‘Yashodhara’ in theatres from April 26
Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne’s newest film woven around ‘Bimbhadevi’ alias ‘Yashodhara’, the story of the beloved wife of Siddhartha will be released in 70 theatres on April 26. The 22nd film by experienced filmmaker is released in line with the Vesak celebrations and the film is produced by H. D. Premasiri.
The main roles of Siddhartha and Yashodhara are played by two Indian stars A. Chowdhury and Pallavi Subash while the other roles are played by Dineth De Silva (Devdath) Sangeetha Thedani (Mahamaya) Ajith Weerasinghe (Suddhodana) Udari Perera (Nanda) Heshan Manula (Nanda) Shammu Kasun (Channa) Kamal Deshapriya (Supprabuddha) Thumindu Dodanthenna (Kavvyakkaraya) Ruvi Lakmali (Radhitha) Wilson Gunaratne (Asitha) Anesta Gray (Uththara) and Nethsuka Muluthenrala (Rahula)
The advisors for the film are Professor Bellanwila Wimalaratane thero, Professor Medagoda Abhayatissa thero, Professor Agalakada Sirisumena thero, Professor Chandima Wijebandara, Professor Sumanapala Galmangoda, Professor Asanga Thilakaratne, Senior Lecturer Nawalapitiya Anuradha and Suddhammika Bikkhuni.
Behind the screen Channa Deshapriya handles camera, Bimal Dushmantha is art director, Wimal Deshapriya is assistant director, Manohari Hewawasam is production manager. Makeup is handled by Priyantha Dissanayake, costume designing by Thilina Hettigamage, music direction by Rohana Weerasinghe, choreography by Chandana Wickramasinghe, visual effects supervisor is Chathra Weeraman and vocalists are Nanda Malani, (introducing) Ravindra Karunarathne, Asanka Dhananjaya and the production coordinator is A.D. Ranjith Kumara
The film was shot in a massive set at Ranminitenna cinema village in Hambantota for 45 days.
The renowned Sinhala language profession who is acclaimed for his earlier directions like ‘Sarungale’, ‘Anupama’, ‘Siribo Aiya’, ‘Uppalawanna’ and ‘Sudu Sevanali’ said there were large number of books which were written based on the character of Siddhartha but hardly any book or films on Yashodara.
Prof. Ariyaratne made his film ‘Yashodhara’ based on ‘Yashodharawa’ written by Ven. Ganegama Saranankara thera.
