Sinhabahu (film)

Sinhabahu (සිංහබාහු), is a 2024 Sri Lankan Sinhalese historical thriller film directed by Somaratne Dissanayake and co-produced by Gamini Wickramasinghe and Renuka Balasuriya. The film is based on the legend in the Mahāvaṃsa where playwright Ediriweera Sarachchandra produced a stage drama under the same title. It stars Akila Dhanuddara in titular role along with debutant Abhilashi Santhushki in lead roles and Yashoda Wimaladharma, Sajitha Anthony, Sineti Akila, Chandana Wickramasinghe and Sahan Manage made supportive roles. Popular teledrama actress Dusheni Miurangi also made her debut cinema acting with the film.

Cast

 * Akila Dhanuddara as Sinhaya, Sinhabahu's Father
 * Abhilashi Santhushki as Suppadevi, Sinhabahu's mother
 * Yashoda Wimaladharma as Suppadevi
 * Dusheni Miurangi as Sinhaseewali
 * Sajitha Anthony as Sinhabahu
 * Sineti Akila
 * Giriraj Kaushalya
 * Sarath Kothalawala
 * Kumara Thirimadura
 * Ashan Dias
 * Chandana Wickramasinghe
 * Sahan Manage

Production and release
The film marks 11th cinema direction by Somaratne Dissanayake. Assistant director is Chamara Selara, and co-producers are Gamini Wickramasinghe and Renuka Balasuriya. The make-up was handled by Vidura Abhayadeera and art direction by Janaka Prasad. Music directed by Prof. Saman Panapitiya. Vishwa Balasuriya is the cinematographer and Ajith Ramanayake is the editor.

The song premiere and trailer was launched at Savoy Premier Cinema, Wellawatta in June 2023. The film was previously released on 20 March 2023 during 'Sinamabhimani - 2023' 10 year anniversary festival presented to mark the 10th anniversary of Sri Lanka Film Directors Forum. Media screening of the film was held at the Savoy Premier Cinema Hall in March 2024.

Accident during the shooting
Initially veteran actor Jackson Anthony was selected for the lead role where he acted in the first few shots of the film. However, he was hospitalized following an accident at Thalawa in Anuradhapura after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a wild elephant at Thalawa. Therefore, his elder son Akila Dhanuddara was selected for the main role and screen were shot again. Jackson remained in intensive care, on a ventilator donated by his family, for 458 days (15 months), until 9 October 2023 when he died as a result of his injuries at the age of 65. Even though, Jackson's scenes were filmed, they were not used for the trailer or the film.