Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe :

Hat trick for Dhammika

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Alankulama Films' newest project, Dhammika Siriwardana's much talked about Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe is expected to unspool in theatres towards the end of May. The movie not only marks Dhammika's directorial debut but it also sees him perform three roles as director, producer and script writer.

What's more, it also brings star couple Roshan Ranawana and Pooja Umashanker back on screen after their successful combination in Aasai Mang Piyabanna.

"Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe addresses the youth population. It explores themes like how they should maintain a friendship, help each other and if a relationship should end in marriage. Both the young and old will find something worth pondering over in the plot," said Dhammika who is known to make efforts to attain the top spot in whatever venture he embarks.

Though it was his business skills which brought him to light he soon expressed eagerness to explore the arts field. He began producing teledramas with various directors and passing the 19th production he tried his hand at directing teledramas. Tasting success with Sidhangana he decided to aim higher.

He joined hands with Udayakantha Warnasuriya for his maiden film production Aasai Mang Piyabanna. The movie not only emerged as the most popular film of the year but also shattered records. After producing a couple more movies he felt that the time had come for him to take the challenge of directing a movie.

"Directing teledramas had been like a rehearsal for me but if you try to make a movie in the same manner as a teledrama it will not be a success. Movie directing is an entirely different matter," he said adding that the 52-day hectic shooting schedule in some stunning locations in the country had been no cakewalk for the team. However all their hard work had paid off as moviegoers are eagerly waiting to see the bubbly Pooja and charming Roshan join hands and take them along a romantic cruise through life.

"Roshan is the most charismatic actor in the field. I believe that Pooja matches his frame and personality. They are both well suited for the roles and have given their best for the project," Dhammika reflected on his choice for the lead roles. Suwanda Denuna Jeewithe centers on a stirring love story involving the relationships which builds between Ayeshmantha, the son of a wealthy businessman, and Rashmi, a young girl with a playful streak.

Both have been treated cruelly by life and this binds them together. One of the key highlights of the movie will no doubt be its final song. The foot-tapping number includes some captivating visuals with rhythmic dance moves. Over 200 actors have taken part in this particular dance and around 50 reputed artistes in the scene make their appearance beside Roshan and Pooja.

[ Credits]

* Director, Producer, Story and Screenplay: Dhammika Siriwardana

* Executive Producer and Costumes designer: Basuru Siriwardana

* Cinematographer:

Jayanath Gunawardana

* Art Director: Lal Harendranath

* Assistant Director: Donald Jayantha

* Make up: Indika Udara Lanka

* Dance Choreographer: Shan Perera

* Production Manager: Tissa Senarath

* Still Photographer: Mahesh Nishantha

* Melodies: Rohana Weerasinghe, Mahesh Denipitiya, Ranga Dassanayake

* Playback singers: Uresha Ravihari, Shihan Mihiranga, Amal Perera, Nirosha Virajini

* Lyrics: Kelum Srimal, Nilar N. Cassim, Nandana Wickramage

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A special concert in tribute to Sri Lanka's renowned actress Malani Fonseka will be held at the BMICH to coincide with her 63rd birthday on April 30. The event will take form of a felicitating ceremony to pay homage to the actress who was recently included among Asia's 25 greatest actors by CNNGO.

The list includes Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Nargis.

With a career spanning more than four decades Malani is without doubt the finest ever actress that the country had ever produced.

Entering the reel with Punchi Baba Malani worked in some of the finest creations ever produced by the country like Nidhanaya, Bambaru Ewith, Eya Den Loku Lamayek, Siripala Saha Ranmenika, Yasa Isuru, Akasa Kusum and many more. She was the first Sri Lankan actress to reach international heights when she won awards at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975.

She had also been nominated for the Best Actress Award at the Asia Pacific Cinema Awards organized by the Asia Pacific Ciname Academy for the pivotal role she portrayed in Prasanna Vithanage's Akasa Kusum. This award ceremony will take place in Australia on November 26 in collaboration with UNESCO. Around 210 films competed at the event respresenting 43 countries. Finally 37 films from 16 countries had been chosen to take part in the program.

Addressing the media at a press conference ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara explained the importance of honouring the country's Queen of the Silver Screen for her services to the industry. He said that a concert as well as a feliciataing ceremony will be part of the entertainment. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and many other distinguished guests are expected to take part.

RJ

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Interestingly the script will be written by a former inmate, who said to have been with Salman for three days in jail.

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The directorial debut of Milap Zaveri - who wrote rib-tickling comedies like Masti and Heyy Babyy - is a small-budget movie co-produced by Mukesh Talreja and Nikhil Advani.

"Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai is extremely youthful, but the subtlety element is prevalent right through its duration," Riteish had earlier said. Made on a budget of about Rs.10 crore (Rs.100 million), the fantasy romantic comedy is releasing worldwide with around 600 prints. It is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures India.

Also starring Ruslaan Mumtaz, Sonal Sehgal and Vishal Malhotra in principal roles, Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai boasts of a number of guest appearances - Farah Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sajid Khan, Amrita Rao, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Vidya Balan and Karan Johar.

This is Riteish's and Jacqueline's second film together after Aladin.

"There are some humorous as well as beautiful moments in the film when Jackie freezes time. One of the hilarious sequences is where she saves Riteish from an accident. Then, there is also a point where the two eventually realize their love for each other," Zaveri said. IANS

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The movie which introduces Gamini Susiriwardena of Sirasa Superstar fame to cinema also stars Vijaya Nandasiri, Anarkalli Aakarsha, Sanath Gunathilaka, Ronnie Leitch, Anton Jude, Sunil Hettiarachchi, Wasala Senarath Dilshani Perera and Sashiranga Wickremasekera in significant roles.

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