Recently, our Sri Lankan community in New Zealand had the opportunity to watch Rani, a film based on the tragic real-life story of Richard de Zoysa’s abduction and murder in 1990. The film portrays the unwavering struggle of his mother, Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu, in seeking justice for her son, highlighting the political violence and oppression of that era.
While Rani succeeds in evoking strong emotions, it largely reinforces widely held beliefs about the murder rather than offering a fresh perspective. The film powerfully captures the pain and resilience of a grieving mother, yet it does not deeply explore the conditioning of mind and motivations of those who committed the crime. As a result, viewers are left with a sense of injustice and anger, but without the opportunity to reflect on the deeper human and societal forces at play.
A film like Dead Man Walking, for example, takes a different approach. While it acknowledges the suffering of the victims, it also delves into the mind of the perpetrator, revealing the conditioning that led to his actions. This allows viewers to move beyond anger and into a space of deep reflection, compassion, and understanding. Rani, in contrast, remains within the boundaries of outrage and blame, missing an opportunity to help viewers transcend their conditioned responses and see the tragedy through a more transformative, spiritual lens.
By exploring both the victims and the perpetrators with equal depth, a film can guide its audience toward a greater understanding of human suffering—not just as something to resist but as something to understand and heal from. Rani could have served this purpose, helping viewers not only seek justice but also reflect on how fear, ideology, and conditioning of mind shape human behavior. Instead, it reinforces division rather than fostering inner transformation.
Nonetheless, Rani is a compelling and thought-provoking film that keeps an important chapter of our history alive. While it may not challenge deeply ingrained perspectives, it serves as a poignant reminder of the need for justice and accountability.
By Dr. Rohana Ulluwishewa – Palmerston North
