Contrary to popular belief

Revolutionary Cinematography in Sri Lankan Cinema: “Under the Clouds” Brings Anamorphic Excellence

A new milestone in Sri Lankan cinema has been achieved with “Under the Clouds,” marking a significant return to anamorphic lens technology. This technical innovation represents both a revival of classic cinematographic techniques and a leap forward in digital filmmaking for the nation’s cinema.

Historical Context In the pre-digital era, Sri Lankan cinema produced several visually stunning films using Cinemascope technology, including:

• Weli Katara
• Muhudu Lihini
• Aaya Aad Loku Laksa
• Sudu Sevaneli

Current Technical Landscape The modern Sri Lankan film industry has predominantly relied on spherical lenses, with filmmakers achieving the cinematic 2.39:1 aspect ratio through post-production cropping. This practice, while common, sacrifices image quality and fails to capture the unique characteristics that anamorphic lenses provide.

Anamorphic Advantage Anamorphic technology offers several distinctive benefits:

• True 4K resolution retention
• Signature lens flares
• Enhanced depth of field
• Distinctive bokeh effects
• Natural widescreen format without quality loss

Breaking New Ground “Under the Clouds” deliberately chose anamorphic lenses to achieve:

• Superior artistic imagery
• Controlled lens distortion
• Enhanced visual storytelling
• Higher technical quality

While anamorphic technology remains standard in international cinema, its reintroduction in Sri Lankan film production through “Under the Clouds” marks a significant technical and artistic advancement. This pioneering move promises to deliver a new visual experience to Sri Lankan audiences, potentially inspiring a shift in local cinematographic practices.

Summary The implementation of anamorphic technology in “Under the Clouds” represents both a return to classic cinematographic excellence and a step forward in Sri Lankan cinema’s technical capabilities, promising audiences a enhanced visual experience aligned with international standards.