Sumathi Studios enters global arena with Rizana – A Caged Bird

• Producer Jagath Sumathipala and Director Chandran Rutnam unveil cross-continental masterpiece starring Jeremy Irons and Varalaxmy Sarathkumar

 By Amira Cader

In a milestone moment for Sri Lankan cinema, Sumathi Studios stepped onto the global stage with the official title unveiling of its latest international production, Rizana – A Caged Bird, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo yesterday.

Headlining the project is Academy Award-winning British actor Jeremy Irons, alongside multi-award-winning South Indian star Varalaxmy Sarathkumar. Adding emotional depth and a powerful on-screen presence, emerging actor Vidushika Reddy plays the lead role of Rizana. The film is directed by the internationally acclaimed Chandran Rutnam, whose cinematic repertoire spans decades and continents. At the helm of production is Sumathi Group Chairman Jagath Sumathipala whose vision and leadership have propelled the studio toward global prominence.

The film is a dramatised retelling of the tragic story of Rizana Nafeek, a 17-year-old Sri Lankan domestic worker who was beheaded in Saudi Arabia in 2005 after being convicted of killing a baby in her care — a case condemned internationally by human rights organisations. The film seeks to give voice to her story, highlighting the injustices faced by migrant workers and calling global attention to the consequences of capital punishment.

Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, best known for his performance in Reversal of Fortune and multiple prestigious accolades including a Tony, Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe, stars as Professor Julian Miles, a human rights attorney and activist. Speaking at the title reveal, Irons shared: “Working in Sri Lanka is a new experience for me and has added to my appreciation of how vibrant the film industry is in this part of the world. The story of Rizana in itself is a harrowing tale and I am happy to be working with Director Chandran Rutnam to shed light on the disturbing paradigm of capital punishment, which shouldn’t happen in the 21st century.”

Also joining the cast is Varalaxmy Sarathkumar, a multi-award-winning actress with over 60 films to her credit across South Indian cinema. She portrays Dr. Rani Chelvam, a character closely tied to Rizana’s emotional journey.

“I am thrilled to be working in Sri Lanka, directed by the extraordinary Chandran Rutnam and acting alongside one of my film idols, Jeremy Irons. Rizana’s story touched my soul. As an activist for women’s rights, the role of Rani resonates with my own values,” Sarathkumar noted.

Director Chandran Rutnam, a veteran of over 100 international productions including collaborations with giants like Steven Spielberg, David Lean and George Lucas, emphasised the importance of telling this story: “The story of Rizana Nafeek affected me deeply. I knew it had to be told. Meeting Jagath Sumathipala was a turning point — this film became a shared vision. With globally renowned actors, I aim to bring this tragic but vital story to the world,” he added.

The title role of Rizana Nafeek is portrayed by Vidushika Reddy, an emerging actor whose emotionally charged performance is anticipated to be a breakthrough in her career. For Reddy, the role is deeply personal, as it reflects real-life experiences that resonate with her own.

“This story isn’t just something I read in a script — it mirrors my reality. My mother has worked abroad for many years and I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll it takes on families. Playing Rizana allowed me to channel those emotions into something meaningful and honour her memory,” she shared.

Her heartfelt connection to the character adds a profound layer of authenticity to the film’s narrative.

The film’s screenwriter James Rutnam added, “Rizana represents a human rights crisis that still affects the world. We hope to give her a voice so she is not forgotten.”

Sumathipala, in his remarks, reflected on the powerful legacy of Sumathi Studios, rooted in decades of pioneering cinema led by his parents — U.W. Sumathipala, who won the first international accolade for Sri Lankan cinema at the Cairo Film Festival in 1977 and Milina Sumathipala, one of the first female producers in Sri Lanka.

“This film is our continuum of creativity, from my father’s visionary foundation, through our fearless innovation, to the next generation poised to take Sri Lankan stories to the global stage,” he added.

With its gripping narrative, award-winning cast and a message that transcends borders, Rizana – A Caged Bird marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s film industry. More than just a film, it is a call for empathy, justice and remembrance.

The movie is set to release in September, with expectations already building for its global premiere on the international film festival circuit.