By Vipula Wanigasekera –

Dr. Vipula Wanigasekera

Walking into Devi Kusumasana, I must admit I braced myself for another cinematic letdown—especially after recent works like Gardi by Prasanna Vithanage and Rani by Asoka Handagama, directors once celebrated for their craftsmanship but whose recent efforts, in my view, fell short of expectations.

To my surprise and delight, Jayantha Chandrasiri’s latest historical drama proved otherwise. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 16th-century Sri Lanka, the film brings to life the saga of Kusumasana Devi, also known as Dona Catharina, and her entanglement in the political chessboard of colonial and local powers. Produced by Lyca Productions, the film weaves history with romance, identity, and the relentless struggle for sovereignty.

What stood out instantly was the overall quality and finesse of the production. The cinematography was of international standard, capturing both grandeur and intimacy. The narrative flowed seamlessly, filled with suspense, romance, and deep emotion—qualities often difficult to balance in a historical epic. When the name “Wimaladharmasuriya” was pronounced for the first time, it struck a deep chord within me, reaffirming how profoundly this chapter of our history resonates with many Sri Lankans.

Jayantha’s greatest strength, however, lies in his restraint. He avoids the pitfall of excessively ornamental Sinhala—a wise choice that enhances accessibility and grounds the script in realism. This approach deserves special recognition, as historical films often stumble under the weight of stylized language that alienates the audience.

Of course, no film is without its flaws. While a commendable effort has been made to recreate battle sequences and settings—including scenes in Goa—Devi Kusumasana understandably does not reach the visual scale of Bahubali, or even Lyca’s own Ponniyin Selvan series. Budgetary limitations, and perhaps restricted access to cutting-edge VFX or AI-enhanced animation, may have played a role. Still, what was achieved with available resources remains impressive.

Some areas, however, could have been fine-tuned. The use of ceremonial attire on the battlefield felt somewhat anachronistic, making certain scenes appear stylized rather than authentic. In contrast, Hemal Ranasinghe’s portrayal of Konnapu Bandara was consistently convincing across various outfits, reflecting a level of detail that could have been extended to the broader cast.

The portrayal of female Angampora practitioners, although appreciated, lacked the fluidity and conviction that only come with extensive physical training and scene-specific practice. The duel between Konnapu Bandara and the temporary king appointed by the Portuguese in Kandy was well-executed and convincingly choreographed, but the surrounding cast did not respond with the urgency and realism expected—many seemed insufficiently stunned or only half-heartedly retreating.

A key concern for me was the portrayal of Sithawaka Rajasinghe. As a pivotal figure in South Asian history—widely recognized as the first ruler to decisively defeat a European invading force—his character felt underrepresented. While the historical complexities of his later political decisions are acknowledged, his role warranted greater presence and gravity on screen. This felt like a missed opportunity to do justice to a warrior-king who is still venerated by many, despite his controversial legacy.

That said, these points are offered not to diminish but to dissect—a responsibility every serious reviewer must undertake. The average viewer may not notice these elements or may interpret them differently, and that is perfectly valid.

Ultimately, Devi Kusumasana is a cinematic triumph. It rekindles the spirit that once defined Sri Lankan historical drama and affirms that Jayantha Chandrasiri still possesses the visionary spark that made his earlier works iconic. In truth, I cannot imagine anyone else doing greater justice to this story. This film deserves to be watched, discussed, and celebrated.

*The writer is a former diplomat, Head of Sri Lanka Tourism, senior university lecturer, YouTuber, and a Meditation and Reiki healer