Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky)

"Akasa Kusum" DVD Release in India, Subcontinent

2010-11-14T10:02:00.000+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" has just seen its DVD release in India, under the independent imprint Under Construction (UC). UC is part of the Magic Lantern Foundation, an organization that promotes arthouse cinema in India and the sub continent.

The distribution deal for "Akasa Kusum" also includes two other films by Prasanna Vithanage, "Death on a Full Moon Day" and "Dark Night of the Soul". All DVDs are available in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

"Azaya Pukkal" Screenplay to be Launched

2010-07-22T15:12:00.007+05:30

Ravi Ratnavale's Tamil translation of Prasanna Vithanage's original screenplay for "Akasa Kusum" will be launched on July 23 at the Library Services Auditorium.

Titled "Azaya Pukkal," the release of the Tamil version of the script will be followed by a limited Sri Lankan theatrical run of a dubbed Tamil version of the award-winning movie.

Director Vithanage says "Azaya Pukkal" will most likely see its limited run somewhere in August 2010. The film was dubbed entirely in Chennai.

March 17th Release for Akasa Kusum DVD

2010-03-09T19:25:00.002+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" will see its DVD release on 17 March 2010 (Wednesday), at the National Library Services Auditorium on Independence Square. The disc has been visually remastered for its home video release and embellished with two versions of its soundtrack - in 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound, along with English subtitles. It will also include a range of special features, including deleted scenes, a mini making-of documentary and a gallery of posters and trailers.

The DVD will retail at the standard price of Rs. 750/- and will include the free giveaway of a copy of the "Akasa Kusum" screenplay by Prasanna Vithanage.

At the film's DVD release, there will also be a special forum on Sri Lankan cinema, featuring director Prasanna Vithanage, star Malini Fonseka along with two of the country's most prominent film directors, Asoka Handagama and Vimukthi Jayasundara, who will speak to the assembly and take questions. The forum will be moderated by actress Kaushalya Fernando. All are welcome to attend the event.

Nimmi to Introduce "Akasa Kusum" at London Asian Film Festival

2010-02-17T16:22:00.005+05:30

Nimmi Harasgama is set to introduce a screening of "Akasa Kusum" at the 12th London Asian Film Festival in March 2010. Malini Fonseka will also attend the festival alongside Harasgama, who will also participate in a Q&A session on the film.

Titled 'Tongues of Fire,' the festival also features screenings of blockbusters like "Chak De India," with Shah Rukh Khan and "Paa," with Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan alongside more distinguished projects like director Shyam Benegal's "Well Done Abba" and "Lovesongs," featuring Jaya Bachachan in her first screen role in over a decade.

"Akasa Kusum" screens on Tuesday, 9th March at the Apollo Cinema in Piccadilly. Harasgama, who recently was named by Zee Magazine as one of six up-and-coming Asian actors in England, will give the introductory speech before the screening.

The film is currently being prepped for a Sri Lanka DVD release by director Prasanna Vithanage. The disc was scheduled to arrive in stores in February, but will see a slight delay to March.

"Akasa Kusum" Comes to DVD in February 2010

2010-01-25T14:46:00.003+05:30

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

2009-11-01T20:24:00.002+05:30

"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

2009-10-05T11:05:00.004+05:30

"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

2009-08-19T20:56:00.004+05:30

"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

2009-07-25T17:34:00.004+05:30

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.

Akasa Kusum Music Video Released

2009-07-13T17:03:00.003+05:30

Nilendra Deshapriya Productions has just released a music video for the song 'Akasa Kusum.'
The song, which can be heard in the film's soundtrack, was written by Upul Shantha Sannasgala with music by top Sri Lankan musican/producer Ranga Dasanayaka.
Performed by young newcomer Saman Nishantha, the song is a slow ballad, with lilting vocals and a lush throbbing soundscape of melodic strings and horns. The video is an artfully compiled montage of shots from the film "Akasa Kusum," edited in perfect harmony with the song's soaring emotional weight.
"Akasa Kusum," which has become a hit in the international film festival circuit, is scheduled to hit Sri Lankan cinemas in late July, 2009.

"Akasa Kusum" wins Best Asian Film in Granada

2009-06-21T17:25:00.005+05:30

“Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky),” has been jointly awarded the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the third Cines del Sur Festival in Granada. “Akasa Kusum” shares the award with “Before the Burial,” by Iranian director Behnam Behzadi. It beat out films from such countries as India, China, Korea, the Palestine, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Iraq at an event which took place over the weekend in Granada, Spain.

The Jury at the festival said "Akasa Kusum" was recognized 'for its strong portrayal of female characters whose lives, regrets and new beginnings are depicted in a delicate yet convincing way.' Actress Nimmi Harasgama, who attended the film's screening along with her co-star Kaushalya Fernando, accepted the award on behalf of its producers.

The film, to be released in Sri Lanka in late July 2009, won Malini Fonseka the Silver Peacock Award at the Indian International Film Festival held in Goa, for her performance as Sandhya Rani. It also won a Special Jury Mention at the Vesoul Film Festival in France earlier this year and is garnering favourable notices in the world festival circuit.

End of July Release for "Akasa Kusum" in Sri Lanka

2009-06-19T15:53:00.001+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" will open in Sri Lankan cinemas at the end of July 2009. An exact date of release has yet to be decided, but director Prasanna Vithanage said the film will definitely see the inside of theatres at the end of July. The film will run in the CEL circuit and will play in the following 23 cinemas across the country:

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

The world tour of Lankan acting legend and "Akasa Kusum" leading lady Malini Fonseka will also begin at the end of July, where she will visit several countries in view of her 40th year in the film business. She will screen "Akasa Kusum" at selected stops on her tour.

Meanwhile, "Akasa Kusum" has been invited to submit itself for the 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA). The Nominations Council for APSA have invited the film to take part in the awards, which will be held in November this year. APSA is a cultural initiative that acclaims, at global level, the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the vast Asia-Pacific region and brings together, in a unique collaboration, Atlanta-based CNN International, Paris-based UNESCO and FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

"Akasa Kusum" Signs With American Distribution Company

2009-04-29T21:48:00.004+05:30

Wonderphil Productions, a California-based independent film production and distribution company, has bought the worldwide distribution rights to "Akasa Kusum." However, Wonderphil does not hold the rights to the film in India and Sri Lanka. This is the first time that a Sri Lankan film has been picked up for distribution by an American company.

An agreement was signed by Sarasavi Cineru and Wonderphil in mid-April, granting the US company the rights to market and distribute the film in all territories except India and Sri Lanka. The agreement covers all media, including cinema, DVD, television and other media.

"Akasa Kusum" was seen by Wonderphil Productions' Acquisition Manager, Sanders Robinson at the Tiburon Film Festival in February, where he "thought it was very well made with impressive performances." He went to his boss, Phil Gorn, and suggested they acquire the property.

Meanwhile, plans are underway for the domestic Sri Lankan release of "Akasa Kusum" in July 2009. As reported earlier, the film will be released to 22 cinemas across the country, in the CEL Circuit.

Akasa Kusum Eyes July Release in Sri Lanka; Malani Fonseka to Embark on World Tour

2009-04-07T14:09:00.004+05:30

On the back of a successful international film festival run, director Prasanna Vithanage and the producers of "Akasa Kusum" are planning an early July release of the film in Sri Lankan cinemas. The movie will be released in 22 centres across the country on the CEL circuit, including Regal, Colombo.

