The God King

The God King
Directed by Lester James Peries
Produced by Dimitri de Grunwald
Written by Anthony Greville-Bell
Starring Leigh Lawson Swineetha Weerasinghe
Oliver Tobias
Geoffrey Russell
Ravindra Randeniya
Music by Nimal Mendis
Lawrence Ashmore
Cinematography William Blake
Edited by Sumitra Peries
Russ Lloyd
Robert Richardson
Release date
 1975
Running time
 99 min
Country Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Language English
Sinhala
Budget $3 million[1]

The God King is a 1974 British-Sri Lankan historical film directed by Lester James Peries. The film is based on the historical clash between brothers Kasyapa and Moggalana on Sigiriya Rock.

Producer Dimitri de Grunwald financed the epic film as a dual project between England and Sri Lanka. He provided the three main actors, the script, the assistant director, the production Manager, makeup artist and money while the task of making the film was given to the Sri Lankans.

Plot

King Kasyapa (Leigh Lawson) is the son of King Dhatusena (Geoffrey Russell). Kasyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana (Ravindra Randeniya), Dhatusena's son by the true queen. Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallana, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace.

Cast

ActorRole
Leigh LawsonKasyapa, the God King
Oliver TobiasMigara
Geoffrey RussellKing Dhatusena
Ravindra RandeniyaMoggallana
Iranganie SerasingheVaruni
Joe AbeywickremaSwami
Anne LoosLeila
Vijaya KumaranatungaLalith
Douglas WickremasingheCouncil Leader
Mano BreckenridgeOpposition Leader

References

  1. ↑ Movies: On the Set in Ceylon With Cast of Thousands Hall, William. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 25 Nov 1973: s24.
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