‘Uppalawanna’ in a record run

Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne latest film 'Uppalawanna' now screening at CEL circuit cinemas has reached a record run with 175,000 patrons with over Rs. 12.6 million collection island wide. Released on July 27 the record was for the last 27 days after screening in twenty four theatres including Regal-Colombo as the main theatre. The film has broken the record for a Sinhala film in Regal cinema which was held by Senesh Bandara's 'Adaraneeya Wassanaya'.

In addition Regal-Kurunegala has recorded the second highest in addition to the largest patronage and highest collection on a Sunday for any Sinhala film. Prof. Ariyaratne famed for his 'Sarungale', 'Kristhu Charithaya' and 'Sudu Swaneli' Uppalawanna is set around an Aramaya (monastery) where a group of Bikkhunis live.

Based on a script written by experienced scriptwriter, Tissa Abeysekera the film is woven around a novel theme of 'Bikkhunis' or female monk, 'Uppalawanna' a name that comes in one of the Jathaka stories. The story is set against the backdrop of the 1989 insurrection. Uppalawanna played by Sangeetha Weeraratne and head Bikkhuni played by Malani Fonseka lived here and with the coming of the insurrection how these lives are shattered is depicted in this story. Other key roles in the film are played by Chandani Seneviratne, Roshan Ravindra and Rohana Beddage.

Among others lyricist Dr. Praneeth Abeysundara penned his first song for a movie in 'Uppalawanna' and it was sung by the award winning singer Nanda Malani. The film also has a folk song sung by Damayanthi Jayasuriya. And Rangana Prasad makes his entry to cinema as an editor in this film. In the technical credit, Dharmadasa Hemapala was the art director, Vasantha Vittachchi make up artiste, Vimal Deshapriya the assistant director and production executive is A. D. Ranjithkumara.

Produced by Ms. Milina Sumathipala, with 'Uppalawanna' the veteran film production company, 'Sumathi Films' has returned to film production.