A few selected cinemas, including Regal, will run the film with English subtitles.

Following the Sri Lankan release of "Akasa Kusum," its star Malini Fonseka will embark on a world tour celebrating 45 years in the Sinhala Cinema. "Akasa Kusum," for which she won the coveted Silver Peacock Award, is her 150th film. Fonseka will be travelling across the globe, to felicitations and screenings in several countries, including the United States, UK, Italy and Australia.

Meanwhile, the new Sri Lanka trailer of "Akasa Kusum" will be released into theatres shortly. You can watch the new trailer here.

The film continues its popular run on the film festival circuit and will screen at the Persistence Resistance festival of contemporary political films in New Delhi. "Akasa Kusum" will screen in the prime time slot of 8:30 p.m. at the India International Centre on 19 April (Sunday).

Akasa Kusum to Screen at the Tiburon International Film Festival

2009-03-14T11:00:00.006+05:30

Akasa Kusum has a prestigious US West Coast Premiere, screening at the Tiburon International Film Festival in California later this month.

The film will screen on Sunday, 22 March 2009 at 9:35 p.m. This the third time Akasa Kusum is screening in the United States. At Tiburon it will be screened along with Lucas Figueroa's 13-minute Spanish short Because There Are Things You Never Forget.

The Tiburon International Film Festival opens on 19 March with the International Premiere of Czech director Filip Renč's World War I drama Guard No. 47. The festival will feature filmmakers from over 90 countries from across the globe and concludes on 27 March.

Three Women, A Thief and Prasanna Vithanage

2009-02-28T08:26:00.004+05:30

A Review by Robert Crusz

Prasanna Vithanage’s new film, set in the social milieu of the leisure industry in Sri Lanka today, has no male characters of any significance. The main protagonists in the story are three women, two of them actresses in films and tele-dramas, and the other a night club hostess – also an actress of sorts.

At the very beginning of the film we find the main character in her home, reading her letters, feeding her cat, making patties, saying goodbye to her guests and dealing with her younger sister who visits unexpectedly. This sets the pace and mood of the film. It is very much a sequence created by Vithanage to show a woman performing, or acting out, her daily life. Acting and women are two subjects very much at the heart of who Prasanna Vithanage is, both as a person and as a writer-director of films and plays, and he brings them together in this film with courage and creativity.

"Akasa Kusum (Flowers in the Sky)" narrates the story of Sandhya Rani, an ageing film star who was once the darling of the silver screen. Having lost fame and fortune in a changing world, she now lives quietly in obscurity. She ekes out a living by renting out a room in her home to the young film and television stars of today to satisfy their sexual desires.

The popular young film star, Shalika, uses this room to carry on an affair with a young actor. When Shalika’s husband discovers this, the scandal and its publicity forces Rani into the limelight again. Having left her husband, Shalika moves in with Rani and persuades Rani to act in a television soap opera with her. Sandhya Rani’s adoring fans are overjoyed as she returns to the public gaze. As she encounters her past again, the darker side of her rise to fame is revealed.

Her daughter, Priya, whom Rani was forced to abandon when Priya was just an infant, is now an attractive young woman who works as a hostess in a night club. But she is also three months pregnant and infected with HIV. Watching her mother acting on television, Priya becomes bitter about her childhood abandonment. Without meeting her face-to-face, Priya makes it known to her mother that she still exists and that Rani is responsible for her present plight. But this only makes Priya more lonely and depressed as she realizes she is hurting her mother. Rani’s guilt at what she did to her daughter in her rise to fame, drives her to search for Priya and seek forgiveness. The form in which that forgiveness is eventually given is not what Sandhya Rani expected.

Vitahange handles some controversial themes in this film with a directorial maturity not seen in the Sri Lankan cinema for a long time. Economic globalization and the all-pervasive culture which accompanies it is the template on which Vithanage unravels his story. However much the politically ascendant nationalist and ethno-religious panjandrums in Sri Lanka today struggle to control it and make counter claims that traditional cultural values are alive and well, the warped culture of globalization has dug itself deep into the Sri Lankan mind-set, specially of its younger generation. The normalization of extra-marital sexual encounters, the spread of ‘karaoke bars’ with their young women hostesses who drift into sex-work, the growing problem of HIV infection, the issue of illegal abortions, the complexities of same-sex relationships, and the power of commercial television with its massively popular soap operas are some of the aspects of modern Sri Lankan life which Vithanage dares to deal with in this one film.

Priya is played by Nimmi Harasgama who gives us a near-perfect mix of the seductively glamourous Karaoke bar hostess, the bitter abandoned daughter, the faithful and loving partner and the dutiful HIV stricken mother-to-be. Dilhani Ekanayake, playing the role of Shalika, is a delight to watch on screen. She gives her character a bright-eyed smiling approach to life which is the perfect foil to the melancholia which infuses both Priya and Sandhya Rani.

Sandhya Rani is played by Malini Fonseka, still very much the beautiful leading film star for many years in the Sinhala cinema of Sri Lanka. Fonseka brings to her role a life-experience which is very close to the character of Sandhya Rani. So close in fact that she was very hesitant to accept the role at first. But luckily for us, Vithanage’s persuasions worked, and she gives the best performance of her career.

Malini Fonseka won the Silver Peacock award at the 2008 International Film Festival of India in Goa for her performance as Sandhya Rani. She is the latest in a growing list of Sri Lankan performers who have won international awards for their roles in films directed by Prasanna Vithanage, confirming a growing opinion that Vithanage is the quintessential actor’s director in Sri Lanka today.

In a post-award interview about Akasa Kusum, Malini Fonseka jokingly accused Vithanage of “stealing” the role from her. It was an amazing turn of phrase and so very revealing about the relationship between Vithanage and his cast. The act of stealing happens when something a person possesses is taken without their knowledge because the thief wants it. When asked about Vithanage’s directing style, many actors and actresses who have worked in his films and plays say they do not know how to describe what he does because he doesn’t say much to them. Therefore ‘stealing’ is a very appropriate term. He gets what he wants without their knowledge. Sometimes the thief is surprised when he gets something better than what he was looking for. In his director’s note for Akasa Kusum, Vithanage admits that Malini Fonseka’s performance was something he himself couldn’t dare imagine.

In a biography due to be published this year, Vithanage reveals how acting was central to his childhood experience and how in later life, as both a stage and film director, he tries hard to create a rapport with his cast in order that he can get them to use what is in their personal lives for their role in the play or film. The fact that this often happens without their knowledge makes Vithanage a directorial ‘burglar’ par excellence.

"Akasa Kusum" Wins Special Jury Mention at Vesoul; Tours India

2009-02-26T07:50:00.005+05:30

Prasanna Vithanage has just returned to Sri Lanka after a three-week stay in France, where he has been giving a taste of "Akasa Kusum" to European audiences at the 17th Vesoul International Film Festival in France. The film was screened on 14th February at the Majestic Theatre in Vesoul.

The film won a Jury Special Mention at the festival. It was announced by Jury President Fatemah Motamed-Aria.

