Bommai: An Island Story set for island - wide released on September 19

Movie Poster

Cast of Bommai

Set in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s civil war, the film follows Thamizh, a female veteran returning to civilian life after years of conflict. Haunted by the weight of her past and drawn into an unexpected mission, she is forced to confront painful memories while navigating the fragile process of self-discovery

By Aakil Riyaz

Bommai: An Island Story, a post-war psychological drama directed by Navayuga Kugarajah, was released in theatres across Sri Lanka on 19 September, which followed with a special preview screening at PVR Cinemas, One Galle Face.

Set in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s civil war, the film follows Thamizh, a female veteran returning to civilian life after years of conflict. Haunted by the weight of her past and drawn into an unexpected mission, she is forced to confront painful memories while navigating the fragile process of self-discovery. Inspired by true events and testimonies from survivors, Bommai opens a window into stories long left unspoken, while paving the way for discourse and discussion on the impact of the war on civilian lives.

Filmed entirely in war-affected areas, a war-affected region where cameras had not rolled in nearly 30 years, the film carries the raw authenticity of lived experiences. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes, presented in Tamil with English subtitles. It blends psychological drama with social realism, offering audiences a deeply human narrative shaped by resilience, courage, and memory.

The film is produced by Baskaran Kandiah, a leading Sri Lankan businessman and co-founder of the UK-based Lebara Group. As Chairman of IBC Tamil, a London-based media company serving the global Tamil diaspora, Kandiah has consistently championed authentic Tamil storytelling. His involvement ensures that Bommai is not only a Sri Lankan story but also one that resonates internationally.

Even before its official release, Bommai has earned international acclaim, winning:

• Best Debut Director – Feature Film (Luleå International Film Festival, Sweden 2025)
• Best Woman Filmmaker (Boden International Film Festival, Sweden 2025)
• Best Debut Director (Thamizhagam International Film Festival, India 2025)

It was also an Official Selection at the Cine Royale International Film Festival (2025).

The cast is led by Yashoda Rasanduni, celebrated for her award-winning performance in Frangipani (2016), and Navayuga Kugarajah herself, who has previously starred in The Sixth Land and Komaali Kings. They are supported by a talented ensemble of Sri Lankan artists, particularly from the North, giving the film cultural richness and authenticity.

The production team includes Madhuni Alahackone Pussewela and Watsu on cinematography, M. Rajinikanth on music, and renowned sound designer C. Sethu, whose past credits include Kaala, Kabali, and Mersal. Their combined expertise ensures a visually striking and emotionally resonant film.

Bommai will screen from September 19, at theatres including Liberty (Kollupitiya), Concord (Dehiwala), Regal (Dematagoda, Jaffna, Bandarawela, Nuwara Eliya), Samantha (Dematagoda), Rajah (Jaffna), GK (Kalmunai), PCA (Thalankudah), Mutha (Vavuniya), Suganthy (Batticaloa), Archanna (Akkaraipattu), and Nelson (Trincomalee).With its poignant storytelling, award-winning recognition, and powerful ensemble, Bommai: An Island Story is more than a film. It is a cinematic reckoning with the past, a platform for silenced voices, and a bold new step for Sri Lankan cinema.