Deepa Mehta to film new Sherlock Holmes-inspired comedy ‘Sher’ in Sri Lanka

• Filmmaker selects Nuwara Eliya and Cinnamon Hotels as key locations

Oscar Nominated Film Director Deepa Mehta

By Amira Cader

Acclaimed Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta has officially announced her latest cinematic venture, Sher, during a media briefing held on Thursday evening at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

The upcoming film, a comedic reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes universe centred around the detective’s fictional Indian daughter, marks Mehta’s fourth production in Sri Lanka. The director-producer revealed that Nuwara Eliya often dubbed “Little England” for its colonial charm and cool climate will serve as one of the primary filming location.

“Cinema is not just about entertainment — it’s a powerful tool for dialogue, identity and change,” said Mehta. “Sri Lanka has always inspired me with its depth of culture, storytelling traditions and cinematic potential.”

Pre-production is already underway on filmmaker Mehta’s highly anticipated new project, with casting expected to commence in July 2025. Principal photography is slated to begin later in the year and the film is currently targeting a late 2026 release.

While Mehta has remained tight-lipped about both the storyline and the cast, industry insiders suggest the project will deliver a powerful narrative designed to resonate with global audiences. Given Mehta’s previous critically acclaimed work, expectations are high for another bold and impactful film.

Filming will also take place across various Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts properties, praising the brand for its “vision, hospitality and cinematic versatility.”

“Film has the power to shape perceptions, attract global audiences and position Sri Lanka as a vibrant, visually stunning destination for filmmakers,” Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka CEO and General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle said.

“We are committed to supporting this vision — not only through events like Signature Weekend but also through our evolving properties.”

Hulugalle also highlighted exciting new developments at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, one of the group’s flagship resorts, which has been reimagined as a hub for creative residencies, art-forward experiences and high-end productions.

“Cinnamon Bentota is not just a beach resort — it’s becoming a creative canvas for filmmakers and storytellers,” he added.

Representatives from Sri Lanka’s Film Development Board and tourism sector were also present at the launch event and expressed strong support for the project. They emphasised the importance of hosting internationally renowned filmmakers like Mehta, citing the long-term benefits for the local film industry, talent development, and tourism.

AS part of the Signature Weekend, attendees will enjoy a special screening of Deepa Mehta’s poignant documentary I Am Sirat, at Cinnamon Bentota alongside her earlier acclaimed film Funny Boy and Midnight’s Children at Cinnamon Life — with a video message from celebrated author Salman Rushdie, writer of the novel on which Midnight’s Children is based, adding a powerful literary touch to the event.

The weekend aims to foster meaningful engagement between filmmakers, audience and the local creative community. It will feature panel discussions, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities for industry professionals and alike.

Mehta previously filmed parts of Midnight’s Children in Colombo, creatively transforming the city into vintage Mumbai. With Sher, she once again brings Sri Lanka to the forefront of international cinema.

Pic by Upul Abayaskara