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Drama

The Newspaper (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Newspaper (2020) movie poster

The Newspaper is a 2020 drama starring Pubudu Chathuranga, Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes. Its Echo Score is 89/100.

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The Newspaper (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
Sinhalese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Newspaper About?

The premise of The Newspaper without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A family living in a remote village endures hardship when a national news report falsely accuses their son of involvement in a suicide bombing perpetrated by L.T.T.E. terrorists. The inaccurate report brings a cascade of misfortunes and challenges to their already difficult lives, testing their resilience and forcing them to confront the power of media and its impact on innocent people.

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Cast & crew

The Newspaper Cast

Pubudu Chathuranga leads the cast, with Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala.

Also Starring in The Newspaper

· 1 more
Ratings

The Newspaper Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (78).

89 /100

The Newspaper Echo Score Breakdown

The Newspap­er garners overwhelming praise for its evocative storytelling, strong performances, and visual composition, positioning it among the most celebrated recent Sinhala films. Reviewers commend the nuanced portrayals by the lead actors, the film’s evocative soundtrack, and its insightful commentary on media and society. A minority note occasional narrative confusion and underdeveloped secondary characters, yet these concerns do not detract from the film’s overall impact. Consequently, the movie achieves a high overall rating reflecting broad critical and audience admiration.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film is widely regarded as visually striking and technically proficient. Critics highlight superb cinematography, purposeful camera angles, and cohesive art direction that reinforce the narrative. Editing and production design are described as seamless, contributing to a polished final product. The overall artistic execution receives strong commendation, placing it near the top of the scale.

  • Character & Emotion 87

    Character and emotional depth receive considerable acclaim, especially for the lead performances. Reviewers describe the acting as authentic, with the protagonists conveying genuine grief and innocence. Chemistry between the main cast is noted as compelling, enhancing viewer empathy. A few comments mention limited development for secondary roles, but the predominant sentiment affirms a powerful emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 78

    The story is praised for its unique premise and social relevance, portraying media influence and rural hardships. Audiences appreciate the meaningful dialogue and thematic ambition. However, some reviewers find the narrative occasionally confusing and note scenes that do not advance the plot. Overall, the plot is seen as engaging and original, though not without structural imperfections.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    Sensory experience, particularly the soundtrack and visual style, is highlighted as a major strength. Critics commend the emotive music, atmospheric sound design, and cohesive visual palette that enrich the film’s mood. The cinematographic choices are described as deliberate and aesthetically pleasing. This consistent sensory quality contributes to a highly immersive viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    Rewatch potential is emphasized through comments on the film’s lasting appeal and timeless themes. Reviewers anticipate the movie becoming a classic, suggesting it rewards multiple viewings. The social commentary and emotional depth provide fresh insights on subsequent watches. Consequently, the film is deemed highly repeatable and enduring in audience memory.

Plot

The Newspaper Plot Summary

What happens in The Newspaper from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Guna, Pubudu Chathuranga is a kind-hearted man who lives a simple, righteous life with his mother, trying to shoulder their duties without burdening their country. Their peaceful existence is upheaved when a piece of misinformation from a newspaper sweeps through the village, painting Guna and his family as terrorists. The rumor fuels fear and anger among neighbors, and soon the villagers take the law into their own hands. Guna is left broken, his limbs crushed, his home set alight, and his family driven from the community. He becomes wheelchair-bound and slides into poverty, with only his loyal friend Luvis standing by him through the darkest hours.

Full summary

The whole story of The Newspaper, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Newspaper Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Newspaper.

The Newspaper Official Trailer 2020 | ද නිවුස්පේපර් 2020 | 2020 New Sinhala Movie
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Newspaper?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the lead character Guna in this film?

Seen The Newspaper?

FAQ

The Newspaper FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, post-credit scenes and language of The Newspaper, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Newspaper?

The Newspaper runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was The Newspaper released?

The Newspaper was released on February 7, 2020.

Who is in the cast of The Newspaper?

The Newspaper stars Pubudu Chathuranga, Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala, among 5 credited actors.

Does The Newspaper have a post-credit scene?

No. The Newspaper has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Newspaper in?

The original language of The Newspaper is Sinhalese.

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