‘Nidahase Piya DS’ in Ridma circuit soon
A media screening of ‘Nidahase Piya D.S.’, the first ever biopic based on the life and times of Deshamanya D. S. Senanayake, was held recently with the participation of artistes involved in the film and media personnel.
The film is to be screened in the Ridma Circuit cinemas following ‘Goal’, the film which is now being screened in the respective theatres.
The first ever film made based on country’s first Prime Minister, the film was shot in Ranminitenna cinema village, Meerigama, the hometown of the leading politician, Kandy, Peradeniya and Bogambara prison.
Directed by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa, the film is produced by Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
The main role of Don Stephen Senanayake, is played by Lakshman Mendis, while the young DS is played by award winning playwright and actor Thumindu Dodentenna.
The other main roles are played by Jayalal Rohana, Janak Premalal, Susantha Chandramali, Thisuri Yuwanika, Palitha Silva, Buddadasa Vithanarachchi, Saranga Disasekara, Somasiri Alakolanga, Douglas Ranasinghe, Anura Bandara Rajaguru, Udeni Aliws, Isuru Lokuhettiarachchi, Pavithra Wickremasinghe, Priya Vithanarachchi, G. R. Perera, Nayana Hettiarachchi, Roshan Pilapitiya, Nirosha Thalagala and Ayodhya Ratnasiri.
The biopic is to depict major events in D. S. Senanayake’s personal and political life. In addition the film is to capture major social events and political events that took place during his life time.
It also will capture the youthful years of D. S. Senanayake, his upbringing and his struggle to win independence for Sri Lanka. In addition ‘Jathiye Piya DS’ will highlight the beginning of ethnic tension that developed into a major problem later, and how D. S. Senanayake worked tirelessly to start colonies and revive the rich agricultural society that was part of the Sri Lankan culture, tradition and economy.
Behind the screen camera by Chandana Jayasinghe, production executive- Udaya Eranga Lokuhewa, music direction is by Samantha Perera, art direction Dhammika Hewaduwaththa, make up by Tharaka Adhikari, assistant direction by Udaya Prasanna and media coordination is by Anton J. Fernando. Still photography is by Mewan Liyanage.
Thumindu Dodenthenna as young D. S.
