Rani

Based on true story in 1990s in Sri Lanka. International journalist ,Richard de Soyza kidnapped and slaughtered by former president Ranasingha Premadasa era.

Swarana Mallawarachchi cast very elegant charactor, Manorani Sarawanamuttu who s mother of Richard de Soyza .

Richard de Zoysa was a fearless journalist who criticized the government's human rights abuses during the late 1980s and early 1990s-a period marked by political violence, disappearances, and death squads. In February 1990, he was abducted from his home by unidentified armed men (widely believed to be state-sponsored death squads) and later found dead on a beach in Moratuwa, his body showing signs of torture. His murder sparked international outrage.

If you interested in Sri Lanka past politics, Just go to theater and watch it.

Description:- Rani is a 2025 Sri Lankan biographical drama thriller directed by Asoka Handagama and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah for Lyca Productions. It marks the company's debut in Sri Lankan cinema. The film stars Swarna Mallawarachchi as the lead, alongside Rehan Amaratunga, Sanath Gunathilake, and others. It tells the story of Richard de Zoysa, a journalist and human rights activist abducted and killed on February 18, 1990. His mother, Manorani Saravanamuttu, fought for justice. Released on 30 January 2025, the film has received positive reviews, grossing LKR 10 million by 2 February 2025.

Swarna Mallawarachchi delivers a tremendous performance as Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu, truly bringing the character to life. It was a delight to watch her evolution after the tragic loss of her son. The supporting cast also did an excellent job, with Ranasinghe Premadasa's portrayal being especially uncanny.

However, if you're unfamiliar with the historical and political landscape of that era, some characters and scenes might not fully resonate. While the story itself is understandable, the deeper significance of certain events may be lost without prior knowledge of their real-life political impact.

I did feel that some scenes were unnecessarily drawn out, and I wished for more focus on the characters' lives during that time. If you plan on watching, I highly recommend reading up on the R. Premadasa era beforehand to get a full understanding of why those characters are important and why they were included in the movie.

That said, I'm really glad to see a Sinhala movie of this caliber. Our theater was houseful even on the fourth day, which speaks to its impact. Hopefully, Sri Lankan cinema continues to produce such high-quality films-our history has plenty of powerful real-life stories to tell!

Raani is an absolute waste of both money and time. The movie lacks any proper flow, making it feel disjointed and difficult to follow. Instead of presenting a well-structured or compelling story, it seems more like an attempt to cover up the real murder of Richard. The weak narrative and poor execution make it frustrating to watch, and it completely fails to engage the audience. The pacing is off, the screenplay is messy, and there's no real depth to the storytelling. It neither delivers justice to the truth nor provides any entertainment value. If you're looking for a well-made movie with a gripping plot, this is definitely not it. A complete disappointment from start to finish, making you regret the time and money spent on it.

A bold, emotionally charged film with brilliant performances and a story that matters. Definitely one of the best films of 2025 so far!

Rani (2025) is a powerful social drama that delivers a gripping story of resilience and justice, masterfully directed by Nizamudeen. Keerthy Suresh shines in a career-best performance as a woman challenging corruption and societal oppression. The film's stunning cinematography, compelling soundtrack, and authentic storytelling make it both emotionally impactful and thought-provoking. While a few scenes could be tighter, the overall message of empowerment and strength resonates deeply. Rani is a must-watch for anyone seeking meaningful cinema with outstanding performances and a lasting impact.