SUBHA THERANIYO
A movie based on the trials and travails of an enlightened Buddhist nun
Subha Theraniyo to be screened in line with the Vesak and Poson festivals is suitable for the viewing of the whole family including children with its story line depicting the emancipation of a preeminent female disciple of Lord Buddha. The movie will be released on the EAP film circuit from 15th of May.
The movie, Jivakambavanika Hewath Subha Theraniyo is based on the life of prominent Buddhist nun Subha who delivered thirty four Therigathas. The movie will be released in celebration of 1562th Sambuddha Jayanthi which marks the 1562nd year since the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Subha, who is the only daughter of a rich goldsmith sees the Lord Buddha proceeding to an alms giving with mahasanga and the sight of Lord Buddha evokes fervent feelings in her. As she pays a visit to Weluwanaramaya, Subha is privileged to listen to a sermon delivered by Lord Buddha.
After this incident she develops a strong attachment to Buddhism and requests permission from parents to become ordained as a Buddhist nun. The parents who first object to her request finally relent after much persuasion from her and Subha ultimately becomes a Buddhist nun. She becomes known as Jivakambavanika as she chose Jivaka’s mango grove to engage in meditations.
Nanda, a playful youth who leads an aimless life sees nun Subha in the mango grove and becomes captivated by her beauty, specially her eyes. Nanda starts going after nun Subha begging for her love which disturbs her calm life as a Buddhist nun. Will nun Subha be able to avert the advances of Nanda and continue to follow the path of Dhamma? Will Nanda understand the futility of his efforts and leave nun Subha alone? Filmgoers will be able to find out when the film is released this month.
In the movie, Ruwangi Rathnayake plays the leading role as nun Subha while the role of Nanda is played by Roshan Ranawana. Shriyantha Mendis, Dilhani Ekanayake, Udayanthi Kulathunga, Mahinda Pathirage, Nimal Pallewatta, Kumara Waralessa and Thilini Perera and many more artistes comprise the rest of the cast.
The lyrics of the songs of the movie are written by Professor Sunil Ariyarathna and are sung by Dr. Nanda Malini and Dumal Warnakulasuriya with music provided by Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe. Other main contributors of the production include Ayeshmantha Hettiarachchi (Camera), Shan Alwis (Editing), Ranjith Thilakasiri (Make-up) and Priyal Weerasinghe (Script). Suba Theraniyo is directed by prominent film director Sumith Kumara and is produced by Ananda Samarasinghe along with Bisara Chanakya.
The movie will be released in celebration of 1562th Sambuddha Jayanthi which marks the 1562nd year since the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha.