Film on the Father of the Nation releases this week
Marking a historical juncture in Sri Lankan cinema history, ‘Nidahase Piya-DS’ will be released in both Sinhala and Tamil in theatres islandwide simultaneously from October 12. Directed by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa, the maiden show in Sinhala will be released at the Regal Cinema, Colombo while the Tamil copy will be screened in Jaffna. The film will be released in Ridma circuit cinemas around the country.
‘Nidahase Piya-DS’, a biopic film narrates the life and times of the country’s first Prime Minister Deshamanya D. S. Senanayake, and the film features major social and political events that took place during the period.
Shot in Ranminitenna cinema village, Meerigama, the hometown of Mr. Senanayake, Kandy, Peradeniya and Bogambara prison, 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 Vithanaarachchi, 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.
It also will capture youthful years of D. S. Senanayake, his upbringing and his struggle to win independence for the Sri Lanka. In addition ‘Nidahase 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 is part of the Sri Lankan culture, tradition and economy.
Behind the screen, camera is by Chandana Jayasinghe, production executive- Udaya Eranga Lokuhewa, music direction is by Samantha Perera, art direction by 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.
