Playing lanky villains and comedic characters, Nanayakkara gained popularity in movies like Rekava, Kurulu Bedda, and Sikuru Tharuwa.
[1] He also appeared as the old shaman in Steven Spielberg's 1984 Oscar-winning movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
[3] As a young adult, Nanayakkara showed interest in theater and became a regular attender of stage plays.
[5] Nanayakkara continued his celebrated villainous roles in Kurulu Bedda (1961), Sikuru Tharuwa (1966), and Binaramali (1969).
[6] In 1984, Nanayakkara was chosen as one of the Sri Lankan actors in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Working with Lester James Peries again in Baddegama (1981) he played another major negative role as the Medicine Man.
[1] Other film appearances include Chandiya (1965), Parasathumal (1966), Ahasin Polawata (1978), Siribo Aiya (1980), and Dese Mal Pipila.