Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky)(2009)

“Akasa Kusum” (Flowers of the Sky) is a 2008 Sri Lankan drama film directed by Prasanna Vithanage. The movie stars Malini Fonseka, Nimmi Harasgama, and Hemasiri Liyanage in leading roles.

Synopsis:

“Akasa Kusum” is a story about a middle-aged woman named Daisy (Malini Fonseka), who is struggling to come to terms with her past. Daisy is a former actress who was once a popular icon in the Sri Lankan film industry. However, her life takes a turn when she becomes a victim of political turmoil in Sri Lanka, and her husband is killed by rebels. She is left to raise her son alone and finds work as a housemaid. The film depicts her journey of self-discovery and her quest to find inner peace.

Review:

“Akasa Kusum” received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's powerful storytelling and nuanced performances. The movie was described as a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the impact of political upheaval on ordinary people's lives. Malini Fonseka's performance as Daisy was particularly lauded, with critics noting her ability to convey the character's pain and resilience with subtlety and depth. The film's direction and cinematography were also praised, with the use of flashbacks and dream sequences adding layers to the story.

Awards:

The movie won several awards, including the Best Film Award at the Singapore International Film Festival and the NETPAC Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. It was also Sri Lanka's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 82nd Academy Awards. Malini Fonseka won the Best Actress award at the Signis Awards and the OCIC Award at the Mumbai International Film Festival. Hemasiri Liyanage won the Best Supporting Actor award at the same event.