The France screening preceded successful limited festval engagements in India, where Vithanage and his First Assistant Director Daminda Madawela toured Kerala and Bangalore with "Akasa Kusum," screening the film to festival audiences, participating in workshops and educating film enthusiasts about Sri Lankan cinema.

The film first made a stop at the 5th International Film Festival of Thrissur (the capital of Kerala), being the film to open the festival. It was then screened a few days later in Cochin, the financial capital of Kerala. Due to the positive buzz being generated by festival screenings, the film was also invited to the International Film Festival of Angamaly, where the Chitrasena Film Society screened it in mid-January.

Returning for a brief stop to Chennai, Vithanage and Madawela then travelled to Bangalore, where "Akasa Kusum" was presented at the Bangalore International Film Festival 2009, where it received rapturous response.

Malini Wins Silver Peacock for "Akasa Kusum"

2008-12-03T06:11:00.006+05:30

Malini Fonseka was awarded the prestigious Silver Peacock at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for her subtle, emotional turn as forgotten film star Sandhya Rani in "Akasa Kusum". At the 39th IFFI, held in the holiday resort town of Goa, Fonseka was also saluted for her four-decade career in cinema in the Special Jury Award. Director Prasanna Vithanage also attended the festival, which concluded last night (02 December 2008).

"Ms. Malini Fonseka holds you from the first shot to the end of the film ," said the IFFI in its salultation. "You know right away that she is a diva whether you know Sri Lankan cinema or not. As the film unfolds, it is magical to see her younger film clips as a major star," it said.

Goa was the latest stop for the film, which is now garnering increasing popularity in the world festival circuit, following its October World Premiere in Pusan. The movie has been screened in New York, where actress Nimmi Harasgama said Fonseka's performance earned raves, garnering a great emotional response from its audience.

"Akasa Kusum" will continue its international rounds, slated for screenings at festivals in Palm Springs and Tiburon in the United States, Granada in Spain and the Brisbane International Film Festival in Australia.

More on the net:
News story on BBC Sandeshaya
Story, pictures on dajiworld.com

"Akasa Kusum" In New York

2008-11-21T18:39:00.004+05:30

By Nimmi Harasgama

...It is the brushing away of a strand of hair, the fleeting look to the side that expresses so much more than words, the tears that fall, that made the entire audience feel the pain.

The first time I watched "Akasa Kusum" I was blown away by Malini Fonseka's performance!

Am I allowed to say that? Can I say good things about a film I am in? The first question I was asked during the Q and A session following the film's screening at the South Asian Film Festival in New York was what I thought of the film. And the first words that came to my mouth were " I was blown away by Malini Fonseka's performance. She is amazing!!!!"

So what I can say? I have to be honest and write from the heart!

It is a great privilege for me to work with Prasanna Vithanage again and I thank him from the bottom of my heart to be involved in a film with such strong female characters and strong actresses to take them on!!

In fact one of the questions from the audience was whether the screenplay to "Akasa Kusum" was written by a woman and if not then surely there must have been a female influence on the actual writing of it. They could not believe as another woman commented that a man had written with such sensitivity and understanding the pain and anguish, the happiness, the sexual subtleties of such a rich and varied ensemble of female characters. But as the credits state this Screen play was soley the work of Prasanna Vithanage. I wonder what reasoning we feminists can give for the commendation of a man's understanding of a woman's self? Do we put it down to the fact that it is 'someone's interpretation of 'woman' Or do we acknowlege as did the women in the audience at the SAIFF festival that he truly has captured a reality?

It was also interesting to note that the audience, which was made up of a varied group of people, found the themes more universal and empathasised with the central women in the film, although the themes and issues tackled by Akasa Kusum were localised to topics in Sri Lanka.

As the Q&A progressed, the audience were keen to learn more about Malini Fonseka's acting career, recognising her stunning beauty from the black and white films as the protagonist of the film. This twist, if you like in the film - the joining of the reality of the past celluloid to the present fiction - enticed the audience further into the depths of the film's darkness and then back again to the frail light that offers a sense of reality to the eventual out come that is "Akasa Kusum"...

Akasa Kusum Premieres to Applause and Acclaim in Pusan

2008-10-25T19:25:00.002+05:30

Akasa Kusum held its World Premiere on Sunday October 05th, 2008 in Pusan, with the film being exhibited in three different cinemas simultaneously. Director Prasanna Vithanage, who was in South Korea for the screenings, said the applause the film received was rapturous.

The movie was screened to segmented audiences – with each cinema accommodating the general public, the critics and film festival directors.

Following the screening, Vithanage was part of a fruitful 30-minute Q&A session, with critics and festival personnel from all over the globe fielding their queries on the movie and its stars. Repeated acclaim emerged during these sessions for the strong central performance by Malini Fonseka, with the international media inquiring for more knowledge on the career of the Queen of Sri Lankan cinema, and her previous work.

The film also drew the attention of festival directors from the world over, with many film festivals requesting screener copies of the film for consideration. Akasa Kusum has also garnered the attention of a multitude of international festivals, including the Asiata Filmmediale in Rome, Italy, The Indian International Film Festival in Goa, the Kerala Film Festival, also in India, Palm Springs and Tiburon in the US, Granada in Spain and the Brisbane International Film Festival in Australia.

Akasa Kusum will next be screened on 25 October at the South Asian Film Festival in New York. The film will play at the AMC/LOEWS Theatre, on 890, Broadway and 19th Street at 3 p.m. Nimmi Harasgama will be present at the festival and will represent Sri Lanka at the festival.

"Akasa Kusum" to Make World Premiere in Pusan

2008-09-26T18:06:00.007+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" will make its official world premiere in Pusan, South Korea next month.

The film is slated to screen on Sunday, 05th October at 10 a.m. at the P3 Cinema, as part of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) in Pusan, Republic of Korea. "Akasa Kusum" will screen in the 'Window on Asian Cinema' section, which aims to present current cinematic works from regional directors.

In recent years, Pusan has established itself as a hub of Asian cinema, with a prestigious reputation that sees films from all over the world being screened there. "Akasa Kusum" joins over 300 films from 60 countries at this year's festival. The film was initiated by the Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP) in 2007.

Click here for the "Akasa Kusum" page on the official PIFF website.

Director Prasanna Vithanage is no stranger to Pusan - it was here that he won his first international award, at the first Pusan International Film festival, where his second feature, "Anantha Rathriya (Dark Night of the Soul)," was awarded a Jury Special Mention for Best Asian Director. That film was screened in the New Currents section in 1996. Since then, all of Vithanage's films have been showcased at the PPP.

From there, the film will travel to New York for the South Asian Film Festival, following which it will see numerous other engagements in the festival circuit.

Plans remain on track for a Sri Lanka release in early 2009.

First "Akasa Kusum" Trailer Hits YouTube

2008-08-21T13:17:00.005+05:30

The first international trailer for "Akasa Kusum" has hit the internet. The exquisitely cut, poetically flowing trailer gives audiences a taste of the film's central themes and conflicts, while enigmatically introducing us to its lead characters. Visually, it differentiates between the world of Sandhya Rani, her past, present and the long-forgotten secret that would change her life forever.

