“Kadira Divya Raja” – Sri Lankan Film

“Kadira Divyaraja” is an upcoming Sri Lankan Sinhala language fantasy film written and directed by veteran Sri Lankan film director professor Sunil Ariyaratne and produced by Dr. Ravi Liyanage.  This mythological film depicts the romantic relationship between Hindu god Kartikeya and the aboriginal princess Valli.

The film takes the audience back to the ancient times of the second century BC, where SuddaHaami and UkkuEthani, from a jungle tribe in the southern part of Sri Lanka, yearn for a child. Fate intervenes as they discover a beautiful female child in the heart of the jungle, aptly named Walli. As she grows, Walli finds herself inexplicably drawn to an image she has never seen in reality, and with her friends, she begins worshipping the image with devotion. Her world turns upside down when she learns from Naradha Rishi that her beloved is none other than the powerful God Skanda.

In the annals of celestial mythology, the only instance of a God marrying a human daughter is only regarding God Katharagama. The beauty who loved God Katharagama from her childhood days and by the virtue of her pure love, which made God Katharagama come to Katharagama  and marry her, was a maiden who grew up among the “Vedda” Community.   Their love story is indeed a most colorful one. You can see in this film the marriage between God Shiva and Parvathie, the birth of Prince Skanda, the defeat of the Asuras, the friendship between  Prince Skanda and Dutugemunu, the beginnings of the Katharagama  Devale and the meeting of God Ganadevi and a number of very enjoyable stories some of which you may have never heard of.

In many countries, God Katharagama is venerated and offerings made along with God Shiva and God Vishnu and people strive to receive their blessings. God Katharagama is very special to Sri Lankans in many ways. According to ancient chronicles, descending from his celestial abode, God Katharagama chose the village of Katharagama in Sri Lanka to be his place of dwelling. It is the wide spread belief among our people that God Katharagama ensures the harvest of the people is plentiful and helps them in their times of needs and sorrow. People of all religious beliefs without exception devotedly and with great piety seek the blessings of God Katharagama.

The film stars Indian actors Sonakshi Rawat as Valli and Samar Vermani as Kartikeya in the lead roles. Supporting actors include Roshan Pilapitiya, Nilmini Tennakoon, Jagath Chamila, Wasantha Wittachchi, Dhananjaya Siriwardhana and Vinu Udani. This is directed by Sunil Ariyaratne. Music composed by Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe.