Rehan Amaratunga is making his big-screen debut in Rani taking on the role of the iconic Richard de Zoysa. Rehan is stepping into the spotlight with a performance that promises to be both powerful and memorable.

With the film premiering on January 23rd, Rehan shares his journey of stepping into the world of acting, working with some of the biggest names in the industry (including the legendary Swarna Mallawarachchi!), and what it was like being part of a story this meaningful. We caught up with him for a Buzz chat about his debut, life on set, and what’s next for him.

How did you prepare to play Richard de Zoysa, a character with such historical and emotional weight? With fear at first! Richard was an incredible human with the highest honour from all people who admired him, knew him, and loved him. I started preparing by looking at his early films and writing, and then everything written about him. But this didn’t give me enough perspective into this unique opportunity to piece together a character based on the script and my research and then focus on portraying the mother-son relationship, the core of this film. I am eternally grateful that Asoka Handagama not only took a chance on me but also gave me much freedom in this way.

What drew you to this role, and how did you connect with the story of Rani? I actually did not know the film was being produced. I received an unexpected call about the casting. Once I dove into the script and understood Asoka’s intentions and the importance of this story, I knew I had to give it my everything.

As this is your debut, what were the biggest challenges you faced on set? I’ve only been a theatre actor, so moving from the stage to the screen took quite a bit of adjusting. I also had to really brush up on my Sinhala for some of the lines.

How did working with Asoka Handagama shape your experience as an actor? He is the humblest director I have met, as accomplished and accredited as he is. I learned a lot about naturalism in film acting and also his approach to filmmaking.

What was it like sharing the screen with a legend like Swarna Mallawarachchi? It was an honour and at times intimidating. Swarna was great to work with; she is so kind and humble for a living legend, and her presence made me feel comfortable on set.

Can you tell us about your scenes with Sajitha Anthony and how you built that on-screen dynamic? Sajitha and I hit it off quite fast offstage, and so we had an easy enough dynamic chemistry for the little screen time we shared. I also realised how incredibly talented and respectful he is.

How do you feel Richard de Zoysa’s story contributes to the overall narrative of Rani? As a sort of anchor throughout the non-linear storytelling. The movie revolves around Manorani’s grief and strength, before, after, and during the abduction and murder of her son.

What did you learn from your time on set that you will carry forward in your career? The whole experience gave me so many interesting insights into film magic. The people around Asoka showed me the importance of culture and respect in these sometimes difficult environments. Asoka Aiyya showed me that he is the most perseverant man on the planet.

Did portraying Richard de Zoysa change your perspective on him or his legacy? Not my perspective, but I now feel more than before that he and his work should never be forgotten. I know that there’s an entire generation of kids who need to know this story.

How do you hope audiences will react to your performance and the film as a whole? I hope they connect on a deeper emotional level with the characters and story we’ve brought to life. As for my performance, I want it to at least feel authentic—something that will resonate emotionally.

Were there any moments on set that were particularly memorable or impactful for you? Filming the scene with the songs, I was sweating bullets because it was going to be filmed one-take and also, I barely play guitar. The setup took a day and so much had to go right for the scene to go well. It taught me how collaborative this process is and how much passion everyone puts into this industry.

What was your first reaction when you saw yourself on screen in Rani for the first time? Haven’t seen the film yet.

The premiere is just days away—how are you feeling about seeing the film with an audience for the first time? It’s a mix of nerves and excitement. I really don’t know what to expect.

What message do you think Rani delivers to contemporary audiences? Rani delivers powerful messages about resilience, the enduring strength of a mother's love, and the importance of standing against injustice. I believe it also serves as a reminder about the need for human rights advocacy in Sri Lanka and the impact one individual can have in challenging systemic wrongs.
Finally, what’s next for you after Rani—do you see yourself pursuing more roles in film? Yes, please.