The God King

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	1975 (1975)
Running time	99 min
Countries	Sri Lanka United Kingdom
Languages	English Sinhala
Budget	$3 million

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 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

See also

• Cinema of Sri Lanka
• List of Asian historical drama films

External links

• The God King at IMDb