---
title: "Mangrove Island"
year: 1976
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/mangrove-island-1976"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 693304
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 92
community_rating: 9.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Mangrove Island (1976) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/mangrove-island-1976

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Mangrove Island is a film first released in 1976. Catalogued under Drama. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A restless teen seeks freedom on a secluded island in this Sri Lankan classic."

### Why Watch
- Authentic portrayal of 1970s Sri Lankan society
- Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lester James Peries
- Based on a beloved novel

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing is deliberate, which may feel slow to some viewers
- Subtitles required for non‑Sinhala speakers
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s mature themes and cultural context make it suitable for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: coming-of-age, quiet, reflective, drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/mangrove-island-1976#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Lester James Peries

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Joe Abeywickrama** as *Dharmasena Guru*
- **Ajith Jinadasa** as *Upali Giniwelle*
- **David Dharmakithri** as *Mudalali (Upali's father)*
- **Padmasena Athukorala** as *Jinadasa/Jinna*
- **Somalatha Subasinghe** as *Upali's Step Mom*
- **Denavaka Hamine** as *Net trapped homeowner*
- **Daya Alwis** as *Punchi Mahattaya*
- **Trilicia Gunawardena** as *Dharmasinghe 'Hamine'*
- **Dhamma Jagoda** as *Balappu*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed Mangrove Island?
Lester James Peries directed the 1976 film Mangrove Island.

### Q: What novel is the film based on?
It is based on Martin Wickremasinghe’s 1947 novel Madol Doova.

### Q: When was Mangrove Island released?
The film was released in 1976.

### Q: Who stars as the main character Upali?
Ajith Jinadasa plays Upali, the rebellious youth.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
Mangrove Island runs approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Mangrove Island — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/693304)
- [Mangrove Island (1976) | DIV.cz](https://div.cz/film/mangrove-island)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*