Thico Films, a subsidiary of Thico Group (Pvt.) Ltd., has announced their first international movie production “Back to Elephant Walk”. The movie will be produced by Thico Films (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairperson Thilini Priyamali and Dr. Isuru Bandara. 
The plot of the movie is centered around a young Sri Lankan-born girl who was brought up in the US. Having heard about her beautiful motherland from her mother, she decides to visit her country of origin upon her mother’s demise. She also ensured to bring along her mother’s ashes upon her last dying wish, which plays a key role in the plot. While in Sri Lanka with her relatives she meets her life partner, of US origin and decides to travel around the country.
The genre of the film is undoubtedly romance, with a bit of adventure blended in, taking into account how much there is to do and see in our beautiful country. While highlighting the historic and cultural importance of Sri Lanka, the production also aims to boost the local tourism industry in a pandemic-stricken environment apart from taking local movie production to the international arena. The producers anticipate releasing the movie on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and 22 other sites to help promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
“Back to Elephant Walk” is a script by Nisanka Prasadhani Jayathilaka and will be directed by Nihal Bandara. The Executive Producer of the production is Kapila Gunathilaka. Joining hands as the team’s cheerleader is Win-Stone School of Culinary Art who made this concept a reality while also sharing the guidelines for international film platforms. The company is also working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board on behalf of Thico Films.
We, at Brunch, spoke to some of the main cast on their experience during the film. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, we weren’t able to reach Amritaa de Silva, who plays the main character and love interest.
“My favourite moments came from spending time with the cast” – Eric Heinrichs
Eric Heinrichs, an actor, musician and as he puts it, a local American, talked to us about his experience during the movie. He plays the main role Damian who is an American who has fallen in love with a Sri Lankan living in the US. Eric commented that being on set for this film was always fun. “I really enjoyed connecting with all the cast and crew! The director, Nihal Bandara, and assistant director, Veenadari Lakshika, were dynamic and focused from start to finish.” He also added that getting to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the world (right here in Sri Lanka) was a huge bonus.
Filming is a long process, it requires one to spend days, months or even years with the cast. For Eric, he dubs this aspect as his most memorable moment: “Some of my favourite moments came from spending time with the cast, especially Soorya Dayaruwan. We laughed a ton and some of our scenes didn’t even feel like acting because we were having so much fun.” He even named Soorya as one of the most talented, kind-hearted, and humble actors in the industry.
When asked if this movie helped him learn more and explore Sri Lanka, he said: “Yes, definitely. I learned mostly about how light-hearted and jubilant the people in Sri Lanka are – the crew was always ready to play a joke. I learned that Sri Lanka really is a hidden flower.” Eric believes that there’s so much to experience right here on this island and is certain that the film will portray this as well.
“We have to say yes to an opportunity which will help us grow” – Thavarajah Dharshan
Local actor Thavarajah Dharshan stated that in his opinion, not all opportunities are good opportunities: “We have to say yes to an opportunity which will help us grow, so in this instance, I would consider this opportunity as a further stepping stone for my future in this industry.”
Darshan plays the role of Vishwa, who is the tour guide for the couple. Speaking about being on set, he commented that it was a blessing and honour to have the opportunity of working with experienced seniors in the industry, like director Nihal Banda, cinematographer Gamini and a well experienced film crew. He also expressed that this movie provided him with new opportunities: “On account of this movie I was fortunate to visit all the beautiful places in my country. I have portrayed myself as a typical Sri Lankan guy in this movie, and I am confident that I have given my 100%.”
Further, he thanked the entire film crew, adding that the audience will witness the support they gave him in the output of the movie when it is released. “I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to Thico Films company and Kapila Gunathilaka,” he concluded.
