‘Sinhabahu’ surrounds the city
View(s):By Susitha Fernando
‘Sinhabahu’, Dr. Somarathna Dissanayake’s newest film, a novel cinematic interpretation to the legendary folktale of the origin of Sinhala nation is now being screened in cinemas around the country.
Somarathna, who is famed for his popular films ‘Saroja’, ‘Siri Raja Siri’, ‘Sooriay Arana’ and ‘Siri Perakujm’ some of which were box office hits, has directed this latest movie based on the popular folklore.
‘According to the legendary folktale the origin of the Sinhala race was from a wild lion and a human princess. This cinematic interpretation is a correction of that biological impossibility to a believable reality’ said Dr. Dissanayake speaking about his new film. In ‘Sinhabahu’, the young daughter of king of Vanga has been captured by a tribal king called Sinha. They live happily in a cave palace, away from human civilisation. Their son Sinhabahu becomes an extraordinary fighter after learning all the skills from the father. Sinhabahu is a rebellion and confronts his father often against the strict limitations imposed. One day Sinhabahu breaks free, together with the mother and the sister, to the human civilisation in search of the royalty he inherits. Disgruntled Sinha invades the civilised villages in search of his lost family. As the royal soldiers fail to control them, Sinhabahu takes the challenge without knowing that the invader is his father.
The play stars Akila Dhanuddhara, Sajitha Anuththara, Yashodha Wimaladharma, Senithi Akila and first timers Dusheni Miyurangi de Silva and Abhilashi Santhushki. Among the others in the cast are Rathana Lalani Jayakody, Chandana Wickramasinghe, Neranjani Shanmugarajah, Kumara Thirimadura, Dharmapriya Dias, Givantha Arthasad, Sahan Manage, Anura Malwala, Saman Dassanayake, Clifferd Jayasinghe. Two child actors Radeen Randew and Sayumyi Nimbadi are also introduced to Sri Lankan cinema.
Behind the camera, make up by Vidura Abedheera, costume designing by Oshini Ramesha, art director Janaka Prasada, sound designer is Sashika Ruwan Marasinghe, editor Ajith Ramanayake, director of photography Vishwa Balasooriya, colourist Ananda Bandara and music director is Dr. Saman Panapitiya. Scripted and directed by Dr. Somaratne Dissanayake, ‘Sinhabahu’ is produced by Gamini Wickkramasinha and Renuka Balasooriya. Playback songs are sung by Harshana Dissanayaka, Saman Lenin, Nuwandika Senarathna, Amanadya Uthpala and Shashika Gunarathna.
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