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Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Set For Hollywood Debut Alongside Jeremy Irons
The Tamil and Telugu actor joins Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons in 'Rizana – A Caged Bird,' a Sri Lankan production inspired by a true story and directed by veteran filmmaker Chandran Rutnam.
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, best known for her work in Tamil and Telugu cinema, is set to make her Hollywood debut opposite British actor Jeremy Irons in Rizana – A Caged Bird, a film directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam. The film, currently being shot in Sri Lanka, is inspired by the true story of Rizana Nafeeq, a young Sri Lankan domestic worker who was executed in Saudi Arabia in 2013 after being accused of killing a baby in her care. The titular role is played by Vidushika Reddy, while Sarathkumar and Irons take on pivotal roles.
Speaking about the project, Sarathkumar said the experience of working alongside an actor of Irons’ stature was “surreal”. “He is the voice of Scar from The Lion King, a film I adore to a point that I know all the dialogues by heart. To be making my Hollywood debut in a film with him is a dream come true. He is such a respected actor not just in Hollywood, but in world cinema.”
She also expressed gratitude for being directed by Rutnam, whose credits include The Road from Elephant Pass and A Common Man. “This opportunity means a lot to me. It was an absolute pleasure to be working with such legends from the international film industry.”
Jeremy Irons, speaking at the film’s title launch in Colombo, said he was drawn to the project by its emotional depth. “When I read this script, I thought it had tremendous interest and passion to it. Every day, we shoot new scenes, work on them and change them. Making a film is like making wine. It takes a long time to get it right. But I am working with people who are very keen to make it the best they can. And that's fantastic.” Irons added that he was glad to be part of a film “of international importance,” and welcomed the opportunity to engage with Sri Lanka’s film industry and culture.
Produced by Jagath Sumathipala, the film marks a rare collaboration between South Asian and global talent, and is being positioned as a bridge between regional storytelling and international cinema.