The God King
The God King is a 1974 British–Sri Lankan historical film directed by Lester James Peries. The film is based on the historical clash between brothers Kasyapa and Moggalana on Sigiriya Rock.
| The God King | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Lester James Peries |
| Produced by | Dimitri de Grunwald |
| Written by | Anthony Greville-Bell |
| Starring | Leigh Lawson Swineetha Weerasinghe Oliver Tobias Geoffrey Russell Ravindra Randeniya |
| Music by | Nimal Mendis Lawrence Ashmore |
| Cinematography | William Blake |
| Edited by | Sumitra Peries Russ Lloyd Robert Richardson |
Release date | 1975 |
Running time | 99 min |
| Country | Sri Lanka United Kingdom |
| Language | English Sinhala |
| Budget | $3 million[1] |
Producer Dimitri de Grunwald financed the epic film as a dual project between England and Sri Lanka. He provided the three main actors, the script, the assistant director, the production Manager, makeup artist and money while the task of making the film was given to the Sri Lankans.
Plot
King Kasyapa (Leigh Lawson) is the son of King Dhatusena (Geoffrey Russell). Kasyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana (Ravindra Randeniya), Dhatusena's son by the true queen. Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallana, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Leigh Lawson | Kasyapa, the God King |
| Oliver Tobias | Migara |
| Geoffrey Russell | King Dhatusena |
| Ravindra Randeniya | Moggallana |
| Iranganie Serasinghe | Varuni |
| Joe Abeywickrema | Swami |
| Anne Loos | Leila |
| Vijaya Kumaranatunga | Lalith |
| Douglas Wickremasinghe | Council Leader |
| Mano Breckenridge | Opposition Leader |
| Menik Kurukulasuriya | Somitra |
References
- Hall, William. (25 November 1973). "Movies: On the Set in Ceylon With Cast of Thousands". Los Angeles Times. p. s24.