Veteran playwright Vijitha Gunarathne's debut cinematic venture ‘Walapatala’ (Penumbra) is now being screened at Regal Colombo and other CEL circuit cinemas around the country. A true story that occurred during the 1970s dark period in Sri Lanka, the film underlines how politicians trap the youth for their advantage and how genuine leaders are deprived of chances to reform society.

With the support of a schoolteacher, a group of youth organizes a health information meeting in the village. The doctor, a well known figure in the village circle is the resource person. Suddenly the meeting is interrupted by a violent attack made by a gang, and a boy gets injured. The attack is by a politician and a businessman in the village and the police are also with them.

The politician who fears the new development in the village led by youth, doctor and a school teacher manages to destroy them through false allegations, fabricated stories and even physical attack.
‘Walapatala’ shows how and what damage could be done to the innocent people and the society as a whole when money, power and politics join together with their evil intentions.

The lead cast in film is played by Gamini Haththotuwegama, Jayalath Manorathna, Saumaya Liyanage, Palitha Silva, Jayani Senanayake, Jayani Senanayake, Deepani Silva, Duleeka Marapana, Anton Jude, Athula Liyanage, Lal Kularathna, Jagath Chandrasiri, Naleen Pradeep Uduwela, Parmapriya Dias, Nissanka Diddeniya and Somasiri Alakaolanga.

Camera by K. D. Dayananda, edited by Ravindra Guruge, musical score by Tharupathi Munasinghe, 'Walapatala' is scripted and directed by Vijitha Gunarathna.