Walampoori: Seven and Half Dreams

Walampoori: Seven and Half Dreams is hands down the best Sinhala movie I've ever watched. From the very first frame to the last, the film delivers absolute perfection in every aspect. The cinematography is breathtaking-every shot is thoughtfully composed and artistically rich, capturing the mood and culture in a visually striking way.

The plot is layered and intelligent, blending suspense, satire, and emotion seamlessly. Each character is crafted with depth and portrayed brilliantly by the cast. The dialogue is sharp, authentic, and often thought-provoking. I was especially impressed with how the film balances humor with deeper social commentary without ever feeling forced.

The music elevates the storytelling, with a score that lingers long after the movie ends. Every element-from acting and direction to editing and sound design-feels meticulously refined.

This isn't just a film; it's an experience. Walampoori sets a new benchmark for Sri Lankan cinema and proves that we are capable of world-class storytelling. A true masterpiece!

Walampoori: Seven and Half Dreams is a deliciously layered cinematic puzzle that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go. Directed by Lakmal Darmarathna, this film is a wild mix of con artistry, spiritual masquerade, and social satire, all wrapped in a gritty, suspenseful atmosphere.

The story follows five village tricksters who hide behind a traveling performance troupe, but the plot thickens when a fake Hindu priest lures them into a bigger, more dangerous scheme. What unfolds is part cat-and-mouse, part dreamscape, and part cautionary tale-with each act more unpredictable than the last.

Performances are sharp across the board, especially from Thumindu Dodantenne and Dilhani Ekanayake, who bring charisma and depth to morally grey characters. The cinematography is rich and moody, and the dialogue snaps with wit and tension.

What makes Walampoori stand out is its fearless approach to storytelling-it takes risks, plays with structure, and embraces ambiguity, all while keeping the suspense taut. It's not just a thriller; it's a maze of motivations, illusions, and shifting loyalties.

A must-watch for fans of crime, psychological drama, and stories that don't spoon-feed their answers. Darmarathna is clearly playing the long game-and we're lucky to be along for the ride.

Waalampuraya - Seven and a Half Dreams Directed by: Lakmahal Dharma Ratna Produced by: Asan Dodantenna Starring: Thumindu Dodantenna, Deelani Ekanayake

Waalampuraya is a powerful, socially conscious drama that explores the desperate chase of the middle class striving to climb into the upper echelons of society. Directed with subtle brilliance by Lakmahal Dharma Ratna, the film paints a vivid picture of shattered dreams and harsh realities.

At its core, this film is a commentary on illusion - how people, no matter how hard they run, often end up performing their own tiny drama on the same stage they began. The dream of rising above becomes a reflection of the same old class, wrapped in different costumes. From the dream of doing business to the harshness of unequal pay and status, Waalampuraya strips away all illusions and presents naked truth.

This film doesn't scream with extravagance, yet it speaks to millions. It is a quiet storm, resonating deeply with Sri Lankan audiences. Performances are heartfelt, especially Thumindu Dodantenna's role - complex, broken, yet relatable. Deelani Ekanayake brings in a subtle strength that binds the narrative emotionally.

Waalampuraya is a landmark in Sri Lankan cinema - subtle, sensitive, yet immensely impactful. In a time when Tamil cinema has produced global icons, Sri Lankan cinema too is finding its own voice - and this film is a proud step in that journey. We should celebrate the rise of such icons with pride.

Rating: 10/10.

Periphrastic" delivers a fine cinematic experience with excellent acting from the artists. The story is strong and keeps the excitement alive till the end. While the movie maintains its grip on the audience throughout, the ending could have been crafted with more mystery and a deeper emotional bond. Mr. Lakmal Dharmarathne's direction shines, especially in the handling of the periphrastic scenes, bringing a polished and thoughtful touch to the movie's overall storytelling. ; Periphrastic: A Well-Acted Story That Needed a Stronger Ending, Despite this, Mr. Lakmal Dharmarathne's direction, especially of the complex, layered scenes, was outstanding and elevated the overall experience.

Walampoori gives out an important message to the whole society about the balancing act of pursuing wealth and greed. It captures the essence of the common man's desire to be wealthy and live in the heaven (upper class), where, depending on the circumstances, they are ready to die for it or quickly give up their dreams and settle into reality. This never-ending struggle - fueled, sparked and manipulated by politicians throughout the history - is superbly captured by the Director and talented cast, who deliver their roles spectacularly. A must-watch!

PS: RIP Darshan Dharmaraj - You will be missed in Sri Lankan cinema.