‘Rookada Panchi’ back in theatres
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An EAP Films and theatres release, the film stars Jackson Anthony, Dilhani Ekanayake, Dayadeva Edirisinghe, Dhananjaya Siriwardana, Umali Thilakarathne, Niroshan Wijesinghe, Bandula Wijeweera and introduces child stars Kushenya Sayumi Fonseka and
Lakshika Deshan to the cinema. Veteran film stars Dr. Malini Fonseka and Dr. Ravindra Randeniya and seasoned lyricist Bandula Nanayakkarawasam make guest appearances.
11-year-old Rangi is the only daughter in an upper class family, living in Colombo suburbs. Free spirited Rangi’s favorite hobbies are quizzing and ventriloquising with hand puppets. Suddenly, Rangi’s mother falls ill on her birthday and her parents had to travel overseas to seek treatment. Rangi and her only brother, 8-year-old Sasa are placed under the care of Rangi’s Aunt and her husband. Rangi’s Uncle owns a five-star hotel on southern coastline and they take Rangi and Sasa to the hotel for a brief stay.
While staying in the hotel, Rangi comes across a Carnival on the beach, located next to Uncle’s hotel, and goes there with Sasa without informing Uncle and Aunt.
Rangi and Sasa befriend the carnival owner, a warm, kind-hearted ringmaster named “Uncle Louis” and frequently visit the carnival under Uncle and Aunt’s supervision. The hotel manager Walter, who is not a fan of Rangi and Sasa, quarrels with Uncle Louis, based on a personal affair. Walter continuously plans to destroy the carnival and hurt Uncle Louis, as a result of their clash. Meanwhile Rangi’s uncle finds out Walter has been cheating hotel funds for so long and it has been the reason for Hotel’s financial losses and Uncle fires Walter.
Rangi asks Uncle Louis to teach her a new puppet act for school’s annual talent show, as well as a surprise birthday gift for her mother. Rangi’s mother gets well and plan to return home soon. Rangi tells the happy news to Uncle Louis and asks him to speed up the training.
Louis invites Rangi to perform her act on the Carnival as a rehearsal on the night before her return to home. While excited Rangi awaits on stage for curtain to open prior to Louis introduction, Walter, thinking he lost his job at the hotel because Louis exposed him, to take revenge attacks the carnival and sets stage on fire with the help of thugs. Rangi not knowing what’s going on outside, trapped in the fire generated by Walter’s attack. Uncle Louis jumps into burning fire and saves Rangi’s life, risking his own. The film continues with many dramatic twists and turns.
Written and directed by Ariyawansa brothers, the film is produced by Kularatne Ariyawansa for Ransara Pictures production.
Original score by Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe, sound design and mixing are done by Tapas Nayak. Production design, art directions and editing are handled by Kalpana Ariyawansa while Jaan Shenberger is the cinematography. Assistant director of ‘Rookada Panchi’ is Sarath Senarathne.