Mandara

Mandara weaves together drama, romance, action, adventure, and thrill. Beyond this, the plot also underlines a common theme of how generational trauma has shaped each of the main characters, and how growing up with kindness gave the young Yashora (Saheli Sadithma) reselience and the almost naïve belief in the good of others.

This movie is arguably Chulakshi Ranathunga's best performance, where we see truly see her acting range. Chulakshi plays the titural character who experiences a family tragedy that strains her close relationships, and I only wish she had more screen time.

A big standout performance by Bimal Jayakody, where he plays the chilling villain Bharatha. Fans of Sinhala cinema know he typically plays one the good guys, and it was almost refreshing to see him in a different light.