The film, meanwhile gears for its international release with director co-producer Vithanage along with the film's other backers actively pursuing the international festival circuit, as the movies exposure to international audiences begins with the online release of the trailer. The "Akasa Kusum" trailer has also hit the popular social networking website Facebook, where it has the potential of being seen by millions. The film was also recently screened in Colombo to a small test audience - to great acclaim.

You can catch the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duf-FeQ001A

Akasa Kusum Poster Unveiled!

2008-08-04T15:30:00.002+05:30

Check out the final international poster artwork for "Akasa Kusum!"

"Akasa Kusum" Complete!

2008-06-27T16:36:00.004+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage as completed post production work on "Akasa Kusum". Vithanage, who returned to Sri Lanka on Wednesday (25 June), took a month to fully arrange and mix the film's soundtrack in Chennai, India. He worked with acclaimed sound designer A. S. Laxmi Narayanan, with whom he worked closely in bringing a rich, realistic soundscape to the story of Sandhya Rani. "Laxmi Narayanan was very patient with me," said Vithanage of his collaboration with the sound designer, with whom he also worked on "Ira Madiyama."

Speaking on his experience with "Akasa Kusum," Vithanage said he had the luxury of time to look back and make clear creative decisions regarding the final movie. "Since we shot the film in three schedules, we had a lot of time to look back and see if we have done any mistake." He added that co-producer and editor Sreekar Prasad attended to minute details, bringing out the best in the final narrative. "For the whole of last month, we made more and more small cuts to the film." The final film now runs at a tight 90 minutes.

He also cited four whose comments were invaluable to him in his final outlook: writer and critic Robert Crusz, Indian cinematographer and director Santosh Sivan, acclaimed Indian film director Mani Ratnam and European producer/director Uberto Pasolini, who all saw early versions of the film and offered their criticisms and advice.

The film is already being sent out to the festival circuit, with Vithanage planning to premiere it in North America, Europe and Asia later this year. He hopes to release the movie in Sri Lanka in early 2009.

"Negative cutting is happening as we speak," he said, adding that he hopes to receive the first print of his new movie on the 20th of July.

Interview with Editor and Co-Producer A. Sreekar Prasad

2008-05-10T07:39:00.005+05:30

By Vishvamithran and Mamallan

He is one among the very few of what we call ‘creative’ and ‘sensible’ editors in India, who at one hand could edit a slick film and on the other could edit an artistic film, without losing the standard and the precision that he maintains.

On a hot summer afternoon when the mercury level was rising to heights in Chennai we met Mr. Sreekar Prasad at his home. He cooled us down by his warm and receptive composure.. Though he was in a busy schedule he never showed hastiness, his down to earth attitude and a friendly approach towards our questions was heartening to be with. Like in his own editing table, He cut clear and sharp with his answers. The interview felt lighter and fulfilling as we came out of the home and the sun was moving down.

Excerpts from the interview.

Tell us about your creative collaboration with Prasanna Vithanage?

I first met Prasanna eight years ago. I had seen his film ‘Death on a full moon day’. I was amazed by how he could covey a story that happens in a short time span, very effectively within 75 minutes. Then we collaborated in ‘Ira Madiyama’, it was a much more challenging work for me because it was multistoried, were the stories run in parallels. Though it was scripted, it was interesting because we changed a lot during the edit, mainly the positioning of the scenes. In a multistoried narrative when you switch on from one story to another running parallel, the emotion has to have a completion, if it doesn’t happen then it keeps bothering you each time you watch it... So we had to change the positions accordingly and it worked well for us.

Working with Prasanna, I think our wavelength matches well. We are able to communicate well with each other and we believe in similar things. What attracts me towards his way of filmmaking is the simplicity he could achieve. He doesn’t over dramatize anything but still it is clearly told. The emotions that are conveyed in his films are minimalist. I also like his sense of dialogue, they are very little but effective. This simplicity is what that appeals to me working with Prasanna.

Generally mainstream films have a different sensibility comparing with what we call ‘good cinema’. In a good cinema we often find a fresh approach or pattern of expression that gives a new experience to the viewer. In the process of collaborating as an editor in ‘Flowers in the sky’ what kind of pattern did you handle?

We blend with the scene, we can create pattern only with what we have shot. There is no predetermined pattern as such. In this film what we tried to do was to take out the clichés that are regularly associated with Art movies. For example to show loneliness of a character normally they don’t jump from the events, they show a person sitting for sometime in a place and after awhile walking slowly to some other, they show them in linear way. But we find that over the years cinema has grown, the perception of filmmaking has changed and also the speed of the mankind. Now I feel that the challenge is to show the emotion in a very economical way without dragging a moment just because we want to underline the emotion. So in this film, without being placid we tried to create certain unpredictability from sequence to sequence. We have tried to move from emotion to another. Whether it’s an Artistic movie or a Mainstream movie, we need a sense of movement in the script. In this film we have not made any conscious effort to establish the passage of time through a shot or through any usual device, like season changes etc., instead it’s inherently conveyed in the narrative itself.

Malani Fonseka has come back to act after a long time, what did you feel about her performance in the film?

I know that she is hugely popular in Sri lanka, though I haven’t seen much of her work, I have seen a few films... I couldn’t remember the names now...

In this film we needed an actress, who over the years starts behaving like an actress but still has the vulnerability of a human being who is caring for attention. So, when I saw the rushes of the first schedule of the film, I didn’t see the full potential of her performance, I thought she has to be little more vulnerable, but after the whole completion of the shoot, now I feel she has done a fantastic job! The audience can so easily associate with her behavior, insecurity, little excitements. She has done a great job being the main protagonist of the film.

Overall Prasanna has got some good performances from all the main actors, they look very real, and I think he has done a very good casting.

What you think is the uniqueness or difference between Prasanna Vithanage’s earlier films and ‘Flowers in the sky’?

I think his previous two films that I was associated with were topical. Though they had emotion that was universal, one needed to know the political background of Sri lanka to come to a holistic understanding of the film. But in ‘Flowers in the sky’ the emotion he as taken is more universal and broader, it could reach more number of people. Wherever there is film industry, people could relate with the film much more easily and clearly. I think this will be a difference from his previous films.

You are also the Co-producer of the film?

Yes. I have made a film previously with my friend Biju Viswanath. This is my second film. I wanted to be associated with Prasanna as he is also producing it. Already Prasanna’s films have reached many places, through this film we are trying to reach more, for example to make a subtitle print and release it in Sathyam cinemas, Chennai which hasn’t happened before with his films. I consider this as passion than a business venture.At the end of the day you do something that you believe in.

First Cut Ready; Dubbing and Music to Begin Next Week

2008-04-29T18:41:00.003+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage returned from Chennai, India this week with the first rough edit of "Akasa Kusum." A. Sreekar Prasad, who also co-produced, edited the movie, cutting the film to a compact 95 minutes. He worked with Vithanage over a period of two weeks at his studios in Chennai.

Vithanage, commenting on how his film looks, said the edit was "tight," saying it eliminated unnecessary spaces and kept the action moving along briskly, whilst keeping the film's emotional core strong. Vithanage also mentioned that his leads had given great performances.

Dubbing is scheduled for later this week, tentatively from the 1st to the 4th of May, following which Vithanage will work on the film's music score with composer Lakshman Joseph de Saram. Following this, he returns to India to complete the final edit and print of "Akasa Kusum". As reported on this blog earlier, he hopes to have the film ready by the end of June with hopes of a permiere in September.

"Akasa Kusum" Wraps Up Principal Photography

2008-03-27T12:21:00.004+05:30

The director and crew of "Akasa Kusum" wrapped up shooting on Prasanna Vithanage's new film at 2 a.m. this morning at a location in Battaramulla. Dilhani Ekanayake played in the scene as Shalika, while Mohamed 'Adam' Adamaly played opposite her as Eric. The crew landed at the location at around 7 p.m. last night, and began shooting around 9 p.m. after the setting-up process. The final scenes lensed before dawn today, were of Shalika getting off her car and being attended to by her servants.

Vithanage thanked all the cast and crew of the film, singling out First Assistant Director Daminda Madawela for his tight but unhurried schedule and all the cast and crew for working hard and putting in long hours to make the film a reality. He also joked that his biggest pleasure in directing the movie was that he had the chance to work with seven of the loveliest women in Sri Lanka!

Earlier yesterday, Malani Fonseka wrapped up her performance as Sandhya Rani with a sequence shot at the IDH, with Vithanage, who cites Robert Bresson as one of his major influences, took subtle, quiet shots that would set the mood and reveal to the audience the goings-on on the screen. Fonseka was caught totally by surprise when First Assistant Daminda Madawela announced to her she had finished playing her role, her gleeful, jubilant laughter making all in the crew and cast smile and share her joy.

Vithanage will now concentrate his energies on editing and marketing the film, with a tentative World Premiere in Toronto already slated. He will travel to Chennai next week to work extensively with editor A. Sreekar Prasad, following which he will return to the island in late April to dub the film. He goes back to Chennai soon after to design the film's soundscape with veteran Indian sound designer A. Laxminarayan, with whom Vithanage worked in "Ira Madiyama." He hopes to have "Akasa Kusum" ready for Sri Lankan theatres early next year.

Last Day of Shooting Today

2008-03-26T06:52:00.004+05:30

Today marks the final day of principal photography on the movie. Scenes will be shot at IDH off Rajagiriya, featuring Malani Fonseka doing her final bit as Sandhya Rani in the film. Shooting on this scene is set to begin around 1:30 this afternoon, after which the last scene of the day - and the shoot will take place tonight.

This scene features Dilhani Ekanayake and Mohamed 'Adam' Adamaly as Shalika and Eric, and will be shot at a house close to the production offices of "Akasa Kusum". Following this, photography wraps up on the film.

Director Prasanna Vithanage will begin editing the film next week in Chennai with editor and co-producer A. Sreekar Prasad - with a view to begin sound dubbing in mid-April, following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. Vithanage hopes to have a finished cut of the movie ready by June. "Akasa Kusum" will have a world premiere in September.

Shooting Continues On The Last Few Scenes

2008-03-24T20:39:00.006+05:30

Principal photography continued on "Akasa Kusum" in Pelawatte today, in scenes between Malani Fonseka and Dilhani Ekanayake. An element of glamour was present, as one of the scenes featured both actresses dressed in plush sarees, along with full accessories.

The day ended early, as the cast and crew completed filming by 5 p.m. Television and stage actor Anil K. Wijesinghe also played opposite Fonseka and Ekanayake in the scene, along with a few extras. Shooting takes place tomorrow in two locations - Nugegoda and the Stace Watta slums, with actresses Malani Fonseka and Samanalee Fonseka. The two Fonsekas will play opposite each other in the second of only two scenes they have together in the movie.

Final Lap of Shooting Begins

2008-03-24T08:49:00.003+05:30

Cast and crew began the final lap of shooting this week, beginning with scenes lensed at the Maharagama Youth Centre over the weekend.

Saturday saw scenes at a TV station and dialogue between its employees, who were dealing with a minor crisis. Among the actors playing in the scene were Tharidi Fonseka, a niece of Malani Fonseka and the fourth Fonseka to have a role in the movie. On a relatively relaxed day, the scenes were shot both inside and outside a tape library.

Sunday saw the glamour return to the set, with Malani Fonseka playing opposite popular TV show host Nirosha Perera, who was guesting as herself. The scene was shot on Sunday afternoon, when Perera could free herself from her hectic TV schedule. Looking every bit the glamour queen of Sri Lankan TV, she essayed her scene with confidence, playing opposite Malani Fonseka's Sandhya Rani. Director Vithanage was wholly satisfied with the scene, describing Perera as "very professional."

The next few days shoot at various locations in and around Colombo as the filming nears completion. The shoot wraps on Wednesday, 26 March.

Shooting Completed At Principal Location

2008-03-22T08:32:00.003+05:30

Shooting in the principal location - the home of Sandhya Rani - ended last week, with the last few scenes being lensed with Malani Fonseka, Dilhani Ekanayake, Kaushalya Fernando and a few other actors playing more limited roles in the film. Commenting on the shoot and its performances, director Prasanna Vithanage expressed satisfaction, saying "the characterizations have come through." He said the challenge now lay in editing the film with editor and co-producer A. Sreekar Prasad in Chennai, where he would refine, pace and tighten the film and its elements.

Also essaying roles on the final day of shooting were acclaimed theatre actors Dayadeva Edirisinghe and Mohamed 'Adam' Adamaly, a veteran of the English stage. Both played small roles, but were given attention by Vithanage, as their performances were honed out by the director.

After a well-deserved break on Friday, the crew gets back to its final lap of shooting the movie, on locations in and around Colombo, as the final pieces in the "Akasa Kusum" puzzle are made.

Director Prasanna Vithanage Probes Emotional Depths in "Akasa Kusum"

2008-03-19T11:19:00.003+05:30

Kaushalya Fernando, Jayani Senanayake, Malani Fonseka and Dilhani Ekanayake fleshed out their roles as Prasanna Vithanage probed the depths of the characters they play, reaching deep into the emotional core of "Akasa Kusum."

Kaushalya Fernando, who braved incessant rain, an 8-hour road trip and divergent schedules to arrive on the Homagma location of "Akasa Kusum" to begin work on her role as Mallika, proved once again to be an actress of startling range and depth, delivering a subtle, nuanced performance. On her first day, Fernando arrived a tad late on the set, tired but determined to work after a trip from Habarana, where she was shooting on Vimukthi Jayasundara's sophomore film, "Fallen From The Sky." Although lighting conditions did not permit her to finish her scene on day one, she nailed it in one take on day two, and continued in much the same stride from there on.

Fonseka also proved she still had the acting chops to pull off a scene, delivering a tour de force as director Vithanage directed her in a powerful, emotionally demanding scene. Her scenes saw the emotional journey of Sandhya Rani given full flight, making her motivations and actions clearer. Dilhani Ekanayake too played her role as Shalika around the other characters populating Rani's house.

Jayani Senanayake played Leela, Rani's domestic helper, again with subtlety and great understanding, never once giving in to over-playing or scene stealing. Vithanage is directing her on film for the first time, having worked with her previously on his hit play, "Horu Samaga Heluwen". Commenting on one scene featuring Fonseka, Ekanayake and Fernando, director Vithanage said it was the finest scene he had the pleasure of directing in his career so far.

