Deepa Mehta to film new Sherlock Holmes-inspired comedy 'Sher' in Sri Lanka

Filmmaker selects Nuwara Eliya and Cinnamon Hotels as key locations

- BY AMIRA CADER

ACCLAIMED Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta has officially announced her latest cinematic venture, Sher, during a media briefing held on Thursday evening at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

The upcoming film, a comedic reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes universe centred around the detective’s fictional Indian daughter, marks Mehta’s fourth production in Sri Lanka. The director-producer revealed that Nuwara Eliya often dubbed “Little England” for its colonial charm and cool climate will serve as one of the primary filming location.

“Cinema is not just about entertainment— it’s a powerful tool for dialogue, identity and change,” said Mehta. “Sri Lanka has always inspired me with its depth of culture, storytelling traditions and cinematic potential.”

Pre-production is already underway on filmmaker Mehta’s highly anticipated new project, with casting expected to commence in July 2025. Principal photography is slated to begin later in the year and the film is currently targeting a late 2026 release.