13 February (2024-02-13) – 8 November 2024 (2024-11-08)
Lalai Lilai Lai (Sinhala: ලලයි ලිලයි ලයි) is a 2024 Sri Lankan black comedy teledrama broadcast on Swarnavahini. The series is directed by Supun Rathnayake and written by Rasika Suraweerarachchi.[2] It is produced by Venus Productions and music direction is by Anushka Weerakkody. The serial stars Randika Gunathilake and Michelle Dilhara in lead roles along with Dharmapriya Dias, Uma Aseni, Niroshan Wijesinghe, Lal Kularatne, Ferny Roshini and Deepani Silva in supporting roles.[3]
The tele serial is directed by Supun Rathnayake, who previously directed award winning popular tele serials such as Mage Adara Awanaduwa, Ado, Metro Heena, Thumpane, 4chun Residencies, Dekapu Nethi Heena and Thapparayak Denna. He is also a screenwriter, assistant director and a novelist.[22] This is the first mega serial directed by Rathnayake. Lead actor Randika Gunathilake is the casting director. Initially planned to name as "Ishka Dabala" due to the lead roles in the serial "Thanushka and Danushka", which was later changed to "Lalai Lilai Lai".[3] The script was written by Rasika Suraweerarachchi, however he left the show after 114 episodes citing personal issues.[23]
Editing handled by Mamal Samarathunga, cinematography by Buddhika Mangala, Art direction co-handled by Lakmal Sandaruwan and Harsha Perera. Lighting co-handled by Samantha Perera and Sajith Aravinda, whereas recording done by Kasun Amarathunga and costume done by Kosala Perera with the support of Harsha Sandaruwan. Camera support is given by Akila Sandamal and Rasika Nuwan, meanwhile make up by Sudath Mandaram Nuwara. Second assistant director is vishwa prabuddha, Production management handled by Surendra Gamini Prataapage, whereas Jayantha Wijeratne is the line producer. Sankha Weerasinghe and Ranga Munasinghe are the assistant directors.[24]
Anushka Weerakkody is the music director, Wimal Ketapearachchi made the theme narration, where the director himself made the theme song lyrics. Vidu Kahapolarachchi, Dilhara Nandasiri and Gayan Amarasinghe are the background singers. Transport done by T.H. Rasanga, Ranil Puspakumara, Jayantha, Sumith Bandara, Susantha Premakumara.
Popularity
The telecasting starts on Swarnavahini from Mondays to Thursdays at 9 pm from 13 February 2024.[6] The serial became very popular after telecasting first few episodes and became YouTube trending during the telecasting period. Several good responses are received through social media, where many clips of certain character are shared on Facebook and TikTok.[6] Due to huge popularity, director hinted about a sequel in the future.[25][5] Lead actress Michelle Dilhara won the award for the most popular actor at Popular Awards for her role in the teledrama.[26][27]
