Sri Lankan film “Kadira Divyaraja” acclaimed at 6th SAFAL 2023 in Sydney

Samar Virmani and Sonakshi Rawat Singh, lead actor and actress of the fantasy film “Kadira Divyaraja” were acclaimed at the Australian premiere of “Kadira Divyaraja” screening at Events Cinema, Castle Hill Sydney on Sunday (Sept. 10).

A special award was also presented to the producer of the film, Dr. Ravi Liyanage and the entire production team including Emeritus Professor Sunil Ariyaratne for their contribution to the Cinema industry in the region. Awards were presented by Clr Bernard Purcell, Ryde Councilor of the City of Ryde.

South Asian Forum Inc (ASAF) supported by the Commonwealth Department of Communication & the Arts, City of Ryde and Macquarie University presented the South Asian Film Arts & Literature Festival 2023 (SAFAL Fest) in Sydney. 

SAFAL Fest in Australia is considered the only festival to showcase on a single platform, the rich and diverse art, performance and literary heritage of the dynamic eight nations of South Asia viz Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Its objective is to make a positive contribution to multicultural diversity and harmony between all Australians through engagement, discovery and collaboration. Indolent of international and local artists, media, dignitaries and companies adds to the vibrancy and outreach of the festival, spanning domestic and international audiences. 

Samar Virmani and Sonakshi Rawat Singh, Indian origin lead actor and actress of the Sri Lankan film “Kadira Divyaraja” directed by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and produced by Dr. Ravi Liyanage were accordingly recognized and presented with distinguished achievement award for their contribution to the film. Bawantha Liyanage, the son of the Producer Dr. Ravi Liyanage, accepted the award on behalf of the production team. Awards were presented by the counsellor Clr Bernard Purcell in front of a distinguished gathering including ASAF and SAFAL President Ash Golkar and Vice Precedent Kedarnath Pagaddinnimath.

“I am very humbled by this award and it is an honour to the entire production team of the film. I hope that this award will encourage other young artists to pursue their passions and to never give up on their dreams. I would like to extend my gratitude to Sunil Sir, Dr. Ravi Liyanage and fellow artists for their unwavering support and guidance. I am also grateful to the Australian Distributor of the film Lanka Events,” said Samar Vermani.

“I am so happy that our film has been selected and has been screened over here at the SAFAL 2023 festival. This is my first time in Sydney. I am really grateful to all my fans and all my well-wishers. I must thank my director Sunil Sir (Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne) and my producer Dr. Ravi (Dr. Ravi Liyanage) for the opportunity,” said Sonakshi Rawat Singh.

“We are delighted to have Sonakshi and Samar. The film has received fantastic response and it is certainly being a super hit at the festival. We are delighted that the “Kadira Divyaraja” received the distinguished achievement award,” said SAFAL 23 director Saliya Tennakoon.

“Kadira Divyaraja” film was submitted to the festival by its Australian Distributor Lanka Events, an Australian/Sri Lankan Event Management and film distribution company as part of its commitment to promote Sri Lankan Cinema to the mainstream world market.  Lanka Event and Lanka Vision are the brand names of Yasiru Multimedia Pty Ltd, Sydney, the largest overseas Sri Lankan Media and Entertainment Company. The company distributed all major Sri Lankan films in Australia since 1983. 

“We are not just an event management and distribution company. We are committed to promoting Sri Lankan films overseas for both Sri Lankan and mainstream filmgoers and try our best to promote the film worldwide” said Kithsiri Karunaratne, chairman of Yasiru Multimedia Pty Ltd Sydney, Australia, which owned Lanka Events and Lanka Vision.

The film was released in Australia on September 03, 2023.