PROJECTOR

Cricket craze

Sinhavalokanaya to roar on screen :

Ruwini Jayawardana

Embodying a big scope, a big cast and a big heart Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa’s maiden cinematic creation Sinhavalokanaya will launch the cricket World cup season in an entertaining note. The movie which is based on a two-team battle to verify who is the best at cricket boasts of a star studded cast which includes seasoned plays as well as some new faces.

Scenes from Sinhavalokanaya

Raini Charuka Gunathilaka, the daughter of singing duo Rukantha and Chandraleka Gunathilaka, makes her debut in the film alongside Delon Jayasinghe. Raini came into the limelight following a hit song sung alongside Gypsies leader Sunil Perera’s son Gayan Perera. She hopes to prove that she has more than vocal talents in the film.

Other key players include Sanath Gunatileke, Cletus Mendis, Dillhani Ashokamala, Kanchana Mendis, Damitha Abeyratne, Ashen Manjula, Kumara Thirimadura, Sanath Kothalawala, Dharshan Dharmaraj, Vasantha Kumarawila, Janaka Ranasinghe, Chinthaka Piries, Mihira Sirithilaka, Tharaka Adhikari, Prabath Pathiraja, Jayalal Rohana, G R Perera, Kusum Renu, Palitha Silva, Gamini Hettiarachchi, Moreen Charuni and others.

The movie is an effort to cater to the island’s obsession over cricket. For most Sri Lankans cricket had become more than just a mere game ever since Sri Lanka’s victory in the World Cup in 1996. Interestingly half of the movie is set in the rural backdrop tracing back to the colonial era while the other half unfurls in the modern society.

Provoked to a challenging match by a group of Englishmen some rural lads dare to take up the offer. The losers have a big price to pay but the lads are willing to stake their life and honour on the game.

Raini Charuka Gunathilaka

Among the team is the village headman’s son. Though he is not the one who took up the challenge he wishes to be the leader of the team. Many clashes and situations of betrayal follow due to this rift between the team members.

The lads have the capabilities but they do not possess the techniques or knowledge to excel in the sport. They seek the help of a hermit who hands them an equipment in which they can transcend time. The 11 guys find themselves in the present where the Sri Lankan team is known as one of the best teams in the world. They seek the help of Danuka, one of the best players in the national team and together with a few other players they train the team for four months to face their match.

Popular Sri Lankan cricketer T M Dilshan had taken part in the acting in the process of coaching the rural team.

He upgrades them on several of the modern techniques of playing the game.

The movie comprises three foot-tapping songs which are sung by Rookantha Gunatileke, Amarasiri Peries, Raini Charuka, Dilan Lamb, Ruwan Hettiarachchi, Sanka B and Nithin Gunaratne.

Sinhavalokanaya will begin screening at Savoy and other EAP theatres from January 14.

Bollywood makeup artist in Sri Lanka

Renowned Bollywood makeup artist and hairstylist Cory Wallia will be visiting Colombo on the invitation of Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians (SLAHAB) to conduct a special workshop for Sri Lankan talent focused on grooming their skills for the National Awards 2011 to be held in February.

The National Awards 2011 organised by SLAHAB for the 13th time, will be held on February 27.

Bollywood bridal make up

Wallia gives Katrina Kaif a touch of elegance

It will bring together hair and beauty professionals from all regions of the island on a united competitive platform.

Wisdom from the Guru himself, famous for Bollywood movie makeup, fashion shows and bridal makeup will be imparted to the participants at three workshops sponsored by 7th Avenue Cosmetics Pvt Ltd – the sole agents of ‘L.A. Girl’ brand in Sri Lanka.

Specialised focus will be on bridal makeup and its differing techniques while also including techniques in varying skin tone makeup, modern techniques, preserving makeup and much more. The first will be a ‘look & learn seminar’ at the Bishops College on January 31 from 10 am. Hands-on workshops for a limited number of participants will be held on February 1 and 2 from 9.30 am to 4 pm.

Deadline for registrations is on or before January 25.

SLAHAB President Rayaka Jayasuriya said, “Every year we train our hairdressers and beauticians prior to the National Awards.

We invite international experts so that our members can get exposure and help to build their confidence to compete at the National Awards.”

As an internationally acclaimed makeup artist, Wallia has done up Bollywood superstars from Aishwarya Rai to Katrina Kaif. Bridal makeup is a very popular segment in the beauty industry of Sri Lanka and being an artist who travels the world over doing bridal makeup, Wallia will impart valuable knowledge on colour coordination and general tips to improve the knowledge of members.

