Maharaja Gemunu Film

In 2015, the epic Sinhala film "Maharaja Gemunu" (Sinhala: මහරජ ගැමුණු) was brought to life under the direction of Jayantha Chandrasiri and produced by Gunapala Rathnasekara for Sipvin Films.[2] This cinematic masterpiece featured Uddika Premarathna and Jackson Anthony in prominent roles, accompanied by the talents of Sriyantha Mendis and Yashoda Wimaladharma. The film's enchanting musical score was crafted by Nadeeka Guruge.[3] "Maharaja Gemunu" holds the distinction of being the 1221st Sri Lankan film in the Sinhala cinema tradition.[4] The narrative of the movie revolves around the legendary journey of King Gemunu, who ruled Sri Lanka from 161 to 137 BC. He is celebrated for his triumphant campaign to overthrow King Elara, a Tamil prince from the Chola Kingdom who had invaded the Kingdom of Rajarata in 205 BC. King Elara, a former soldier and spy under King Kharawela of Kalinga, presided over the Southern Kingdoms of India during the second century BC. Elara, disguising himself as an overseas naval chief, arrived in Lankadveepa with the intent of undermining the prosperity of the kingdom. Despite his victory over the Kingdom of Rajarata and the demise of King Asela, Elara remained unsatisfied, haunted by a prophecy etched by King Devanampiyatissa. Bhattara, an advisor to Elara, discovered this prophetic inscription, which hinted at the rise of a King named Gamani Abhaya (Dutu Gemunu) destined to reclaim the Kingdom of Rajarata and construct a magnificent pagoda (dageba) at its heart. Bhattara and Elara plotted to counteract this prophecy. King Gamani Abhaya employed ingenious strategies to overcome Elara's tactics and ultimately defeat him. Remarkably, due to his profound spiritual beliefs, King Gamani refused to let his people forget the shared humanity that bound them to the enemy. This compassionate act served to universalize King Gamani's deep humanity. Notable Cast Members: Uddika Premarathna as King Dutugemunu Jackson Anthony as King Ellalan Sriyantha Mendis as King Kavan Tissa Kusum Renu as Queen Viharamahadevi Tharuka Wanniarachchi as Young Queen Viharamahadevi Saranga Disasekara as Saddha Tissa Yashoda Wimaladharma as Queen Dharatri (Elara's wife) Buddhadasa Vithanarachchi as Monk Mahasiva Sandun Bandara as Bhattara Ajith Weerasinghe as Nandimithra Arjuna Kamalanath as Suranimala Anura Dharamasiriwardana as Welusumana Umali Thilakarathne as Elara's daughter Damitha Abeyratne as Rohini Buddhini Purnima as Kathee Lucky Dias as Minister Mahananda Rebeka Nirmali as Dancer Meena Kumari as Dancer Randiv Ranga Jayawardena as Deeghabaya Uditha Nishantha as Nandi Muditha Wijesundera as Tissa Senevi Hemantha Randunu as Panimuththa Senevi Maithree Peramuna as Ghotagaththa Tissa Anuruddha Chamila as Gotaimbara Lahiru Prasanna as Pussadeva Don Vipularatne as Kanchadeva Mahesh Premathilake as Therapuththabhya Asitha Nuwan as Bharana Ajith Silva as Labiya Wasabha Jagath Jayawardene as Maha Sona