Paradesi (2013) Review: Joining the genre of adapted screen play "Paradesi" opens up as an authentic period play. This is a true story adapted from a Tamil novel named "Eriyum Panikadu" which is the Tamil version of the novel named "Red Tea". Bala has given us yet another close to nature realistic story of the natives of Saalur village. The story line time travels back to the year 1930 when the British government basically involved in the business of tea plantation. The entire movie shows how Indians have been brutalized by the British lords. Director Bala has depicted clearly about the slavery treatment and the harassment in all forms may it be to the sexual abuse or the merciless punishments and thrashing the Indian slave employees. Interestingly we also observe how in those days poverty was taken advantage for religious conversion. Director Bala for sure has done tremendous research to showcase this film.
After the king maker the director let us see how casting has helped out in this movie. Coming to the lead role by Adharva Murali has shown such matured acting in the role of Raasa allies Otti Poriki. He has lived the role and it shows how he has been moulded by the director. He can now proudly join the "Bala stars Band wagon" along with Vikram, Surya,Aarya and Vishal. The lead ladies done by Dhanshika and Vedhika C Kumar, both of them have done picture perfect.Dhanshika reminds us of Muthalagu with her commanding base voice tone and Vedhika did perfect on her role but could have maintained her tanned look evenly throughout the movie. Other small 200 characters has lived really and added strong basement to the story. Special mention would be the newly married couple. Dialogues by the Ace Tamil writer Naanjil Naadan were too raw in certain places. BGM has been a definite plus to add the grieving silence in the movie and songs as well by GV. Very nice cinematography to show the period colour on celluloid. The editing was little dragging towards the end. Verdict: On the whole get in for a 2hour 5 mins film stripping and showcasing the black pages of Indian history.
Reviewed by Sivakumar Balachandran
(bsiva84@gmail.com)