‘KABALI RAJA’
DVD launch on Sept. 30
The ‘Kabali Raja’ DVD movie produced by Thilak Samarasinghe on behalf of Helamuthu Cultural Foundation will be launched at the Veera Mylan Theatre in New Chetty Street, Colombo 13 on September 30 at 5.30 pm. The commercial thriller spiced with romance, dance, music and stunts has been directed by Suresh Kumarasinghe while P. Nandakumar has choreographed the colourful dance sequences shot in India. Commenting on his maiden film endeavour Producer Thilak Samarasinghe said the quality of this DVD is on par with a Sinhala movie. “This creation ‘Kabali Raja’ is a tribute to the country’s reconciliation process. I produced the movie while the title role is played by a Muslim (Naiser who is better known as Disco Raja), the lead girl Preethi is a Sinhalese while the main choreographer and debutante actor is a Tamil P. Nandakumar. We all worked in harmony as a team and I am grateful to the Muslims of Colombo 12 who gave us their fullest support during the shooting schedules. This film was also shot in India. I am glad I was able to give the crucial breaks to Disco Raja, Nandakumar and Preethi who did justice to their roles. I had to face numerous obstacles due to some people, but all that experience has given me more strength to start Kabali Raja – 2 which I am going to direct. I hope to do five more DVD films in this series which will highlight the power of co-existence among all communities in this country. This DVD comes with English sub -titles too, so all the people of this country can enjoy it. I must also mention the support I got from our cinematographer Sajeewa Sankalpa,” said producer Thilak Samarasinghe. Lead man Disco Raja also thanked producer Thilak Samarasinghe and hailed his resolution to feature him in the lead role. “This is my first film role though I have performed on stage from my teenage years. Though my name is Mohamed Naiser, it was former President Ranasinghe Premadasa who dubbed me as ‘Disco Raja’ after he witnessed one of performances then. I am also thankful to all team members for their support and commitment to make this a success,” he said. Helamuthu Cultural Foundation Secretary Preethi Wijesinghe who plays the lead female role in the movie said they worked in this project with great passion and commitment. “It was like working as a family with a team comprising Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. Since it comes with English sub-titles, it will certainly be relished by all communities,’ in which I play the main female role opposite Disco Raja. I am certainly looking forward to the releaseth,” said Preethi. Veteran dance choreographer P. Nandakumar who plays a pivotal role in the movie said he was grateful to Helamuthu Chief Thilak Samarasinghe for offering this major role in the film. “I have choreographed more than 80 Sinhala films and associated with top stars in our cinema industry. But Mr. Samarasinghe gave me that major break in Kabali Raja. Produicer Thilak Samarsinghe is a man who believes in co-existence and this movie proves it beyond doubt. It is the duty of all artistes and directors to protect producers like Thilak Samarasinghe.”