Sri Lankan actor Dinara Punchihewa was in Kerala recently to take part in the 24th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, in which her film Gaadi was screened. The actor, on the side-lines of this event, praised its organisers for coming up with a very well organised fest.
Dianara spoke in length about Sri Lankan cinema and how it is evolving at a time when the digital platform is taking over. Speaking about Indian films, Dianara said that she is a huge fan of Bollywood flicks but is soon turning towards Malayalam cinema after getting to watch Kumbalangi Nights. She pointed out that it is her favorite film to date and makes her wish to watch more Malayalam films.
Directed by Madhu Narayanan, Kumbalangi Nights was scripted by Syam Pushkaran, inspired by his memoirs during a visit to Kumbalangi, a fishing village in Kochi. The film tells the story of four brothers of a broken family, played by Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Shane Nigam and Mathew Thomas. Fahadh Faasil plays a creepy antagonist in the film. Anna Ben made her acting debut in the film. Grace Antony played an important role too.
The film was bankrolled jointly by Dileesh Pothan, Syam Pushkaran and Nazriya Nazim under the banners Fahadh Faasil and Friends Working Class Hero. Sushin Shyam composed the tunes for this flick with Shyju Khalid cranking the camera and Saiju Sreedharan editing it.
According to trade reports, Kumbalangi Nights turned out to be the first big blockbuster of this year. The film collected Rs 4.8 crore at the Kerala box office on the opening weekend and Rs 3.95 crore from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) territories. It has grossed Rs 20 crore during its 11-day run at the worldwide box office. In the Kochi multiplexes, Kumbalangi Nights has garnered Rs 86.9 lakh during its 14-day run, say sources.
(Content provided by Digital Native)