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                        Compiled by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Big budget movie to begin shooting in October 

Ranjan to reach higher plane with 'Sadhu'

Popular actor turned director Ranjan Ramanayaka is to create yet another sensation in the local film industry with his latest film which is supposed to be a high budget affair with even Indian actors. The film, already named "Sadhu" is woven around a Buddhist monk who is a veteran in martial arts. "This will no doubt be a novel experience to local filmgoers," Ranjan explained.


The launch of Ranjan’s website - www.ranjanramanayaka.com and his new film was held at a ceremony held at the Colombo Hilton, on Thursday evening.

Apart from popular local actors, several Indian actresses including Meena (cast in Padayapan) and Simran will play lead roles in the film while the main character will be played by Ranjan himself.

Ranjan said the film is set in the aftermath of the Arantalawa incident where a large number of Buddhist monks were massacred by terrorists. "It revolves around one monk who escapes and begins to fight social injustice. The film also focuses on the country's prolonged ethnic crisis and sufferings endured by the people due to the war."

He said this monk who is a veteran of martial arts with advanced mental powers including an astral body organises a large crowd of people to fight against social injustice and corrupt politicians. "He leads a protest towards Parliament against corruption and wrong-doings."

Shooting is due to commence in October. "We are planning to shoot the film at main locations in Puttalam and Jaffna. This will be a cinemascope film."

Ranjan says the estimated cost of the film is over Rs 20 million which is produced by his long-term friend and classmate Bevan Perera who resides in England.

"We are planning to spend around Rs 15 million for the first copy and distribute at least 10 - 15 copies in India too."

This is Ranjan's third film. His first, "Parliament Jokes" earned a record income. His second, "One Shot" is to be released in December. Ranjan stressed that the time has come for the local films to penetrate the international market. "We have to make plans to go beyond the Sri Lankan market and that is why we are casting even Indian actresses."

Responding to a question whether the film's script had been presented to the Public Performances Board for its approval, Ranjan said priority should be given to cater to the audience, not to the censors. "In my view, artistes should bravely present their views through their chosen medium. We must be concerned about the public not the Censor Board."

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Aliens land at Majestic

"Koi Mil Gaya" (You Are Not Alone) which won the Filmfare award for the Best Film, Director and Actor is now being screened at Liberty Cinema and Cine City.

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Prema Chopra, Rekha and Rajat Bedi, "Koi Mil Gaya" tells the story of Rohit (Hrithik) who shows the world that friendship is truly universal.

Rohit, a son of a scientist who invents a computer which could transmit messages to space, is born into the world as a mentally challenged child who faces ridicule and torment at every phase of life.

His lone companion is Nisha (Zinta) whose compassion draws her towards Rohit.

However, the story of Koi Mil Gaya is rather different from the usual Hindi film formula where the fiance fights against the villain and finally wins the battle and his fiancee.

A huge spaceship comes to Rohith's town after he sends messages to space using his father's computer. The film then revolves round an alien who is left in the town and how he gives super powers to Rohith enabling him to defeat his opponents.

The local Police and scientists launch a massive hunt to track down the alien. Will the officials be able to capture the alien - will Rohit be able to lead a normal life. It's all in the final moments in Koi Mil Gaya which would certainly be a new experience for local film lovers.

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Dilini Dharmasiri - versatile and talented actress

Emerging actress Dilini Rohitha Dharmasiri who was recently cast in Udayakantha Warnasooriya's "Diya Yata Gindara" is a versatile actor with many talents.

A singer, announcer, film and teledrama actress, Dilini has been featured in many programs on SLBC, Rupavahini and Sirasa TV.

She commenced her acting career at school and started to work as a relief announcer at the SLBC as soon as she passed the GCE O/L. Now she conducts various programs on SLBC's Commercial Service and the City FM service.

Her programs at the SLBC's Middle East service earned wide acclaim among listeners. She has also conducted live sports commentary programs apart from being a newscaster at the Rupavahini Corporation and the SLBC. At present, she's studying for an art degree at the University of Kelaniya. Dilini is determined to make a contribution through her talent for the benefit of society.

She is willing to act in more teledramas or films if the roles suit her.

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