He conned his way into our hearts with Koombiyo, and now he’s stealing the spotlight on the silver screen. Meet Lakha—a storyteller who doesn’t just direct, he orchestrates chaos with charm, suspense, and a pinch of madness.

From cult TV fame to crafting a film five years in the making, Walampoori (aka Seven and a Half Dreams) isn’t just a movie—it’s an obsession, a rebellion, and a love letter to Sri Lankan cinema.

We talk plot twists, perfectionism, cameos you didn’t see coming, and why you must ditch Netflix and support our own damn stories.

Hold on tight—because when Lakha tells a story, you’re in for a ride.

1. From Koombiyo to cinema—was this always the plan, or did you just con your way onto the big screen too?
Not gonna lie—Damith and I did try to make a movie first. But no one would invest in us. No name. No “pedigree.” So we pivoted and made a teledrama. But our hearts were always set on cinema. We just took the scenic route.

2. You ruled TV with Koombiyo. Was the shift to a full-length film like Walampoori (aka Seven and a Half Dreams) dramatic behind the scenes too?
Let’s just say, we didn’t leave the drama behind. TV gave me an audience, but film gave me the canvas. And yes—there were plot twists off-screen too. Making a movie isn’t just “action and cut”—it’s blood, sweat, and five years of relentless obsession.

3. Most directors have one scene they obsess over. What was your “this has to be perfect or I won’t sleep” moment?
For me, it wasn’t one scene. It was every frame. This film is my dream—every shot had to sing. I worked on this for five years. Six months before even rolling the camera, we were rehearsing, visualizing, obsessing. Sleep was a luxury.

4. What’s your secret sauce? Is it gripping plots, deep characters—or just knowing how to hook us like in Koombiyo?
It’s the story. And the characters. Add a dash of suspense, and you’ve got my recipe. I want my audience to feel the movie—not just watch it. If it’s a roller coaster, I want them strapped in from frame one.

5. Sri Lankan audiences are known to be tough. Why do you think Walampoori will make them fall in love with local cinema again?
Because I welcome the criticism. When people critique, it means they care. And if they care, they’re hooked. I critique myself constantly—why shouldn’t the audience? Come experience it. Hate it, love it, talk about it. That’s how cinema grows.

6. Three words. Convince us to buy a ticket. And no cheating with “must watch now.”
Thrill. Suspense. Experience.

7. You’ve worked with some iconic TV stars. Did you stick to familiar faces or go hunting for fresh blood?
It’s all about the character. If a seasoned actor doesn’t fit, they’re out. If a newcomer nails it, they’re in. That said, we’ve got a blend—some familiar faces and some fresh fire. And they’ve all brought their A-game.

8. What’s one myth Sri Lankans have about local cinema that you’d rewrite in a heartbeat?
That we can’t be technically perfect. That we don’t “wow.” So they walk in with zero expectations and walk out with disappointment. I want to flip that—make them excited to walk in and satisfied when they walk out.

9. If a character from Koombiyo had a sneaky cameo in Walampoori, who would it be—and what chaos would they cause?
Let’s just say… someone might have already snuck in. But I won’t spoil it. Go find them.

10. Last question, why should Sri Lankans ditch Netflix for a day, head to the cinema, and support a story like Walampoori?
Because cinema is experience. It’s not just a story—it’s something you live through. I promise you’ll walk out with something unforgettable. That’s the magic of telling our own stories on our own screens.