The special screening of ‘Paradise’ in Mumbai was attended by the film’s lead actors Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran, along with notable guests including directors Jasmeet K Reen (Darlings), Amit Masurkar (Newton), Prosit Roy (Pari), Suresh Triveni (Tumhari Sulu), Anubhuti Kashyap (Doctor G), Shazia Iqbal (Bebaak), and actors like Swanand Kirkire, Sharib Hashmi, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Heeba Shah and Shreya Dhanwanthary.

The event also saw the presence of journalist Rana Ayyub.
The award-winning film directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vinthanage is slated for Pan-India and worldwide release on 28th June 2024.
Paradise won the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival. It is produced by Newton Cinema and presented by Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies. The film has won three international awards for Best Film and received nine nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Editor.

The film also features Shyam Fernando and Mahendra Perera. The film’s illustrious crew includes Rajeev Ravi as the cinematographer, Sreekar Prasad as the editor, Tapas Nayak as the sound designer, and K as the music director.

The film garnered multiple accolades at international film festivals and was ranked among the top 10 films in the FIPRESCI India Grand Prix 2023.

Shot in Sri Lanka, Paradise narrates the vacation of a tourist couple, exploring their struggles with societal, personal, and internal challenges. Through their experiences, they unveil an objective truth about human nature.
Filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage says, “I was eagerly looking forward to attending today’s premiere, but I was unfortunately held up in Sri Lanka with release work. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my friends who attended today’s event. The lead characters of the film hail from Mumbai, and I hope the film will forge a special bond with the people of this colorful, magnificent city.”
Anto Chittilappilly, CEO of Newton Cinema says, “I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who attended our Mumbai premiere. When we decided to produce content for a global audience, many cautioned us about the risks involved. However, we are incredibly satisfied with the worldwide acceptance our films have received. Paradise tells a unique story that resonates with audiences everywhere. Thank you to everyone who has supported our films. ”
Roshan Mathew, the lead actor of the film says, “I’m happy the film has come to Mumbai again after playing at MAMI. Many people who missed it are here today and seem to be enjoying it. The film has been shown at various festivals worldwide, and it’s been great to see positive responses from different audiences. So far, everything has gone well, and I hope the positive reactions continue after its release.”

The lead actress Darshana Rajendran says, “It’s a nice feeling to be in another city, showing our film to people whose work I admire and have worked with. We have a great group of supporters watching the film, and it’s lovely.”
Amit Masurkar, director of the film Newton, says, “It’s a hard-hitting film with amazing acting. The way the story unfolds is remarkable. Just wait until the end—that’s when it really hits you.”

Anubhuti Kashyap says, “The film was fantastic and intense yet simple and relatable. The performances were awesome, and I loved all the actors, even the supporting cast. The cop, in particular, was captivating whenever he was on screen. The direction was excellent. The ending was slightly shocking and left me with questions, but overall, the film was beautifully made.”

Suresh Triveni, director of the film Tumhari Sulu says, “I’m blown away. The ending was unexpected, and the film left me thinking. It makes me wonder if I’m pushing myself enough as a filmmaker. Every aspect of the film was stimulating, and the actors were outstanding. This film stays with you and needs to be seen by many more people, especially when the art of filmmaking is struggling. Such films need to make a comeback.”
Actor Sharib Hashmi says, “I missed a bit of the movie, but what I saw was so engaging and beautifully made. Darshana and Roshan’s performances were outstanding. I’m definitely going to watch it again.”
Prosit Roy, director of the film Pari says, “Honestly, I’m at a loss for words. It’s such a beautiful film, well-nuanced, and though the story seems simple on the surface, it reveals its brilliance as you dig deeper. The performances, direction, and writing are next level and touch your heart. It’s a brilliant film.”

Actor Geetanjali Kulkarni says, “It’s a very important film for today’s time, reflecting on the kind of life we lead as a society and our selfishness. The story is heart-wrenching and teaches us to introspect. It’s beautifully shot, with wonderful actors, and the story is vast yet very personal. People should go and watch this film.”

Swanand Kirkire says, “Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It’s so layered that I don’t have the words. Roshan, Darshana, and everyone did so well. It’s a must-watch.”

About Prasanna Vithanage:

Prasanna Vithanage, winner of over 30 international awards, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential filmmakers in South Asia. He is best known for his thought-provoking films that delve into social, political, and cultural issues. Vithanage holds the unique distinction of being the only filmmaker to win the NETPAC Best Filmmaker award five times. Beyond his achievements in cinema, he has been actively involved in human rights and peace initiatives.

About Newton Cinema:

Newton Cinema was founded with a philanthropic vision to support highly talented filmmakers and extraordinary stories that challenge social norms and inspire positive change. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized, Newton Cinema’s previous films include Lalanna’s Song (Premiered in IFFLA, Los Angeles, 2022), Kiss (Premiered in NYIFF, New York in 2022) and Family (Premiered in IFFR in Rotterdam, 2023). Paradise and Family have been selected as two of the Top-10 Indian films by FIPRESCI-India Grand Prix 2023.

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