Nidhanaya (1972) User Reviews

An established masterpiece from the godfather of Lankan cinema.

[mooky2020 · 7/10 · 7 August 2009]

Nidhanaya is generally considered to be the classic Sri Lankan film. Number I in most anyone's desert island collection of Lankan films. Lester James Peiris takes a powerful story and weaves a tapestry of wonderfully engaging images shot in austere black and white. It is bold film making from a person very much in command of his style and technique. Lester James Peiris was never again to reach such virtuosity in his stellar career.

A great ensemble cast, award winning script by Tissa Abeysekera, incredibly potent music from Premasiri Khemadasa and poetic cinematography by the under rated M.S. Anandan make this film a must watch.

Only Sinhala movie that I loved.

[adeeshasankalana · 8/10 · 22 December 2022]

The plot was average but the direction was exceptional. This is the only Sinhala movie that can reach the level of a hollywood movie not because of the plot but because of the director. It is really interesting to watch and very good camera angles. It has a lot of suspense and mysteriousness. Starting from a lonely man finding a old book to sacrificing his newly married wife for nothing may not sound really interesting for you but I can asure you that you will love it. I can say it is the only sinhala movie I could actually enjoy because it the only Sinhala movie that isn't based on a boring book, a historical story (probably hypothetical) or a village which is far away from Colombo.

The Best Film in the SriLankan Cinematic History

[Devaka-Jayasuriya · 10/10 · 1 February 2006]

Lester's "Nidhanaya " expanded the horizons of the Sri Lankan Cinema. Nidhanaya is a short story written by veteran G.B. Senanyake appearing in the book titled The Revenge. The Veteran Sinhalese script-writer Mr. Tissa Abeysekara must be credited for the unmatched script he has written for this irrespective of the shortcomings of the main source of G.B. Senanayake. "Shadow Shooting "was introduced to Sri Lankan Cinema by Nidhanaya. Gamini Fonseka's immense potential as an actor is depicted in this film. Nidhanaya is among the best 100 films among the world in accordance with an impartial survey done in year 2000. There are certain changes made by Tissa Abeysekara to the original source . In the Novel Villie Abeynaike ( Gamini Fonseka) meets the girl ( Malani Fonseka ) at a Railway Station. Whereas , in the film he meets the girl at the river's edge. Lester Peiris uses some unique symbols in the film such as the noise made by the peacock . Malani Fonseka's role here is regarded as an under play by film critics.Music in this film composed by famous music maestro Premasiri Khemadasa . He uses "Yak Beraya"( Devil drum) in certain stages in the film . Obeysekara mansion in Rajagiriya was used by Lester as Villie Abeynaike's house. It is disclosed that Villie has done an incantation to do away with his elder brother . Finally , Nidhanaya ( The Treasure) which was sought by Villie Abeynaike was the girl that he slaughters . Devaka S. Jayasuriya 90, Old Kesbawa Road Nugegoda Sri Lanka