Shooting at the Homagama location concludes today, with the last scenes taking place at Rani's house being lensed by cast and crew. Joining the cast on the final day at Rani's house are Mohamed 'Adam' Adamaly, an acclaimed actor from the English Theatre, and the experienced Sinhala theatre actor Dayadeva Edirisinghe.

Young Lust in "Akasa Kusum"

2008-03-15T09:03:00.005+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage yesterday filmed one of the more sensual scenes for "Akasa Kusum" - with young actors Ruchi Dissanayake and Nino Jayakody.

Jayakody and Dissanayake - both rising stars with television and commercial credits in their resumes, said their scenes were not as difficult as they had envisioned, managing to build the chemistry of a young couple in lust. Director Vithanage was happy with the takes, explaining that scene had the right balance of sensuality, tastefulness and lust to make it work. Also lensed were scenes of Sandhya Rani reading letters and an outdoor scene of with Fonseka and Ekanayake.

The evening took a lighter tone as Director Prasanna Vithanage - who celebrated his birthday yesterday - treated the crew to cake and drinks before they left after wraps. More scenes at Rani's house will be shot in the coming week.

Malani Fonseka Turns On The Glamour

2008-03-14T10:50:00.003+05:30

A 40-year-veteran of over 150 films, Malani Fonseka last night turned on the glamour for the first time as the "Akasa Kusum" crew just stood by and watched her in her movie-star charisma and the effortless ease with which she carried it.

In the scene, Rani returns to her home following a television interview to find Shalika (Dilhani Ekanayake) on her doorstep, waiting to ask a favour of her. Looking resplendent in a brown printed saree, Fonseka looked every inch the glamourous movie star. Director Vithanage, while dwelling on her glamour also took time to sculpt every nuance in the scene, as Shalika and Rani speak of their near future and begin to react to the events taking place around them.

Shooting takes place in Homagama for a further week, during which all the scenes in Sandhya Rani's house will be completed.

Kaushalya Fernando Replaces Damayanthi Fonseka in "Akasa Kusum"

2008-03-14T10:16:00.010+05:30

Award winning stage and screen actress Kaushalya Fernando ("Sulanga Enu Pinisa," "Bora Diya Pokuna") has joined the cast of "Akasa Kusum", playing Mallika, the sister of film star Sandhya Rani after Damayanthi Fonseka pulled out of the role. Damayanthi, sister of the film's main star Malani Fonseka and wife of director Prasanna Vithanage, said it would be "unethical" to comment on her reasons for walking out, saying she would not talk about projects she has rejected on principle. "Throughout my career as an actress I have rejected many scripts for plays, TV and films," she said. "I feel it is not right for me to speak of projects I have decided to not take part in." She also had no comment to reports about her personal life.
the incident had caused a rift in her relationship with her husband
Kaushalya Fernando, meanwhile, said she felt "elated" to be working with a director like Vithanage and called it a "rare opportunity" to bag a role in the film, adding that very few good movies are currently being made in Sri Lanka. Fernando comes into "Akasa Kusum" directly from the set of Cannes-award winning director Vimukthi Jayasundara's new movie, "Fallen From The Sky" which is currently shooting on location in Habarana.

Director Vithanage, commenting on the turn of events said he had spoken to Fernando and rehearsed and spoken with her about the role of Mallika, the 'ugly duckling' sister of Sandhya Rani. He also said the situation with his wife Damayanthi was 'unfortunate', but said he was currently concentrating on making the film.

Malani Fonseka returns to "Akasa Kusum"

2008-03-10T13:19:00.005+05:30

Malani Fonseka returned to the set of "Akasa Kusum" this week, as the third shooting schedule of Prasanna Vithanage's new film continued on location in Homagama. Fonseka will be essaying the bulk of her scenes as the film's main protagonist, bygone film star Sandhya Rani.

Fonseka has just returned from a six-week tour of the US, where she was felicitated across six states by the Sri Lankan diaspora for her contribution to Sri Lankan film. Her tour kicked off in late January, where she appeared as chief guest for "Ranwan Reyak", a performance show in Los Angeles organized by the Sri Lanka America Foundation. The show featured US-based Lankans performing to tunes made popular in Sinhala films across half a decade of Sri Lankan cinema. Fonseka, who herself performed in the similar"Ridee Reyak" in Colombo several times, met with her fans and friends at the event, which also honoured her for 40 years in Sinhala cinema. She then travelled for a series of felicitation events in Pittsburgh, Ohio, New York, Boston and Washington DC. She returned to the island on Friday.

Director Vithanage took time to engage his actors in nuance and subtlety, with Dilhani Asokamala and Pubudu Prabath playing opposite Fonseka in scenes set in the house of Sandhya Rani. Samanalee Fonseka also featured in a scene with her famous aunt - where Bunty arrives unannounced to deliver a package to Rani. Shooting of crucial scenes in Rani's house continue this week.

Shooting on the third schedule will continue until the end of March, after which Vithanage will edit and oversee sound designing in India, and dub voices in Sri Lanka. He hopes to have a first cut of "Akasa Kusum" ready by June.

"Akasa Kusum" Begins Final Shooting Schedule

2008-03-07T18:32:00.002+05:30

An old house in Homagama was the setting, as the crew of Prasanna Vithanage's "Akasa Kusum" began its final run of principal photography early Friday morning. The setting was the home of Sandhya Rani (Malani Fonseka), and the scenes shot involved Priya's (Nimmi Harasgama) final shots in the movie. Also playing in today's sequences were Shalika (Dilhani Asokamala) and Udith (Pubudu Prabhath), who featured in the film's outdoor sequences - some just outside Rani's house and others in scenic gravel road nearby. Also shot were a few more scenes featuring Harasgama.

Malani Fonseka will feature in tomorrow's scenes, having just returned from a five-week tour of the US. She will essay a bulk of her scenes as Sandhya Rani. Harasgama returns to London on Sunday, to begin rehearsals on a stage performance there. The third and final shooting schedule is set to continue till the end of March.

Director Prasanna Vithanage Begins Preliminary Voice Dubbing in Colombo

2008-03-04T09:24:00.004+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage began the first phase of sound recording on "Akasa Kusum" with actress Nimmi Harasgama this week. Harasgama voiced her scenes as Priya, with Vithanage describing the first dubbing session as going 'perfectly well.' Harasgama recorded her voice tracks for the film early, since she departs to the UK next week. Recording took place at Sarasavi Film Studios in Kelaniya, with sound recordist and mixer Ruwan Sri Walpola manning the controls. Harasgama is scheduled to go into the studio for a final recording session before completing her work in the sound studio.

The third and final shooting schedule for "Akasa Kusum" will begin this Friday (07 March 2008) in Homagama, with Harasgama doing her final scene in the movie. The location is the home of faded film star Sandhya Rani (Malani Fonseka) and features Priya's only visit to Rani's home. Fonseka returns from a five-week tour of the US to complete shooting on the film. Vithanage hopes to complete the film by June for a possible world premiere in September 2008 before a Sri Lankan release in early 2009.