For more information contact Dilhani on 011 5631597.

Portman confirms directors for Cloud Atlas

Natalie Portman

How many hands are too many for a cookie jar? we can understand two directors working on a movie - that happens all the time. The Wachowskis, for example, work well together but what would happen if another was added? How big is that cookie jar?

Natalie Portman seems to think the jar is big enough because in a recent interview with EW she claimed that the sibling filmmakers will be joined by Tom Tykwer for an adaptation of David Mitchell’s lauded 2004 novel Cloud Atlas.

The long baking (and ambitious) project has been in development for over a year now, with Halle Berry at one point attached to star. Actually, there have been many many people attached to this thing as the hefty book follows six main characters and takes place over the course of several thousand years.

Portman admits that her part would be rather small, but isn’t even convinced that the film will move forward very soon.

“I don’t know what’s going on with financing,” she said, explaining that her loose involvement with the film goes back to the production stage of V For Vendetta,

“...I will have some acting role in it if it happens, but probably nothing major.”

IndieWire

Rani first said ‘no’ to NOKJ

The much awaited Hindi flick of the year, No One Killed Jessica, hit the silver screens on January 7. Director Rajkumar Gupta’s latest venture is based on the model Jessica Lall’s murder case. The film also brings two top actresses of the film industry, Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherjee, together.

Rani plays a role of bold journalist in the film while Vidya is seen as Sabrina Lall, sister of Jessica.

Rani

Vidya

However, Gupta has managed to keep the role of Jessica top secret before its release. A new comer Myra Karan has been playing the role but her identity has not been revealed yet. There are no pictures of Myra even in the film promos and wallpapers.

The censor board has awarded the film with ‘A’ certificate due to use of filthy languages.

Here are some excerpts of an interview with the lead actress, Rani.

Lot is expected from No one Killed Jessica. Are you hopeful too?

Well, that will depend on how the film fares. I have always been a very happy-go-lucky person. I feel bad when people write that Rani is finished, but I also feel good that it gives me an opportunity to bounce back.

Would you have liked to exchange your role in No One Killed Jessica with Vidya?

No, I’m very happy with my role. Also, we weren’t given any choice. The makers were sure who they wanted for what role. It’s better to go with the director’s conviction.

Did your acting style gel with Vidya’s?

From what I could make out while shooting, she is a method actor.

Deccan Chronicle

Bollywood hotties in 2011

The New Year has a lot in store for new faces to be launched in Bollywood and some of the names that are hot on every list are quite noteworthy.

Nargis Fakhri

One of the most awaited new comers is of course Nargis Fakhri, the 31 year old who is soon to be seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The hot bod is actually quite a sensation and it is rumored that Ranbir and Katrina had split because of her.

Reportedly film-maker Karan Johar is soon going to introduce Varun, the son of ace director David Dhawan.

Yet another kid on the block is Girish Taurani the 23year old son of Kumar Taurani. This young actor had debuted in his dad’s film Wanted, directed by Prabhu Deva. Girish is well trained in fight techniques from London and is a dedicated young actor.

IIleana D’Cruz is the 24 year old young girl who is soon to be seen in Anurag Basu’s forth coming flick Barfee.

The film also has Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in it.

This young actress from the south is a very promising young actress and is well known for her penchant for acting.

Narmaada Ahuja, the beautiful daughter of Govinda is soon to make her presence felt in tinsel town. The girl already has three untitled projects in her kitty and is touted as being a very promising young actress.

Santabanta

Roshan Pilapitiya

Roshan chops his locks

Roshan Pilapitiya who originally went for the crop in the teledrama Prathana Mal had to go bald again for his role in Sanath Abeysekara’s Mahindagamanaya. The actor will be portraying Maha Aritta King’s character.

Mahindagamanaya is shooting at the newly built Hambantota harbor. Jeevan Kumaratunga plays King Devanampiyatissa’s role. Channa Deshapriya is the cameraman while Sunil Premamratne is the art director.

The film is produced by Daminda Upali Fernando on behalf of Best Life cinema.

Anarkalli’s plans for the New Year

Anarkalli

Anarkalli Aakarsha who will be seen in Roy de Silva’s second English movie It’s a Matter of Love will give prominence to political activities this year. The svelte actress turned politician who is a key politician in the Southern Provincial Council said that she hopes to engage in a lot of projects for the betterment of the people in 2011.

Dubbing this year as a year ripe for tourism, Anarkalli noted that the Southern province is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

“I hope to dedicate myself to the tourist projects launched by the Government in the area,” she said adding that she had managed to balance her political and acting careers in 2010.

RJ