The latest film directed by Ashoka Handagama, titled “Rani”, premiered in cinemas across Sri Lanka today (January 30).
This is Handagama’s 11th feature film, and it is based on the murder of journalist Richard de Zoysa in the 1990s and his mother Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu’s fight for justice.
Who was Richard de Zoysa?
Richard de Zoysa was a journalist, actor, human rights activist, and writer in the early 1990s. He was abducted on February 18, 1990, and his body was found the next day (February 19) on the Moratuwa-Koralawewa beach.
His murder took place during the violent period of the late 1980s when President Ranasinghe Premadasa was in power. The film highlights suspicions that Premadasa’s government was responsible for the killing. It portrays how armed forces kidnapped Richard from his home and suggests that this was done under implicit orders from the President, who was angered by Richard’s reports on government violence to international media.
The Political Context
Between 1988-1990, Sri Lanka faced a brutal crackdown on suspected Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) rebels. Thousands were abducted, executed, or burned alive as the government sought to suppress opposition. During this time, even reporting on state violence could lead to death threats and assassinations.
Richard wrote critical articles for the English newspaper The Island and worked as a news anchor for state television. He was also rumoured to be writing a stage play about government repression, which was close to release when he was murdered.
The Focus of the Film
The film does not deeply explore Richard’s journalism but focuses on his mother, Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu. After her son’s murder, she fought for justice and later founded “Mothers’ Front”, an organization that supported families of the disappeared.
The film depicts her struggles against the government, including her failed attempts to seek justice through legal and political channels. It also shows her interactions with opposition politicians, including Mangala Samaraweera and Mahinda Rajapaksa, who encouraged her activism.
The movie portrays her as a wealthy, English-speaking woman who smokes, drinks, and expresses frustration towards both her servants and her son. It also openly presents Richard as a gay man, with his mother being aware of it.
One key moment in the film is when she recognizes one of the kidnappers on state television standing next to President Premadasa. However, when she reports this to the police, the evidence is covered up, and she receives threatening letters, forcing her to temporarily flee to Canada.
Later, after Premadasa himself is assassinated, Manorani sees it as justice served for her son’s death.
The Film’s Style and Reception
Rather than offering new insights, “Rani” largely re-enacts well-known historical events. While Swarna Mallawarachchi delivers a strong performance as Manorani, the film lacks suspense and may feel slow to younger audiences unfamiliar with the history.
The film stars:
Swarna Mallawarachchi as Manorani Saravanamuttu
Rehan Amarathunga as Richard de Zoysa
Sanath Gunathilaka as Lalith Athulathmudali
Saumya Liyanage, Bimal Jayakody, Ashan Dias, Sampath Jayaweera, and others
Technical aspects:
Cinematography: Channa Deshapriya
Editing: Ravindra Guruge
Music: Rohana Weerasinghe
Costume Design: Piyathissa Akuramboda
“Rani” is produced by Lyca Productions, marking the company’s first entry into Sri Lankan cinema.
