Udayakantha on novel theme:

Hiripoda vessa ready for screening

Popular director Udayakantha Warnasooriya has now finished t shooting of his latest film "Hiripoda Vessa", which is woven around young lives engulfed in the challenges in the present-day society.

The film was shot in locations in Colombo, Rattota-Matale and Uswetakeiyawa. "The shooting was completed within 60 days with the commitment of the artistes and all others who joined in the effort."

The film focuses on the lives of teenagers."It goes on to portray the lives of teenagers, their experiences and how they face challenges in society," added Udayakantha. He says the film is woven around three main stories which run simultaneously. This is the 11th film to be directed by Udayakantha whose previous was "Randiya Dahara".

Commenting on the film's theme, Udayakantha says the local celluloid scene requires films with different themes and nature."We cannot continue with story telling cinema forever. We must make changes in order to attract the people and also to sustain the industry."

Udayakantha says shooting, dubbing and editing of the film have already been completed. "Now we have to do the mixing and sound and also printing. For these works, we are planning to go to India and we are hopeful that the whole film will be completed by next month."

The film stars Chathurika Peiris, Anarkali Akarsha, Jeewarani Kurukulasooriya, Jayalath Manoratne, Jayantha Atapattu, Roshan Ranawana, Pubudu Chathuranga, Harshani Perera, Janitha Wickremage, Akila Sandakelum and several new comers.

Udayakantha says the film would add more spice to the local film scene with songs sung by popular duo Bhathiya and Santhush while Shanika Wanigasekara and Sangeeth Wijesuriya will also join as play- back singers.

The camera director is Jayanath Gunawardena while assistant director is Donald Jayantha. Publicity and Development Manager is Nihal Sanjaya. The film is produced by Soma Edirisinghe for EAP Films and this is the 21st film production of the EAP films.

Uadayakantha said the film was created using cinemascope camera and also DTS technology. "This would help us present a film with a different theme with added features and I am confident that this would be a novel experience to the local film lovers," he added.

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Award winning drama at Lionel Wendt

"Dasa Mallige Bangalawa", an award winning drama co-directed by Ruwan Malith Peiris and Kalana Gunasekara will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on April 24 at 6.30 pm. The play is staged in aid of the "Abhina" drama school.

The play won seven awards including the best direction, best actress, best supporting actress, best supporting actor, best adaptation and best stage settings at the 2004 State Drama festival.

The cast comprises Sarath Kotalawala, Dharmapriya Dias, Nilmini Buwaneka, Ananda Premalal and Rawini Anuradha. It was produced by Step Set Theatre Gang.