In early 2007, Rathnayake gathered a skeleton crew and ventured deep into the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. His goal was simple: to film a folk horror based on the Mukalana legend—a story of a shape-shifting spirit that preys on logging families. Unlike the comedic horror popular at the time (the Suddilage Kathawa era), this film was brutal.
The film was scheduled for a limited release in four theaters: Maradana, Galle, Kandy, and Kurunegala. However, during the premiere screening in Maradana, audience members reportedly fled the theater. Urban legend says three people fainted, and a pregnant woman went into early labor after the climax sequence. wal katha 2007 exclusive