Renowned Indian actress and producer Khushbu Sundar, Managing Director of Avni Cinemax (P) Ltd., met with Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, to discuss the proposed cinematic project “Maharanis – Tinsel Queens.”

The project aims to highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy, while also showcasing the island’s scenic landscapes to international audiences through cinema.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the potential of the film to promote Sri Lanka’s history and culture globally. 

According to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai, discussions also explored opportunities to position Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for film production and cultural tourism. (Newswire)

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Twelve classic Sri Lankan films will be showcased at the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, France, from Nov. 21–29, as part of the “France India Sri Lanka Cinema Heritage” project, the French Embassy in Colombo said.

Supported by the French Embassy in Colombo, the program, titled “On the Roads of the Golden Age of Sri Lankan Cinema,” celebrates the island’s cinematic legacy on an international stage.

The Festival explores Sri Lankan cinema with an exceptional programme of rare works, some of which have been restored, from one of South Asia’s least known film industries.

This retrospective is the result of a collaboration initiated in April with the National Film Corporation (NFC) and the Sri Lanka National Archives (SLNA) as an extension of the France – India – Sri Lanka Cine Heritage (FISCH) project on the occasion of the restoration of Sumitra Peries’ masterpiece Gehenu Lamai by the Film Heritage Foundation.

The Festival des 3 Continents is a film event offering a different perspective on cinema and the world through a unique selection of films from Africa, Latin America and Asia. It has been held every year since 1979 in the city of Nantes and the Loire-Atlantique region in France. (Newswire)

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A new law will repeal the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation Act No. 47 of 1971, aiming to modernize the governance and regulatory framework of the country’s film industry.

The decision comes amid recognition that the current legal structure, in place for over five decades, no longer aligns with the technological, social, political, and economic changes that have shaped the film sector, the Cabinet spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

The proposed legislation will establish the Sri Lanka National Film Council, which will take over regulatory responsibilities and the promotion of cinema culture. A fundamental draft outlining the Council’s role and structure has already been prepared, the Minister said.

The proposal, presented by the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was approved by the Cabinet to be forwarded to the Legal Draftsman for the preparation of the new bill. (Newswire)

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Veteran Indian actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are all set to collaborate on a new project directed by popular Tamil filmmaker Sundar C. The film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, is produced under the Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) banner and will be released by Red Giant Movies during Pongal 2027.

The news was announced today (November 5) by RKFI in a press release. “This landmark collaboration not only unites two towering forces of Indian cinema but also celebrates five decades of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – a bond that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike,” read the press release.

It added, “Commemorating 44 years of Raajkamal Films International, #Thalaivar173 unites Superstar Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence with Sundar C’s direction, in a landmark production envisioned by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran.”

The upcoming film marks a reunion between Rajinikanth and Haasan after 46 years. Notably, Sundar previously helmed Rajinikanth in the hit film Arunachalam and Haasan in the critically-acclaimed Anbe Sivam.

The news about the reunion first came out after the release of Coolie, Rajini’s recent film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Kamal Haasan confirmed the news early in September while speaking at the NEXA SIIMA Awards 2025. “We were united long ago, but chose to remain apart because they kept splitting a biscuit and giving us only half each. We wanted a full biscuit each, and we got it and relished it well. Now we are content with just half a biscuit again, so we have come together,” he said.

Later, Rajinikanth told reporters on September 17 that the project was in the planning stage. “The film will get rolling if we lock a good script. We are planning towards it, but hope we find a good story,” he had said then.

Speculations were rife that Lokesh, who also helmed Kamal Haasan in 2022’s Vikram, will direct the film. Later, social media was abuzz with speculations that actor-director Pradeep Ranganathan might be helming the film. Now, it seems that Winner-director Sundar C has won the jackpot.

Sundar, who made his debut in 1995 with Murai Maman, is known for helming many acclaimed films such as Ullathai Allitha, Arunachalam, Anbe Sivam, Kalakalappu and Aranmanai. Earlier this year, his long-delayed Madha Gaja Raja, starring Vishal and Santhanam, made box office records despite releasing after 13 years. Sundar, whose last directorial was Gangers, co-starring Vadivelu, is currently helming Mookuthi Amman 2, starring Nayanthara. (The Hindu)

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Sri Lankan film ‘Riverstone’ has received recognition at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Goblet Awards that was held on Saturday (21 June).

The movie directed by Lalith Rathnayake won two awards under the categories of ‘Asian New Talent Best Script Writer’ and ‘Asian New Talent Best Cinematography’.

Lalith Rathnayake and Nilantha Perera were recognized winning an award under the category of ‘Asian New Talent Best Script Writer’ .

Meanwhile, Prabath Roshan was recognised winning an award under the ‘Asian New Talent Best Cinematography’ category. 

The film was directed by Lalith Rathnayake and produced by Cinearts Films. “Riverstone” highlights the beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka, with filming locations including Kandy, Digana, Medamahanuwara, and Riverston, among others. The film also features a cast of talented Sri Lankan actors and a dedicated production team. 

The film is expected to be released in local theaters and also shown at international film festivals, as well as on online platforms. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan documentary film “Oddamavadi”, by creative director Aman Ashraff, will be released in local theatres starting tomorrow (Aug 02). 

The documentary film narrates the untold story of the Sri Lankan Muslim community’s struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It highlights the community’s ordeal with forced cremations of loved ones who succumbed to the coronavirus.

Taking to ‘X’, director Aman Ashraff announced that the movie will be screened in local theatres, such as Scope and PVR, tomorrow, while tickets are available for booking online. (Newswire)

Coming Soon! #OddamavadiTheUntoldStory #OddamavadiTheFilm #Trailer pic.twitter.com/bKFzJrZmoI

— Aman Ashraff (@amanashraff) June 24, 2024

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Sri Lanka film directors have called for a ban on mobile phones at movie theatres, following the recent incident of an illegal recording and uploading of a movie on social media. 

Addressing the media, teledrama and film director Jayantha Chandrasiri said mobile phones must be banned from cinemas to protect the hard work of movie producers and their income. 

Stating that cinema owners must take measures in this regard, he added that the Sri Lanka Film Corporation must also issue an official directive in this regard.

Jayantha Chandrasiri further pointed out that the public is not allowed to take cameras or mobile phones to stage plays overseas, which must be implemented in Sri Lanka, including at theatres. 

He made the comments referring to the recent illegal recording and uploading of the film ‘ Sinhabahu’ on social media.

A 24-year-old man from Kandy was arrested in connection to illegally recording and uploading the film, directed by the President of the Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka Somaratne Dissanayake, on YouTube. (Newswire)

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