‘Nelum Kuluna’) has been making headlines recently, offering a unique experience for Sri Lankan audiences as a local production. While the film is filled with humour, it seems to go beyond just entertainment. Through dark comedy, among other themes, the director highlights a critical social issue – the lack of sex education and the stereotypes surrounding sex in South Asia, including Sri Lankan society. The film cleverly addresses these topics in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Released in 2023, ‘Nelum Kuluna’ is a Sinhala-language dark comedy that recently hit theatres and became an immediate hit. Directed by Ilango Ram and produced by Hiranya Perera under Silent Frames Productions, the film features a talented cast, including Priyantha Sirikumara, Thusitha Laknath, Kaushalya Fernando, and Chandani Senevirathne.

From the trailers and clips available on social media, we can see that ‘Tentigo’ follows a family dealing with an unusual situation after the father’s passing as the deceased has an erection. The story unfolds as the family tries to hide this from others while searching for a solution. While the film explores multiple themes, it subtly emphasises an important issue: The lack of education and open discussion around sex-related topics in our society.

Discomfort around the topic of sex

This topic is something truly worth reflecting on. How many of us Sri Lankans can confidently discuss this topic with our parents or children without feeling the urge to disappear? Probably not many. Even beyond family, how comfortable are we talking to doctors or professionals when faced with reproductive health concerns? Too often, we ignore serious health issues simply because the topic feels too uncomfortable to bring up.

This sense of shame surrounding sex is deep-rooted in our culture. Many of us grew up witnessing our parents’ discomfort around these conversations, and this unease extends to our education system as well. When discussions about consent and sexuality are avoided during our formative years, feelings of shame can persist into adulthood, affecting our relationships and mental wellbeing.

We know that sex is not just a biological function – it is also psychological, sociological, and shaped by moral, religious, and cultural values passed down through generations. One of the key reasons for our discomfort can be the deep-rooted belief that sex is something ‘wrong’ or inappropriate, which is conveyed to us as children. Ram highlights this issue brilliantly through the movie, particularly in how the characters struggle and hesitate to communicate the problem with each other and even with a doctor.  

Ageing populations 

There is a significant lack of open discussion and research on the ageing population and sex, often leaving older adult sexual issues and the need towards it overlooked. ‘Tentigo’ explores this issue, particularly through the deceased man’s friends and his involvement in an illicit love affair. This highlights how society tends to dismiss the sexual wellbeing of older individuals.

In many cultures, including ours, aging is often associated with a decline in desire, and older adults are frequently seen as less deserving of sexual expression or consideration. This mindset creates a stigma that discourages open conversations about their needs. Religious beliefs further shape these attitudes, with most religions in our context emphasising modesty and restraint, particularly in old age. While these values serve important moral and ethical purposes, they can also contribute to the silence surrounding sexuality, not just in older populations but to sexuality at any age.

As a result, many elderly people struggle with their sexual and emotional needs in isolation, lacking the support or resources to address their concerns. This silence can affect their mental and emotional wellbeing, reinforcing the idea that sex or sexual expression is a topic only relevant to the young. The film effectively brings this issue to light, encouraging a much-needed conversation about the broader perspectives on sexuality across all stages of life.

Female sexual rights

The film also briefly touches on female sexual rights and how they are often overlooked. In many societies, including Sri Lanka, a man’s sexual needs are acknowledged and fulfilled in some way, while a woman’s desires are sidelined, treated as unimportant, or even ignored. Many Sri Lankan women face this in silence, as cultural taboos and shyness make it even harder to express their sexuality or talk about sexual health.

Through the two sisters-in-law, ‘Tentigo’ subtly but powerfully addresses this issue. Beneath the satire, their conversation highlights the struggles that many women endure in the bedroom – without proper resolution, open discussion, or even understanding. The film shows how gender norms still influence views on female sexuality, highlighting the need for more attention and open discussion in society.

A step forward for Sri Lankan cinema

Interestingly, ‘Tentigo’ has faced relatively little negative criticism – not for its storyline or the themes it explores, but for other aspects of the film. This, in itself, can be seen as a positive sign. It suggests that Sri Lankan society is evolving, becoming more open to discussing topics that were once considered taboo.

This film is a must-watch, not only for its bold storytelling but also for the fresh experience it brings to Sri Lankan cinema. Ilango Ram proves himself to be a director with great potential, capable of drawing in audiences while tackling complex social issues through dark humour and symbolism. 

As you watch, pay close attention to the visual and narrative symbols woven throughout the film. Beyond the humour, there are layers of meaning that reflect deeply ingrained cultural struggles – making ‘Tentigo’ a cinematic experience that is entertaining while also making you think.

(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 12 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication