Break the Madness

The film, Break the Madness, captures life in a remote Tamil village where people live close to poverty and young people struggle to imagine a positive future. The film intertwines two stories – one about a girl who struggles to cope with life and the other about the evil impact of drugs. The film showcases current issues facing young people in Sri Lanka and shines a light on the values of understanding, friendship, and forgiveness in order to overcome loneliness and despair.

  • Kavi Varman
    Director
  • Kavi Varman
    Writer
  • Nathan Thilakshan
    Producer
  • Suwetha Ranjith
    Key Cast
    "Athithi"
  • Sujiva Thinesh
    Key Cast
    "Mathi"
  • Desman Thevanasan
    Key Cast
    "Desman"
  • Thabanesh Raj Tharmarasa
    Key Cast
    "Siyanth"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    மடமை தகர் (Madamai Thagar)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    32 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,196 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Sri Lanka
  • Country of Filming:
    Sri Lanka
  • Language:
    Tamil
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital (Sony a7iv Camera)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Premiere Showing
    Mannar
    Sri Lanka
    August 10, 2024
    Sri Lankan Premiere
Distribution Information
  • None
Director Biography - Kavi Varman

Kavivarman – Film Maker

Kavivarman is a young man who has grown up on remote Mannar Island in northern Sri Lanka, cut off during three decades of civil war which left lingering scars on both young and old. Kavi was 23 years old when he made Break the Madness.

As well as being an accomplished singer and musician, Kavi is a developing film maker. So far, Kavi has written, filmed, edited, and directed four short films, each with a social message for young people living in his local Tamil community. Kavi’s fifth, and longer format feature film, is currently in production.

Kavi’s first short film Hear Ye, Hear Ye, was made on an iPhone 9 with local amateur actors about the dangers of making poor life decisions while growing up. Kavi and his crew took out First Prize in the Kuviyam Media National Short Film Competition for Best Director, Best Cinematographer, and Best Film. Not bad for a first timer.

Kavi works with basic cameras and recording equipment and an almost non-existent budget, relying on secondhand items, donations and a team of local amateur actors, all willing to perform for free to develop their acting and film making skills. This is truly a creative team effort that brings together many young people from within the community to learn, experience, create and give their energy to a social purpose.

Kavi is now recognised as a creative force locally. His ambition is to establish a quality film industry in Mannar, Sri Lanka.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Higher Souls Films

Higher Soul Films is the name I have chosen as the banner for our films. Each film is made for a social purpose to help young people in our community better understand the challenges they face and ways to overcome them.

Film making at Higher Soul Films is a genuine collaboration among passionate young people learning acting, producing, directing, cinematography, lighting, costumes, props, editing, music and marketing.

Higher Soul Films has so far relied on donations and support from others to make our low budget short films. Our knowledge base is growing with experience as we take on more challenging themes and complex productions.

For outsiders not living in Mannar, these films provide a window into life in a remote part of Sri Lanka and the challenges being faced by a younger generation wanting to make a positive contribution to the world.