Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Rohit Shetty’s eagerly awaited film Singham Again has taken the action genre to new heights, blending a thrilling modern narrative with the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The film, part of Shetty’s successful Singham franchise, not only promises to captivate audiences with its thrilling sequences but also offers a visual feast, showcasing Sri Lanka’s iconic landmarks. Among these, the country’s deep-rooted connection to the ancient epic Ramayana takes center stage, further enhancing the movie’s appeal.
The fifth installment of the Singham series, Singham Again, which stars a star-studded cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff, features several breathtaking locations from Sri Lanka. From the capital Colombo to the lush hills of Nuwara Eliya, the movie is a visual journey across the island. The trailer gives fans a thrilling glimpse into the gripping action and the stunning beauty of Sri Lanka’s cultural landmarks, with scenes featuring the Lotus Tower, the opulent Shangri-La Hotel, and the serene Galle Face Green.
Also read: Indian Short Film Qualifies for Oscars
One of the most striking locations showcased in the trailer is the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, a site deeply intertwined with the Ramayana epic. The trailer features Ajay Devgn visiting the temple, where a voiceover explains that it is the only place in Sri Lanka where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, is worshipped. The voiceover also refers to the belief that the footprints of Lord Hanuman can be seen around the temple, a reference to the divine monkey God’s journey to Lanka in search of Sita. This sacred location, identified as Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil or Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is an important cultural site in the Ramayana Trail that attracts both devotees and tourists interested in the Ramayana.
Also read: Ex-UK PM David Cameron’s Bollywood Confession
A rich tapestry of myth and history surrounds the Seetha Amman Temple, located in Central Sri Lanka. According to the Ramayana, after Sita was abducted by King Ravana, she was brought to this very spot. The temple lands are believed to have been burnt by Lord Hanuman’s fiery tail, a moment from the epic when he set fire to Lanka while searching for Sita. Today, the black soil of the area serves as a reminder of this legendary event. The temple also houses a stream where, as per the Ramayana, Sita bathed and carried out her daily rituals during her captivity. A short distance from the Seetha Amman Temple lies the Hakgala Botanical Garden, believed to have been created by Ravana for Sita. Visitors to the temple and garden are often moved by the story of Sita’s endurance and patience during her time in Lanka, and the serene beauty of the area continues to draw crowds throughout the year.
For those wishing to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temple, there is no entry fee. However, visitors can participate in a puja for a nominal fee of 100–200 Sri Lankan rupees. The temple’s puja timings are from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Architecturally, the Seetha Amman Temple is a splendid example of Tamil Dravidian design, with intricate carvings and sculptures in vibrant reds and yellows. The temple’s structure showcases a fascinating blend of influences across different historical periods, making it not only a spiritual site but also a work of art.
The blend of history, mythology, and architectural grandeur makes this temple a truly unique landmark, especially as it is featured in a major Bollywood blockbuster like Singham Again. With Singham Again performing well at the box office, the film’s integration of Sri Lanka’s Ramayana heritage promises to bring global attention to these culturally significant sites. The movie’s use of such iconic locations elevates its storytelling, offering audiences a chance to experience the timeless tales of the Ramayana through a modern lens. With its thrilling action and breathtaking visuals, Singham Again is set to be a cinematic spectacle that celebrates the cultural richness of Sri Lanka while weaving it into an unforgettable narrative.
