‘The Frozen Fire’ first time in India

The first two days of BIFFes saw many offbeat international films. One of them was ‘The Frozen Fire’ (Ginnen Upan Seethala), a Sinhalese biographical thriller.

Directed by Anuruddha Jayasinghe, the film narrates the life story of the Sri Lankan Marxist revolutionary Rohana Wijeweera, his comrades and political life. The film is nominated for this year’s Oscars in the mainstream ‘Best Picture’ category.

The film stars well-known Sri Lankan actors Kamal Addaraarachchi, Sulochana Weerasinghe, Jagath Manuwarna and Sujeewa Priyalal.

The diverse views about the politics in Srilanka, and of the political party JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna), the inherent limitations contained in their political discourse are depicted in the film.

The film shows people what the reality and also the differences that existed between the vision and the programme of the JVP from about 1972 until July 1983.

Speaking to Metrolife, director Anuruddha says that the creation of the film was the result of the experiences of a few years and a study conducted about that chaotic period.

He reveals that the film’s crew spent two and a half years researching and talking to the people, who had been closely associated with comrade Rohana.

The director elaborates, “The history shown in the film is very recent. People know the story, and we could not afford to go wrong anywhere.”

“Sri Lankan cinema has a lot to offer to global audiences. I wish to associate with more such films in the future,” he adds.

Screened for the first time in India, the director says, “The film also talks about Rajiv Gandhi ’s assassination and the peace accord signed between the two countries. I am indeed taken aback by the warm reception in India.”