Machan (2008), directed by Uberto Pasolini and co-written by Ruwanthie De Chickera and Pasolini, tells the compelling story of a group of impoverished slum dwellers living on the fringes of society, burdened by immense social and economic pressures. In a desperate bid to escape their dire circumstances, they stumble upon an unexpected opportunity: an invitation to participate in a handball tournament in Bavaria. Starring Dharmapriya Dias, Gihan De Chickera, and Dharshan Dharmaraj, the film explores themes of hope, resilience, and the lengths people go to in search of a better life. Through its heartfelt narrative and sharp social commentary, Machan provides a touching and thought-provoking glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of those marginalized by society.
Machan tells the comedic yet heartfelt story of Manoj (Gihan De Chickera), a bartender, and Stanley (Dharmapriya Dias), a fruit vendor, who dream of escaping poverty in Sri Lanka. After repeated visa rejections, they devise a bold plan: they form a fake “Sri Lanka National Handball Team” to secure travel visas for a tournament in Germany, despite having no knowledge of the sport. They gather a group of friends, undergo minimal training, and manage to travel. Though they struggle on the court, scoring only one goal, their true goal is to disappear into the West. When the police arrive to investigate, the team has vanished, and the film ends with each member embarking on their own uncertain journey across Europe, symbolizing their quest for a new life.
Sinhala
1 hour 49 minutes
Sri Lanka
August 28, 2008
