"Akasa Kusum" Comes to DVD in February 2010

The domestic DVD release of "Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky)" is set for mid-February 2010, through Torana Music Box. Director Prasanna Vithanage revealed that the DVD release will feature a newly remastered version of the film, complete with 5.1 surround sound.

The disc will also contain bonus features, including a 'Making-Of' documentary, deleted scenes, trailers and the Akasa Kusum music video. The film ran for 77 days in Sri Lankan cinemas last year, to critical and popular acclaim.

Meanwhile, Vithanage is also busy with a special Tamil dub of the film, on which he is currently working in India. This version is to see a special limited release in Sri Lanka in April, in time for the Sinhala & Tamil New Year. "Akasa Kusum" star Malini Fonseka has been acclaimed internationally for her performance in the film winning numerous awards in the international film festival circuit.

"Akasa Kusum" Ends Theatrical Run; Malini Fonseka Nominated For Asia Pacific Award

"Akasa Kusum" has ended its successful initial theatrical run in Sri Lanka, notching up 70 days in its main centres. According to preliminary data, the film created a record for a Sinhala film at the Regal cinema, Colombo, making 5.5 million rupees. The film has also garnered positive reviews from many critics.

Meanwhile, Malini Fonseka has been nominated for Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. She will compete against Iranian actress Goldshifteh Farhani, Korea's Kim Hye-ja, Russia's Yana Troyanova and Zhou Xun of Hong Kong for the award. Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara has also been nominated as best director for his second feature, "Ahasin Watei (Between Two Worlds)". The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) is an international cultural initiative of the State Government of Queensland, Australia to honour and promote the films, actors, directors, and cultures of the Asia-Pacific region to a global audience. APSA is partnered by CNN International, UNESCO and the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The awards ceremony will be held on November 26 in Queensland.

In related news, Malini Fonseka has begun the second leg of her world tour to promote "Akasa Kusum". She is in Italy, showcasing the film and meeting fans and friends. She is slated to make stops in Venice, Rome, Milan, Athena and Corno. Two months ago, she completed a highly successful tour of Australia, where the film was screened to packed audiences.

"Akasa Kusum" Set To Pass 50th Day Mark

"Akasa Kusum" will notch its landmark 50th day in Sri Lankan cinemas on Saturday, 10th October. The film is still playing in 24 cinemas across the country, including at the Regal, Colombo. It is also doing good box office, with Malini Fonseka's central performance as former film star Sandhya Rani receiving critical praise.

In other news, "Akasa Kusum" will screen at the South Asian Film Festival in New Jersey next Sunday, 11th October, along with Prasanna Vithanage's previous "Death on a Full Moon Day."

The first leg of Malini Fonseka's 45th anniversary tour abroad concluded successfully, with the four shows of "Akasa Kusum" in Melbourne, Australia playing to packed houses. She will launch the second leg of her overseas tour with trips to Rome, Venice and Milan in Italy this November. "Akasa Kusum" continues its successful festival circuit run with two more engagements at film festivals in Hong Kong and Mumbai.

"Akasa Kusum" Hits Sri Lankan Theatres

"Akasa Kusum" will finally hit Sri Lankan cinemas on Friday 21st August, 2009 in 24 centres islandwide.

The film, which has won critical acclaim the world over will also see a 9 p.m. show on weekends at the Regal cinema in Colombo. A gala premiere for "Akasa Kusum" was held last week at the Film Corporation Theatre on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, attended by a list of who's who in the Sri Lankan film and entertainment industry.

Director Prasanna Vithanage said on the eve of the film's release that the vibe was positive, and that there was a "good feeling about the film" in many parts of the country. He also expressed confidence that the film would do good box office upon its release. Following is a revised list of the cinemas that will screen the film.

1. Regal, Colombo
2. Lido, Borella
3. Metro, Nugegoda
4. National, Maharagama
5. Odeon, Mt. Lavinia
6. Contras, Dalugama
7. Naomi, Gampaha
8. Regal, Kandy
9. Milano, Kegalle
10. Regal, Negombo
11. Gemunu, Nittambuwa
12. Jeevan, Panadura
13. Sonya, Kalutara
14. Princess, Galle
15. New Cinema, Matara
16. Ratnavali, Ja-Ela
17. Jude, Kandana
18. Dulmini, Horana
19. Mahalekam, Kuliyapitiya
20. New Imperial, Kurunegala
21. Wijendra, Anuradhapura
22. Priyangi, Homagama
23. Chandra, Avissawella
24. Sarasavi, Alawwa

Malani Fonseka to Represent "Akasa Kusum" in Brisbane

Malani Fonseka will attend the 18th Brisbane International Film Festival in early August, where "Akasa Kusum" has been nominated for the International Critics FIPRESCI Award. Fonseka will represent the film at its two screenings on Monday 3rd August and Wednesday 5th August at the Regent 1 cinema. The festival takes place from the 30th of July to 8th August. This latest festival appearance for "Akasa Kusum" comes as the film prepares its domestic Sri Lankan release, which has now been pushed back a few weeks to early August.

Meanwhile, the producers of "Akasa Kusum" launched the film's official website on the 20th of July at a media event at the Punchi Theatre in Borella. The music video for the song Akasa Kusum, produced by Ranga Dasanayake and written by Upul Shantha Sannasgala was also unveiled before a gathering of the film's producers, cast members, media and well wishers. Actress Kaushalya Fernando handed the plaque she received on behalf of the film at the Cines del Sur in Granada to director Prasanna Vithanage. Speaking before the audience, she recounted how the late night screening of "Akasa Kusum" had been packed, and how the film had drawn an emotional response from its audience. Vithanage too spoke at the occasion, outlining his plans to take his films into the new ever-expanding world of the internet. The evening ended with dinner hosted by Vithanage and the film's producers.