Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s highly-anticipated film “Paradise” is set to release in theatres across India and worldwide on June 28, 2024, as announced by the makers on Saturday. The film has already garnered significant attention, promising to be a harrowing yet captivating experience for audiences globally.
“Paradise” tells the compelling story of an Indian tourist couple who decide to visit Sri Lanka, a nation grappling with a severe economic crisis, for their fifth wedding anniversary due to the lower costs. The couple, played by Roshan Mathew, known for his role in “Darlings,” and Darshana Rajendran, famed for “Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey,” soon find their relationship tested as unexpected events unfold amid the worsening crisis in the country. The gripping narrative dives into the complexities and cracks in their relationship that surface in the face of escalating conflict.
The film features an ensemble cast including Shyam Fernando and Mahendra Perera, and is the brainchild of Newton Cinema, a young and ambitious production house. The film is distinguished by its multilingual dialogues, incorporating English, Malayalam, Tamil, Sinhala, and Hindi, which adds a rich, authentic layer to its storytelling.
In an official statement, Vithanage expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to present his work on a global platform. “Paradise is my first Indian film. This is, for the first time, a Sri Lankan director has a worldwide release. I want to thank Newton Cinema for opening the world to me,” he said.
Anto Chittilappilly, the CEO of Newton Cinema, shared his enthusiasm for the film’s potential to connect with diverse audiences worldwide. “I fell in love with the script from the very first time I read it. It’s a great honour to produce a film of the master director, Prasanna Vithanage, and to work with such a talented cast and crew whose efforts made this film successful. Newton Cinema, a young production studio founded during the pandemic, is proud to have ‘Paradise’ as our fourth project. We are deeply humbled by the accolades we have received so far, including the Busan award, and the four nominations to Asian Film Awards. ‘Paradise’ is a film that must be experienced in theaters to fully appreciate its exceptional audio-visual elements,” he added.
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The technical brilliance of “Paradise” is evident with its accomplished crew members. The film’s cinematography is helmed by Rajeev Ravi, known for his visually stunning work. The editing is managed by Sreekar Prasad, an editor with a distinguished pedigree. Sound design is entrusted to Tapas Nayak, who brings a unique auditory experience, and the music score, which is pivotal to the film’s emotional landscape, is composed by K.
Adding to its impressive credentials, “Paradise” is presented by Indian veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies. The film made its world premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival in 2023, where it was met with critical acclaim and won the coveted Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film.
The announcement of its release has been met with widespread anticipation and excitement on social media. The official Twitter handle of Newton Cinema posted a celebratory message, “Excited to share that PARADISE hits theaters worldwide on Friday, June 28th, 2024! 🌍✨ Coming soon to a theater near you! 🎬🍿 #NewtonCinema #MadrasTalkies #PrasannaVithanage #RoshanMathew #DarshanaRajendran #ShyamFernando #MahendraPerera #SreekarPrasad #RajeevRavi… pic.twitter.com/rQ75AUR7Dh” showcasing the enthusiasm behind the project.
As the release date approaches, film enthusiasts and critics alike eagerly await the opportunity to witness Prasanna Vithanage’s latest work. The film is expected to not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion around the socio-political issues it subtly addresses through its narrative.
With its world-class cast, technically skilled crew, and a gripping storyline set against the backdrop of contemporary socio-political turmoil, “Paradise” promises to be a significant milestone in Sri Lankan and Indian cinema. The film’s international release also marks a noteworthy moment for South Asian cinema, reflecting its growing recognition and influence on the global stage.
“Paradise” is slated to offer an immersive cinematic experience that could redefine contemporary storytelling and cinematography. Mark your calendars for June 28, 2024, as “Paradise” is prepared to transport audiences into a realm where personal relationships and broader socio-economic challenges intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
