Trials, obstacles and heartache of:

Shanilka and Uththara

Ruwini Jayawardana

Young assistant director and playwright turned director Sandun Rajakaruna's maiden movie Uththara had completed shooting and is ready to roll on the wide screen soon. The movie stars Suraj Mapa alongside Hasini Gonagala backed by significant characters portrayed by Sanath Gunatileke, Upeksha Swarnamali, Janith Wickramage, Sahan Ranwala, Sarath Chandrasiri, Anoth Jude, Shan Bandu Weerasinghe, Daya Alwis, Maureen Charuni, Vishaka Siriwardena Rebecca Nirmalee,

Kumara Thirimadura and others.

The film relates a touching love story instilled in a political backdrop. He is Shanilka who had devoted his heart and life to music while she is Uththara, a beautiful young girl whose very existence is linked with his destiny. The movie unfolds with a romantic note till social forces bar their path. Uththara and Shanilka are faced with trials, obstacles and heartache which challenge the foundation of their romance. Will their love stand the test?

Director Rajakaruna who had entered the scene with Eranga Senaratne's Dipashika said that he had worked under more than 20 teledrama directors and movie makers like Thusitha de Silva, Dee Gee Somapala, Janaka Siriwardena and Jayalath Manoratne.

"I have observed techniques and gained experience from each and every one of them.

"I am grateful to the guidance and advice they have given for it helped me in shaping my creation," he noted adding that he had also worked on stage.

The movie is produced by lawyer Vajira Rajapaksa on behalf of Sinelka Films while Mahesh Rathsara Maddumarachchi handled the screenplay. Rohana Weerasinghe is in charge of the music while Uresha Ravihari, Pradeep Rangana, Bathiya Jayakody and Kasun Kalhara contributed with the vocals. The lyrics were penned by Bandula Nanayakkarawasam, Mahesh Rathsara Madummarachchi and Kalum Srimal.

Chandana Dharmapriya handled the camera, Chamikara Bokaragoda the art direction, Narada Dhananji Thotagamuwa the make up and Manjula Prasanga assistant directed Uththara. Maduranga Jayakody is the project's production manager.

Uththara was shot in a number of picturesque locations in the island including Colombo, Matale and Nuwara Eliya for nearly a month. All the initial work had been completed and it has joined the queue to be online for release.