Rizana – A Caged Bird

Rizana — A Caged Bird is an upcoming international feature film directed by Chandran Rutnam, starring Vidushika Reddy as Rizana Nafeek, along with Academy Award-winning British actor Jeremy Irons and Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in pivotal roles. Produced by Jagath Sumathipala (Sumathi Studios), this film is based on the true story of Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan domestic worker who was executed in Saudi Arabia in 2013, and highlights the complex issues of migrant labor, injustice, and human rights.^[1][2]

The film explores the life and struggles of Rizana Nafeek, a young woman from Sri Lanka who travels abroad as a domestic worker to support her family. She becomes embroiled in a tragic incident that ultimately leads to her wrongful conviction and execution. Through this story, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by migrant workers, particularly young women from South Asia.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

• Vidushika Reddy as Rizana Nafeek

• Jeremy Irons as Julian Miles (fictional), a principled British activist dedicated to securing Rizana’s release.^[4]

• Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Dr. Rani Chelvam (fictional), a compassionate dentist and humanitarian who supports Rizana throughout her imprisonment.^[4]

The film is produced by Sumathi Studios, marking its foray into the global film market. The studio, traditionally focused on local productions and television, aims to bring Sri Lankan narratives to an international audience.^[2][6]

The film casts newcomer Vidushika Reddy from Hatton to portray Rizana’s early life, emphasizing authenticity and a deep connection to Sri Lanka’s rural communities.^[4]

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar described working with Jeremy Irons as “surreal,” expressing excitement about collaborating with an Academy Award-winning actor.^[7]

The story is inspired by real events surrounding Rizana Nafeek, whose execution sparked international outrage and calls for reform in migrant labor laws. The film aims to portray her humanity and the broader systemic issues facing young female workers abroad.^[3]

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has emphasized the film’s potential to showcase Sri Lankan stories on the global stage and create more space for South Asian narratives in international cinema.^[8]

The film was officially announced in June 2025, with promotional events including a title reveal by Sumathi Studios.^[5] It has garnered significant media attention in India and Sri Lanka, as well as early interest from international festival circuits.^[9][10]