Ruwini Jayawardana
Award winning director Jayantha Chandrasiri, the maker of explicit
cinematic creations like ‘Agni Dahaya’ and ‘Guerilla Marketing’ had
embarked on a new and humongous task. He hopes to bring the historic
tale of king Dutugemunu, one of the most respected kings in Sri Lankan
history, to the wide screen. Chandrasiri held the launching ceremony of
his third creation, `Dutugemunu’ beneath the shadows of the Ruwanweli
Seya, Anuradhapura, on May 31.
 Dutugemunu is regarded as one of the greatest of Sri Lankan kings
because he regained territories which were in the grasps of invaders and
restored peace in the island. The gallant tale of the prince who stood
up against a powerful enemy is specially significant today as the peace
of our country was recently restored.
This awareness enhanced the importance of the movie which will begin
shooting in Weeravila soon.The muhurath of ‘Dutugemunu’ took shape of a
religious festival.
A parade of schoolchildren with bunches of water lilies, drummers, up
country and low country dancers and guests made their way to the foot of
the king’s greatest gift to the nation, the Ruwanweli Dagoba. The Maha
Sanga lead by Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Thera and Ven.
Athuraliye Rathana Thera along with Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa and many
prominent figures in the country took part in this ceremony in which
President Mahinda Rajapaksa delivered his good tidings to the director,
cast and crew through satellite communication.
According to director Chandrasiri the desire of reviving the story of
king Dutugemunu had been with him since his school days. This craving
together with extensive research through age old texts like the
Mahavamsa, Deepavansa, Thupavansa, Rajavaliya and Rasavahiniya had
resulted in the script of ‘Dutugemunu’. It is a tale of a king who was
not only known for his exceptional bravery but also for his pious and
human qualities.
Speaking to the media during the event Chandrasiri stated that he had
wanted to make a teledrama out of the historic account before realizing
that it is more suitable for cinema.“It is a timely project and one of
the goals of the project is to uplift racial harmony,” he
said.‘Dutugemunu’ also spotlights on the personal life of the prince who
had a romantic liaison with a village lass called Ranmenika in Kotmale
before making her his queen. This role is taken up by young actress
Oshadi Dias.
The challenging role of king Dutugemunu is portrayed by the talented
Thumindu Dodenthanna. Jackson Anthony will play the role of king Elara
while Yashodha Wimaladharma is Elara’s wife. Sriyantha Mendis is casted
as king Kavantissa and Kusum Renu is Viharamaha Devi. Prince
Saddhatissa’s role is portrayed by the charming Saranga
Dissasekara.Other keyroles are played by Buddhadasa Vithanachchi,
Damitha Abeyratne, Buddhika Jayaratne, Robin Fernando, Bimal Jayakody,
Rex Koddipili, Arjun Kamalanath, Nilanthi Dias, Dharshan Dharmaraj,
Dimuthu Chinthaka, Gamini Jayalath, Srinath Maddumage, Jerald Fernando
and Ajith Weerasinghe.The film is predicted as one of the biggest budget
films in the history of Sri Lankan cinema. It will be produced by Malee
Hettiarachchi, Shantha Hettiarachchi and Tusitha Haloluwa on behalf of
Cinemaneth Pvt Ltd.
Pic Tennyson Edirisinghe |
