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Acclaimed Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage is making a splash on the international stage with his latest film, Paradise, a co-production between his Newton Cinema and the legendary Indian studio Madras Talkies headed by Mani Ratnam. This unique collaboration brings a thought-provoking story to the screen, set to hit theaters worldwide on June 28th, 2024.
Vithanage, one of the most celebrated contemporary directors in South Asia, who's known for tackling social and political issues through his work, delves into the complexities of human relationships in 'Paradise'. The film centers on an Indian couple, played by rising stars Roshan Mathew (Darlings) and Darshana Rajendran (Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey), who embark on a seemingly idyllic vacation to Sri Lanka to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. But paradise takes a dark turn when their trip coincides with a crisis, plunging them headfirst into societal and internal challenges. Through their experiences, they arrive at an objective conclusion about human nature.
"From the first time I read the script, I thought Amritha was a very challenging and exciting character because while she has very strong opinions, we rarely see her be vocal. So we get to know her less through her interactions and conversations with others and more through her thoughts and her time alone. I felt like that would be a great space to occupy as an actor because I had to take the audience through the deep transformation that Amritha goes through in the film, but with very little words."
Darshana Rajendran, lead actress
The Sri Lankan backdrop adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. Filmed entirely on the island nation, Paradise promises to showcase the beauty of Sri Lanka alongside the social and economic realities it faces. This focus on Sri Lanka resonates with Vithanage, who stated, "Making Paradise was like holding a mirror to myself and my country."
The film's multilingual nature – featuring English, Malayalam, Tamil, Sinhala, and Hindi – further underscores the collaborative spirit of the project. This tapestry of languages reflects the rich cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka, while also mirroring the diverse experiences of the characters themselves.
Adding to the film's pedigree is an impressive crew. Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, known for his stunning visuals in films like Sancti Narayan and Kammattipadam, is sure to capture the essence of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, veteran editor Sreekar Prasad (Drishyam, Neerja) will weave the story together with his signature precision.
"I’m happy Paradise is releasing and looking forward to knowing the reaction from the audience. The experience of making this film was inspiring and challenging. I’m very grateful to Prasanna sir and the team of lovely, talented people that got together for Paradise. It’s the most diverse team I’ve been part of and a joy to work with."
Roshan Mathew, lead actor
Paradise isn't just visually captivating; it's also garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit. The film's world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival saw it snag the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film. It also secured a spot among the top 10 films at the FIPRESCI India Grand Prix 2023 and received nominations at the Asian Film Awards and New York Indian Film Festival 2024.
"Paradise is a film that resonates with audiences worldwide. I fell in love with the script from the very first time I read it. It's a great honor to produce a film of the master director, Prasanna Vithanage, and to work with such a talented cast and crew whose efforts made this film successful. Paradise is a film that must be experienced in theaters to fully appreciate its exceptional audio-visual elements."
Anto Chittilappilly, CEO of Newton Cinema
Watch the trailer below:
Follow Prasanna Vithange here.
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