Finishing touches for the first film on the first Prime Minister
View(s):‘Nidahase Piya DS’, a biopic on D. S. Senanayake
By Susitha R. Fernand
Major shootings of ‘Nidahase Piya D.S.’, a movie based on the life of Deshamanya D. S. Senanayake is completed and would be ready for post production soon. The first ever film based on the country’s first Prime Minister was shot in Ranminitenna cinema village, Mirigama, the hometown of the leading politician, Kandy, Peradeniya and Bogambara prison.
Directed by Suneth Malinga Lokuhewa, the film is produced by Justice and Buddhasasana 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 Dodantenna.
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 movie is to depict major events in D. S. Senanayake’s personal and political life. In addition the film is to capture major social 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 is part of 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 Tharaka Adhikari, assistant direction by Udaya Prasanna and media coordination is by Anton J. Fernando. Still photography is done by Mewan Liyanage.