Critics abroad praised the film for its universal themes masked in local cultural specificity. It proved that a story deeply rooted in Sri Lankan village life and superstition could resonate with audiences worldwide.

The story, adapted from a novel by Martin Wickramasinghe, centers on a fallen aristocrat named Tissa (played by Joe Abeywickrama). Once a man of status and wealth, Tissa finds himself in the throes of abject poverty. Desperate to reclaim his lost glory and wealth, he becomes obsessed with a traditional belief that the blessings of the gods—or the discovery of a hidden treasure ( nidhanaya )—can restore his fortune.

Premasiri Khemadasa (noted for its haunting use of drums and a Western waltz) Plot Summary