Indian actress stars alongside Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons in a powerful international film inspired by the tragic true story of Rizana Nafeeq
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Joins Jeremy Irons in Hollywood Film ‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’
Colombo | June 25, 2025 — Acclaimed Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is set to make her Hollywood debut in the upcoming international film ‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’, a poignant drama based on the real-life tragedy of Rizana Nafeeq, a Sri Lankan teenager who was executed in Saudi Arabia in 2013.
Varalaxmi stars alongside British actor and Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, making this a landmark collaboration between South Asian and Western cinema.
“A Dream Come True,” Says Varalaxmi
The actress, known for her powerful performances in Tamil and Telugu cinema, shared her excitement over the project:
“It is surreal to be working alongside Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons. He’s the voice of Scar from The Lion King, a film I adore so much that I know all the dialogues by heart. To be making my Hollywood debut in a film with him is a dream come true.”
She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work under the guidance of veteran filmmaker Chandran Rutnam, calling it an “absolute pleasure”:
“This opportunity means a lot to me. It was an honour to be working with such legends from the international film industry.”
About the Film: A Story That Shocked the World
‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’ is inspired by the true story of Rizana Nafeeq, a Sri Lankan domestic worker who was accused of killing an infant in her care in Saudi Arabia in 2005 and later executed in 2013, sparking global outcry and human rights debates.
Film Highlights:
- Director: Chandran Rutnam
- Producer: Jagath Sumathipala
- Lead Cast: Jeremy Irons, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vidushika Reddy
- Filming Location: Sri Lanka
- Language: English
- Genre: Drama / Biopic
Vidushika Reddy plays the titular role of Rizana, bringing the tragic and complex story of a young woman caught in an international legal and cultural web to the big screen.
Jeremy Irons on Why the Film Matters
Speaking at the film’s title launch event, Jeremy Irons said:
“The Sri Lankan film industry is making a movie of international importance. It allows me, as an international actor, to join them in this story and to help bring it to a global audience.”
He praised the script and the team’s passion:
“When I read this script, I thought it had tremendous interest and passion. Every day we shoot new scenes, work on them, and refine them. Making a film is like making wine — it takes time to get it right. But I’m working with people who are eager to make the best film possible, and that’s fantastic.”
A Global Cinematic Collaboration
The film represents a significant crossover moment between Asian and Western cinema, combining local storytelling with international talent. It also offers commentary on human rights, justice, and the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, particularly women from South Asia working in the Middle East.
Why This Film Matters
- Raises awareness about the true story of Rizana Nafeeq and broader issues of justice for migrant workers
- Marks the Hollywood debut of an established Indian actress in a socially relevant, high-profile film
- Signals a growing trend of international collaborations involving South Asian actors and filmmakers
- Brings Sri Lankan cinema into the global spotlight under the direction of Chandran Rutnam, a pioneer in regional filmmaking