The God King
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Oliver Tobias
Geoffrey Russell
Ravindra Randeniya
| The God King | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Lester James Peries |
| Written by | Anthony Greville-Bell |
| Produced by | Dimitri de Grunwald |
| Starring | Leigh Lawson Swineetha Weerasinghe Oliver Tobias Geoffrey Russell Ravindra Randeniya |
| Cinematography | William Blake |
| Edited by | Sumitra Peries Russ Lloyd Robert Richardson |
| Music by | Nimal Mendis Lawrence Ashmore |
Release date |
|
Running time | 99 min |
| Countries | Sri Lanka United Kingdom |
| Languages | English Sinhala |
| Budget | $3 million[1] |
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.
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 managed by Sri Lankan artists.
King Kasyapa (Leigh Lawson) is the son of King Dhatusena (Geoffrey Russell). Kasyapa had 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 assassination 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 |
