Prasanna returns with 'Flowers in the Sky'

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Prasanna Vithange returns to film direction with his latest direction 'Akasa Kusum' (Flowers in the Sky) which starts its filming today, December 23 in Colombo. Having directed 'Ira Mediyama' (August Sun), a movie on the ethnic conflict and its repercussions as his last film, Vithanage's newest revolves around a life of a star, an actress. For the first time, Sri Lanka's legendary actress Malani Fonseka who is undoubtedly the most popular and versatile actress in the Sri Lankan cinema, will play to Prasanna's direction.

"In the hearts of the peoples, Malani is the greatest star that Sri Lankan cinema has ever produced and I am glad that she accepted my invitation," said Prasanna speaking about his new venture. "And the film will be a homage to all film actresses who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives for cinema. And the film will be an emotional journey of a woman who has lost her inner voice, and through what's happening, tries to understand who she really is," Prasanna describes.

The director is optimistic that his idea will be a success as for Malani too, it will be a novel experience as she had never portrayed an actress in any of her roles earlier."One might think it is the story of Malani Fonseka herself. But it is not so. We all look at actresses through the glamorous roles they portray. But we never think of their real lives and what they undergo as human beings and it is this I am going to capture," the filmmaker went on to explain.

Asked as to what inspired him to select this theme Prasanna said "Cinema has the power to bring joy to our lives. Before starting to direct films I myself was a film buff and we have been inspired by the acting of Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaratunge and Malani Fonseka,".

And cinema has the power to create life. So using this power I am trying to understand the real story of a star, says the director who has made a number of films that have won international attention."Akasa Kusum" is set in contemporary times, and tells the story of an actress popular in the 70's (Malani Fonseka), who unexpectedly gets a second chance at fame. The movie explores, on her second coming how she faces an industry with changed values, more bent on commercialization, and more media crazy.

Speaking on the theme Prasanna says that with the television and commercialized aspect of arts and cinema, commercialism has crept into human relationships too. "The stars themselves were forced to be advertisers for private companies," Prasanna said.

Among the others stars in 'Flowers in the Sky' are Nimmi Harasgama, Dilhani Asokamala, Damayanthi Fonseka and newcomer Shanika Samanali. Playing supporting roles are Jayani Senanayake, English theatre vet Mohamed Adamaly and budding actors Suraj Mapa, Tharindi Fonseka and Upeksha Swarnamali and Anarkalli Akarsha will make guest appearances.

The movie, co-produced by H. D. Premasiri for Sarasavi Cineru and Prasanna Vithanage in collaboration with Filmfreaks India, will see its world premiere in September 2008. M. D. Mahindapala will work as director of photography, while Lakshman Joseph de Saram will compose a score for "Akasa Kusum."

Iranthi Abeysinghe will function as Line Producer and Daminda Madawala will be Vithanage's first assistant director. Two Indian film industry veterans will also work with director Vithanage on the movie. A. Sreekar Prasad will edit and A. Laxminarayan will design the film's sound. The film is scheduled to be released in December 2008 in the local cinemas.