First Phase of Editing Begins in India

2008-02-04T22:08:00.000+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage is currently in Chennai, editing the "Akasa Kusum" sequences already shot. He is working with one of India's most experienced and prominent film editors, A. Sreekar Prasad (Mani Ratnam's "Kannathil Muththumital," Ketan Mehta's "Mangal Pandey"), with whom he previously collaborated on "Ira Madiyama." Prasad also serves as one of the film's co-producers.
Vithanage will return to Sri Lanka following the preliminary editing process to dub the sequences he has completed, following which he will launch on to the third and final shooting schedule on the film in March. The sequences to be lensed include some of the film's most crucial scenes, set in the sprawling house occupied by the forgotten Sandhya Rani (Malani Fonseka). Fonseka is currently on a month-long tour of the US, and will return to Sri Lanka in time for filming. Also slated to appear in the film are Jayani Senanayake, Damayanthi Fonseka and an appearance by popular star Anarkalli Akarsha.

"Akasa Kusum" Completes Second Shooting Schedule

2008-01-25T07:19:00.000+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage and his crew successfully completed schedule two on 'Akasa Kusum' on Tuesday, with photography taking place in Nugegoda town and at the Stace Watta slum dwellings. The shooting schedule for the film remains on track, with all the necessary sequences being lensed in the given time frame.
Nimmi Harasgama and Samanali Fonseka played Priya and Bunty, who move into a small house in a thickly populated area. Their relationship is developed further in those scenes, which were of a highly charged, emotional nature.
Shooting began at 7 a.m. in Nugegoda and ended by approximately 8 p.m. in Stace Watta. The third and final schedule is set to begin on 5 March, and will comprise the bulk of the film's sequences, featuring Malani Fonseka as Sandhya Rani and Dilhani Asokamala as Shalika. Damayanthi Fonseka also plays a supporting role as Rani's sister, while Jayani Senanayake plays her faithful maid.

Respected English Theatre Vet Cameos in "Akasa Kusum"

2008-01-20T20:35:00.000+05:30

Veteran English theatre actor, producer, designer, choreographer and director Jerome de Silva made a rare foray into film acting today, taking a small cameo in "Akasa Kusum." De Silva, currently working on a production of Alan Parker's 'Bugsy Malone' with his Workshop Players' junior group, took time off rehearsals to play a doctor confronting Priya (Nimmi Harasgama) with shocking news. Director Prasanna Vithanage directed de Silva in a subtle performance, giving onus to nuance and internalization rather than open confrontation in two short but sensitive scenes. Despite nearly three decades of being on the stage, this is de Silva's first role in a film. Also shot today were further hospital scenes, bringing to an end to these sequences in the film.
On the previous day, more hospital sequences featuring Priya and two scenes on the rooftop of the karaoke lounge Priya works in were filmed. One sequence featured Priya alone, while another emotional scene had Priya and Bunty (Samanali Fonseka) facing a tough life decision.
The second in the film's three staggered shooting schedules nears completion with one more day of shooting in the Stace Watta slums. The crew takes a six week breather following that to come back to a bulk of the schedule in March.

Akasa Kusum in Hospital, Dorm

2008-01-19T11:15:00.000+05:30

The first of three hospital scenes in "Akasa Kusum" was shot at Kamkaru Sevana in Ratmalana on Friday. A room at the social service and arts center hall was convincingly converted into an abortion hospital and a girls' dormitory for the two sequences lensed today. The first of the scenes took place in an overcrowded girls' dormitory where Priya stays with the other karaoke hostesses, cramped together in too few beds. The scene emphasizes the friendship between Bunty (Samanali Fonseka) and Priya, while highlighting the squalid conditions in which the karaoke workers live.
Following this sequence, which took a whole morning to shoot, the abortion hospital sequence was put on celluloid with cast and crew working till 11 p.m. This scene featured Priya, Bunty and a host of extras. Two more hospital scenes are on the cards, with three more days left on the film's second schedule. This schedule would serve to complete 95% of Harasgama's scenes in the movie. The next day (Saturday) would see the crew first picking up on a previous scene, with Priya bursting out onto a rooftop and Priya and Bunty in an emotional scene at the same venue. Another hospital scene featuring Priya is also on schedule for Saturday.

The Last Long Night

2008-01-17T12:10:00.000+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" dug in on its final overnight shoot on schedule #2, with the crew and cast working into Wednesday morning, as the night club sequences were finished, and a fresh scene just outside the club was filmed.
The night's shoot was notable as it consisted the only scene in which all three of the film's main stars, Malani Fonseka, Dilhani Asokamala and Nimmi Harasgama appear. In the scene, Sandhya (Fonseka) and Shalika (Asokamala) encounter Priya (Harasgama) in the shady night spot Priya works at. Also in the scene is Bunty, played by Samanali Fonseka.
The crack of dawn sequence shot early Wednesday had Sandhya and Shalika looking for Priya, only to have a karaoke hostess tell them she has no idea what they're talking about.
The film will continue shooting for five more days, following which photography will commence in March following a six week hiatus.

Fight Club

2008-01-15T16:16:00.001+05:30

More interior social club sequences were shot in the second overnight shooting day at the H2O nightclub. Scenes featuring Nimmi Harasgama as Priya and Samanali Fonseka as Bunty took place, with the highlight being a fight scene involving Priya, Bunty and an unruly set of club patrons.
This dusk-to-dawn shooting day was not as gruelling as the previous 24 hour schedule, and the scenes and set ups went off smoothly. Director Prasanna Vithanage brought precision to the direction of the scenes, placing a certainty of what he wanted in the scenes filmed galvanizing the crew and cast.
The next day's shooting will feature Malani Fonseka and Harasgama in one of the few scenes they have together.

A Long Day's Journey Into Night

2008-01-14T16:37:00.000+05:30

It was a grueling 24-hour shoot day Sunday as the second shooting schedule for "Akasa Kusum" took off at the H2O nightclub in Union Place in central Colombo. Using the nightclub's natural ambience, director Vithanage re-created the atmosphere of a social club, complete with comfort women for the scenes involving Priya, played by award-winning actress Nimmi Harasgama. Priya's mysterious connection to former film star Sandhya Rani slowly unravels, with Harasgama playing the role with depth and emotional intensity. Also in the sequences was Bunty, played by Samanali Fonseka, Priya's best friend at the club.
Beginning at 7 a.m. with outdoor scenes involving Malani Fonseka, the crew moved indoors at midday, and stuck there till 7 a.m. Monday morning, when an exhausted but happy director and crew walked out into the crisp sunrise of a Colombo morning. Day two begins at 5 p.m. at the same venue, with a 12-hour dusk to dawn schedule on the cards. Harasgama and Fonseka, with a host of minor characters and extras return to H2O for the four scenes that will be shot tonight.

"Akasa Kusum" Set to Shoot Nightclub, Hospital Scenes in Second Schedule.

2008-01-12T10:13:00.000+05:30

After a 12-day hiatus, the cast and crew of "Akasa Kusum" will begin working the second shooting schedule beginning Sunday, 13 January 2008. Shooting will progress for 8 days, ending on 21 January. The scenes being shot will mainly feature Nimmi Harasgama (star of Vithanage's previous film "Ira Madiyama") as karaoke bar hostess Priya.
Meanwhile, the rushes of the previous shooting schedule were processed at Prasad Labs in Chennai, and brought back to great satisfaction, mainly from director and D.O.P. The scenes showed wonderful lighting and beautifully judged scenarios, with the faces of the main players being strongly highlighted.
The second "Akasa Kusum" shooting schedule will end on 21 January 2008, following which it will pick up again in March. During the month of February, director Prasanna Vithanage plans on editing and dubbing the sequences already shot.

