Kathuru Mithuru || කතුරු මිතුරු Film

Kathuru Mithuru is a 2023 Sri Lankan Sinhala-language comedy film directed by Giriraj Kaushalya and produced by Basuru Siriwardena for Alankulama Films. The film showcases the lives of two lifelong friends, a traditional barber and a tailor, as they navigate personal aspirations and familial expectations. The narrative centers around Wilson, a traditional barber, and Samson, a tailor, whose friendship transcends familial bonds. Both aspire for their children to secure esteemed positions in the administrative service, steering them away from the family trades. However, their children, Krishanthi and Krishantha, return to the village after completing their university education, facing unemployment. Contrary to their fathers' wishes, they choose to embrace and modernize the barbering and tailoring professions, challenging traditional norms and expectations. Cast: Jayalath Manoratne as Samson, the tailor Mahendra Perera as Wilson, the barber Rodney Warnakula as Wilson's assistant Priyantha Seneviratne as Samson's assistant Sandani Hettiarachchi as Krishanthi, Wilson's daughter Rasanjana Nandasiri as Krishantha, Samson's son Maureen Charuni as Samson's wife Jayani Senanayake as Wilson's wife This film marked the debut production for Basuru Siriwardena under Alankulama Films. The screenplay and direction were helmed by Giriraj Kaushalya, with music composed by Rohana Weerasinghe. Notably, Rasanjana Nandasiri, son of the late actor Vijaya Nandasiri, made his cinematic debut in this film. Filming took place in and around Mawanella. Initially slated for a December 2020 release, Kathuru Mithuru faced delays due to health issues concerning lead actor Jayalath Manoratne and director Giriraj Kaushalya. After a special screening at the Scope Film Festival on September 5, 2020, the film officially premiered on September 21, 2023, at Liberty Cinema Hall, Colombo, and was subsequently released nationwide on September 22, 2023, in LFD and CEL theaters. The film received positive reviews for its portrayal of friendship, cultural values, and the balance between tradition and modernity. Critics lauded the performances of the veteran cast, particularly the chemistry between Jayalath Manoratne and Mahendra Perera. However, some critiques were directed at certain sequences, including a love song scenario and a fight scene, which received negative reviews. Kathuru Mithuru achieved commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Sri Lankan films in 2023. It also garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances, further solidifying its place in contemporary Sinhala cinema.