Gripping tale of mother’s love and courage ‘Rani’ now in Lankan cinemas

Saturday, 1 February 2025 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

‘Rani’ a gripping tale of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of a mother’s love in the face of unspeakable tragedy, is now showing in select Sri Lankan cinemas.

In the tumultuous aftermath of post-colonial Sri Lanka, Rani delves into the extraordinary life of Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu, a woman whose unwavering determination and resilience knew no bounds. Set against the backdrop of political upheaval and societal unrest, the film chronicles Manorani’s relentless pursuit of justice following the tragic abduction and murder of her son, Richard de Zoysa, a prominent journalist, author, human rights activist, and actor on 18 February 1990.

Through Manorani’s indomitable spirit, the film serves as both a testament to the human spirit and a rallying cry for justice in a world plagued by injustice.

The film is written and directed by Asoka Handagama and produced by Lyca Lanka Productions

Award winning actress Swarna Mallawa Arachchi plays the role of Manorani and Rehan Amarathunga as Richard. Among other casts include Sanath Gunathilake, Saumya Liyanage, Ashan Dias, and Sajitha Anuththara.

The narrative opens with Manorani’s poignant media statement, delivered moments after identifying her son’s lifeless body at the mortuary. Despite her profound grief, Manorani asserts herself as fortunate, contrasting her anguish with the countless mothers still grappling with the uncertainty of their missing children’s fates.

As the story unfolds, viewers are thrust into the heart of darkness, where Richard is forcibly taken from his home by political thugs a chilling reprisal for his outspoken criticism of Sri Lanka’s corrupt political landscape. Faced with the unbearable loss of her beloved son, Manorani is approached by a political faction seeking her leadership among the grieving mothers who, like her, have been robbed of their children with no semblance of justice. Driven by a fierce desire for accountability, Manorani immerses herself in the treacherous world of political agendas, channelling her anguish into a crusade for truth and retribution. She emerges as a beacon of hope for countless mothers, transcending geographical boundaries to advocate for the rights of the oppressed and the silenced.

The tender and distinctively beautiful bond shared between Dr. Manorani and her son, Richard, is delicately depicted amidst the backdrop of Dr. Manorani’s tragic yet valiant journey.