2. Ahas Gauvwa (1974)

Language: Sinhala

Director: Dharmasena Pathiraja

Set in urban Sri Lanka, Ahas Gauvwa is a groundbreaking film. According to critic Priyath Liyanage the film's strength lies in its "realistic portrayal of working class problems". Liyanage goes on to describe the film as a "breath of fresh air and a wonderful early feature from director Dharmasena Pathiraja". The film tracks the life of a group of unemployed friends who live in a working class flat and their quest for the meaning of life. They ultimately turn to crime but not before some insightful comments on the situation of youth looking for direction. Like many Sri Lankan films made at the time, the tone of the film is deeply political.