Sankara (2007): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2007, Sankara is a drama film directed by Prasanna Jayakody, running about 85 minutes.

What it’s about. Young Buddhist monk Ananda, arrives at a temple in order to restore its paintings. These paintings depict Thelapaththa Jathakaya, a moral story where Lord Buddha said that a man with a big target in life must not be swayed by passion (Keles), the five senses and especially beautiful women. One day, Ananda picks up a hair pin belonging to a young woman. While attempting to return this object to its owner, his repressed feelings are awoken by the beauty and sensuality of the woman. The young monk's inner spiritual world is plunged into turmoil. Then one day the paintings are destroyed. While restoring them for the second time Ananda begins to realize that he is trapped in a web of his worldly desires and attachments.

Who’s in it. Sankara stars Thumindu Dodantenna as The Monk, Sachini Ayendra as Hairpin Woman, Nilua Heenkendaarachchi as The Monk's Secular Alter Ego and K.A. Milton Perera as The Older Monk.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Sankara has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Sankara page.

If you liked it. Fans of Sankara tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.