 ‘Challengers’ a challenging task for Udayakantha
by Ruwini Jayawardana
 Never the one to avoid taking on
new projects focusing on diverse aspects in life, Udayakantha
Warnasuriya recently held the ‘Muhurath’ ceremony for his newest film at
the National Film Corporation in the presence of many distinguished
guests including Media Information Ministry Secretary W.B. Ganegala and
NFC Chairman, Jayantha Dharmadasa. His latest cinematic venture,
‘Challengers’, sees seasoned actor Lucky Dias taking on a role for the
first time in one of Udaya’s creations. Roshan Ranawana and Pubudu
Chathuranga too will play significant roles in the movie along with
experienced campaigners like Vasanthi Chathurani and Sangeetha
Weeraratne.
Warnasuriya will be introducing many new faces to the scene through
the movie and chief among them will be Sheshadri who will portray the
female lead in ‘Challengers’.
Set in locations in Colombo, Nuwara Eliya and Nilaveli Warnasuriya’s
16th movie deals with some tests and trials that a handful of youths
face in life. The movie comprises a number of catchy songs which will be
played in the background of breathtaking landscapes and some stunning
dance sequences choreographed by Shan Perera.
Warnasuriya who had won accolades for successful hits like ‘Gini Avi
Saha Gini Keli’, ‘Mahamera Usata’, ‘Rajya Sevaya Pinisai’, ‘Yakada
Pihatu’, ‘Bahu Barya’ and 2007’s box-office movie ‘Aasai Mang Piyabanna’,
says that ‘Challengers’ explores a whole new aspect in youths and one
that had hardly come to light in creations. Life is not all about
winning. It is all about sharing and caring.
 ‘Challengers’ is a Cinemascope and DTS film which sees Donald
Jayantha as the assistant director. Jayanath Gunawardena will handle the
camera while Pravbeen Jayaratne will be the editor of the project.
Indika Udara Lanka is in charge of the hairstyles and make up. Manjula
Ayagama is the art director and Asoka Ariyaratne is the production
manager. The songs included in the film are penned by Sunil Wimalaweera,
Nilar N. Cassim, Vasantha Dukgannarala, Padmakumara Metthasena,
Ariyasinghe Perera and Kaushith Malinda. Aruna Lian, Dilan Lambi, Nisal
Gangodage and Ravi Hans have set the songs to melody. The background
vocals are by Uresha Ravihari, Nalin Perera, Surendra Perera, Lesley
Thomas, Bavi Susan, Abhisheka Wimalaweera, Chalitha Weerakoddi and Nadee
Kahatapitiya. Mahesh Nishantha is the still photographer.
Watch out for Warnasuriya’s next exciting project, his sequel to the
successful children’s movie ‘Ran Kevita’. |