Sweet, Sweet Fantasy

2007-12-31T17:42:00.000+05:30

Director Prasanna Vithanage and his crew took their cameras to yet another film within a film sequence, featuring Udith, played by young television actor Pubudu Prabhath, and Shalika (Dilhani Asokamala) who are making their latest movie.
Shot at the 'Gal Bangalawa' in Piliyandala, the scene involved the two playing their roles in a commercial film in the present, with a film crew in the backdrop. The scenes that followed made revelations about the nature of their relationship, which leads them into the main body of action in the film.
The crew once again worked a dusk till dawn shift, making full use of the spacious waterfront garden of the location, next to the scenic Bolgoda Lake, shooting all the scenes. Dilhani was resplendent in an orange saree with golden dots courtesy of Saree Mandir, while Pubudu wore a smart black and orange Indian suit sponsored by Hameedias.
The productive last day in the first of three staggered schedules ended at 5 a.m. The crew takes a two week break before returning for another week's duty on 14 January 2008.

"Akasa Kusum" in Pettah

2007-12-29T14:45:00.000+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" continued its shoot for a fifth day today, shooting a few small interior scenes in the Old Town Hall in Pettah, a favoured urban location of many a film production. Director Prasanna Vithanage and his crew were on set by 7 a.m. for a few shots that would conclude the flashback scenes in the film.
Veteran actor and TV & radio personality Nadarajah Sivam played a brief supporting role of a big studio owner of yesteryear speaking with the father of Sandhya Rani. Young Sanduni Fonseka was at hand to play the young Sandhya for the last time in today's shoot.
The shoot was brisk, since it did not involve any great set ups, with Sivam using his experience to beautifully create the brusque, authoritative nature of an old time studio boss. As per schedule, shooting ended at lunch time, giving the crew an extra rest before a projected all-nighter the following day.

A Hard Day at SPM

2007-12-28T23:30:00.001+05:30

A 1970's era film studio set was resurrected at one of Sri Lanka's oldest movie houses, SPM Studios in Kandana, as "Akasa Kusum" re-created a film stage as part of its flashback scenes today. Taking its cue from the flashy, cliche-ridden, Indian carbon-copy films of the era, the scene featured a cool-for-his-time Suraj Mapa and a glitzy Upeksha Swarnamalini as the main players in this scene within a scene. Also playing were extras dressed as workers on the film set of that era, replete with antique props.
The scene takes place in an old film studio, where a young Sandhya Rani is taken to a shoot. Director Prasanna Vithanage said the scene would be told in flashback, with its characters only serving as minor players in a bigger plot. The song-and-dance scene staged for the scene borrowed from the many cliches that plagued the Sinhala cinema at the time, taking its cue from the HR Jothipala song 'Me Ware Mage' from the Gamini Fonseka-Sonia Disa starrer "Ohoma Hondada."
The shoot was a 13-hour one, beginning at 7 a.m. in Kandana. With lighting and rigging taking up most of the morning, filming began at around 11 a.m. with the film sequences receiving attention first. Though the lighting was not complex, time was taken to achieve the perfect balance and effect, with DOP Mahindapala fine tuning till he got the alchemy of light and shade just right. Following shooting of the crew sequences, shooting wrapped at 8 p.m.

"Akasa Kusum" Takes Cameras to Railway Station, Slums

2007-12-27T15:07:00.000+05:30

"Akasa Kusum" took its cameras to the urban heart of Colombo on its third day's shoot, to film sequences in the Slave Island railway station and the Stace Road slum dwellings. Both sequences were flashbacks involving faded film star Sandhya Rani's past life.
For the station shoot, the crews set up at the station well on time, being ready for the 10.40 train, which would serve at the locomotive that plays in the scene. The shoot, which was a straightforward scene to camera featuring no special rigging or setting up, went off without a hitch. Also playing were 10 extras playing people getting in and out of the train.
The morning's proceedings wound up by half past noon, with the evening shoot at the slum set to begin at 5 p.m.
The dusk/night time slum shots were mainly interior, with D. O. P. MD Mahindapala giving the small, frugal shell of a home a golden glow, using minimalist lighting and painting on shades in giving the home a paraffin lamp lit look in keeping with the characters' reality. After a brief shot beside the adjacent canal, shooting began around 6 p.m. The young Sanduni, neice of Malani Fonseka, playing a younger incarnation of the character played by her famous aunt. The day's shoot wrapped around 8 p.m.

"Akasa Kusum" Begins Principal Photography in Colombo

2007-12-24T12:30:00.000+05:30

Work on "Akasa Kusum," the first film by Prasanna Vithanage in five years, began shooting its first scenes on R. A. De Mel Mawatha in the Heart of Colombo overnight on Sunday (23 Dec. 2007). The crew literally hit the ground running, as all the sequences shot were of moving vehicles and coversations inside them.
Stars Malani Fonseka and Dilhani Asokamala braved a 16-hour work schedule that saw wrap at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve to shoot sequences that director Vithanage wanted to resonate emotionally, building up to the strong emotional core of his story.
Apart from a few fixable technical glitches, shooting went off smoothly, with camera rigs being erected on two trishaws and two cars, with the actresses travelling in both of them. The film will shoot in three staggered schedules that will see principal photography wrap in March. Director Vithanage hopes to have the film ready by mid-2008, and see a domestic release somewhere in early 2009.

“Akasa Kusum” to Bloom in 2008

2007-12-23T08:29:00.002+05:30

Sri Lankan acting legend Malani Fonseka will for the first time in her career play an actress in her upcoming film with director Prasanna Vithanage, titled “Akasa Kusum (Flowers in the Sky).” Shooting will begin in late December on the film, which will also star Nimmi Harasgama, Dilhani Asokamala, Damayanthi Fonseka and newcomer Shanika Samanali. Playing supporting roles in Vithanage’s latest film will be English theatre vet Mohamed Adamaly and up-and-comers Suraj Mapa, Tharindi Fonseka and Upeksha Swarnamalini. Anarkalli Akarsha will make a guest appearance playing herself in the film.

“Akasa Kusum” is set in contemporary times, and tells the story of an actress popular in the 70’s (Fonseka), who unexpectedly gets a second chance at fame. The movie explores how she faces an industry with changed values, more bent on commercialization, and more media crazy. “The film is a homage to all the actresses who have given something out of their lives to their craft,” says Vithanage about the film, adding that “it is an emotional journey of a woman who has lost her inner voice, and through what’s happening, tries to understand who she really is.”

The movie, co-produced by HD Premasiri for Sarasavi Cineru and Prasanna Vithanage in collaboration with A. Sreekar Prasad for Film Freaks India, will see its world premiere in September 2008. MD Mahindapala will work as Director of Photography, while Lakshman Joseph de Saram will compose a score for “Akasa Kusum.” Iranthi Abeysinghe will function as Line Producer and Daminda Madawala will be Vithanage’s First Assistant Director. Two Indian film industry veterans will also work with director Vitanage on the movie. A. Sreekar Prasad will edit and A. Laxminarayan will design the film’s sound. The producers hope to release “Akasa Kusum” into local theatres in early 2009.