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.

The movie take you to the flash backs of the threatning politacal era in Srilanka. It revolves around a grieving mother who fight for justice of her beloved son's abduction and murder. Movie director successfully built a strong character around this mother which emphasize sympathy and fight for Justice.

I can say it is one of the best acting of Swarna mallawarachchi after her masterpiece 'Dadayama' movie. It will probably lead to secure her spot on 2025 best actress award.

Strongly recommended to young generation of Srilanka to educate theirselves by watching this movie about recent history which was the time where citizens lost even their basic human rights.

Once again direcor Ashoka Hadgama kept his trade mark through his inherent Cinema style but i would say it is less contraversial than his other films as this movie lead to most accepted referendum by the society about this true incident.

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!

For the younger generation of Sri Lankans, "Rani" serves as an essential viewing experience. It offers a window into the nation's tumultuous past, illustrating the devastating impact of political unrest and the resilience of those who stood against oppression. The film underscores the importance of remembering and understanding these events to appreciate the complexities of Sri Lanka's journey and the sacrifices made for justice and human rights.

"Rani" is a significant cinematic work that bridges the gap between generations, providing insight into Sri Lanka's political history and the enduring fight for justice. It stands as a testament to the strength of individuals who, despite immense personal loss, championed the cause of human rights and accountability. In the end it's a mother's heartfelt fight for the injustice served to her child and manymore at that duration in Sri Lanka..

The little island of paradise has alot of stories to tell...

"Rani," a 2025 Sri Lankan film, vividly depicts the atrocities that occurred in Sri Lanka during 1988 and 198917. The film has been praised for its cinematography and acting, making it a compelling cinematic experience1. "Rani" is a biographical drama thriller directed by Asoka Handagama and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah for Lyca Productions15. The movie stars Swarna Mallawarachchi as Manorani Saravanamuttu, and the cast includes Rehan Amaratunga, Sanath Gunathilake, Sajitha Anthony, and Bimal Jayakody.

The movie is based on the true story of Richard de Zoysa, a journalist, writer, human rights activist, and actor who was abducted and killed in 199013. The film follows his mother, Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu, and her relentless pursuit of justice following her son's tragic death.

Critics have generally given "Rani" positive reviews, praising its soundtrack, cinematography, and the performances of the cast, particularly Swarna Mallawarachchi1. As of February 14, 2025, the film had grossed LKR 100 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films in Sri Lankan cinema history1. For younger audiences, "Rani" is an essential viewing experience that illustrates the impact of political unrest and the resilience of those who stood against oppression.