With his breakthrough role in director Sumitra Peries' 1980 movie Ganga Addara, Sanath Gunathilake is regarded as a versatile Sri Lankan actor. After his debut in the 1978 movie Situ Kumariyo, he went on feature in Viragaya, Kedapathaka Chaya, Palama Yata, Sakman Maluwa, all of which won him accolades at the Sarasaviya Awards. He directed the 2009 comedy film Ekamath Eka Rateka, and has produced movies like Chalitha Rangali, Sisila Ginigani, Rumathiyai Neethiyai, and Sasara Serisaranathek Oba Mage. His 2017 venture as an actor includes the cyber crime thriller film Pani Makuluwo, under the direction of Isuru Weerasinghe Mudali, opposite Aishara Athukorala as the female lead.