The film starts out with the charmingly simple and playful narrative one expects from Indian cinema. A small village romance is disrupted when a young man, and others, are convinced by a kangany to go and pick tea in the hills. Surely the lives of tea pickers were not great, however they were not much different to those of other Indian labourers at the time. The beatings and the scene in which the protagonist's leg is cut after he attempts to "run away" were completely made up. Of course labourers were free to leave, although those with debts would still need to find a way to pay them off. The idea of night patrols chasing down run aways and mutilating them is pure fantasy.The head planter on the estate was not even played by an Englishman, and speaks with some odd American/German accent. There was little effort to replicate the fashion and costume of the time, with him wearing American aviator shades in one scene. Perhaps this film does provide a little insight into the hardships of the Tamil tea pickers, and the cinematography is quite delightful throughout, but it is too theatrical and too historically inaccurate to appeal to me.

Well I blame this on IBDB because the rating does not mean where it should be based on,either directing ,acting or any other thing.But my problem with this film is what is it trying to prove, an issue with British rule, the Barbaric rule and acts of Indian origin administrators, the not united acts of Indian at the time.May be its because they were influenced by British but it doesn't justify acts of Indians, like not releasing labours and not giving wages or medicine.I see only 10 minutes of British ignorant about there workers in the film. Almost all the other time about Indians acting against their own. Fooling Indians to work without pay, acting as a Doctor,cutting the nerve of Rasa, Not been united when been attacked. To name a few. Yes British was barbaric but why doesn't it come out from the film. Yes it has some message but I don't know which one is it.

Paradesi 2013 | Rating: 3/5 | Genre keys: Drama, Social Satire, HistoricalParadesi is absolutely good and worth watching but it doesn't impress me even though its a good social satire along with the historical true story based on a novel "Red Tea" & "Eriyum Panikadu". Paradesi is a professional acting course for Rs.120, provided by a National Award winning director "Bala" and it's a good platform for the lead cast such as Adharva, Danshika and Vedikka who were given their best performance which they can along with good native art and props used in the film. Particularly Adharva's young performance which is unique and his characterization is merged with the script, my heartily congratulation to Adharva and Bala. Bala played his role well as a director, as well as the producer of the film. In particular, the social satire of Christianity and the slaves of British were well scripted in the narration. Unfortunately poor adaptation and screenplay found in the film and the storyline is not so unique compare with other existing-typical-single perspective-Indian cinema! Also the chemistry between GV Prakash and Bala is completely failed to create an impact on audience through out the film narration - its a major drawback for Paradesi. I love the opening title credits, it's nice.It's obvious that the first half of the film is crafted with wit & humor along with the supporting neighbors especially the old grand mother who receives audience applause the most; opposite to that the 2nd half of Paradesi which is painted with cry, crying and more crying. Did audience crying for that? I am not sure about it!!! Still wondering why "Bala" showing the protagonist as an uncivilized-social animal! Did anybody know the answer? please...Paradesi: A good full-length short film!

Story: Ottuparuki alias Rasa (Adharvaa) is the local messenger, who travels across to different villages, delivering the news! Angamma (Vedhika) is a bubbly village belle, with a soft corner for the lively Rasa! However, the villagers are against Angamma getting involved with him, and warn her against it. Sensing the need to prove himself he decides to work in Zameendar's tea plant. Rasa's struggle for freedom at tea plantation forms the crux.PerformancesAdharvaa is stunning throughout the movie. His big expressive eyes bring out many emotions. His extreme physical and mental effort can be seen clearly on screen. Climax act was top notch.Vedhika is sure to make a mark with her character which has both shades. She brings out some relief from proceedings during interval.Dhansika gives some quite subtle reactions. Her character is contrary to Vedhika's character but still she is the show-stopper. The others in cast like the villainous landlord and the granny of Adharvaa are excellent in their performance.Technical AnalysisCinematography by Chezhiyan is brilliant, the locales of 1940 village and tea plant are well captured and camera work stands out in the film. Musical scores are excellent while background score is quite impressive. Action sequences are fantastically shot. Bala has succeeded again in direction department while screenplay is interesting. Editing by Kishore Te, who made the cuts perfect without any flaws is outstanding. Paradesi is technically brilliant.AnalysisDirector Bala has come up with innovative story line.. Paradesi is based on novel The Red Tea (written by Paul Harris). The film depicts the wretched lives of tea plantation workers. Director Bala shows us the lives of carefree and poor villagers who are forced to work as slaves for rest of their lives with no trace of freedom. The first half is smooth going with few heart touching scenes and interval bang is absolute outstanding. In the second half of the movie Adharvaa steals the show with his sheer acting skills along with Dhansika who plays the role of abandoned mother of 2 children. Climax is remarkable.With no commercial elements, we are yet to see how the Tamil movie lovers will receive the film. Nonetheless, the film will be loved by Bala fans and remains as one of his best works.Final VerdictParadesi is surely going to be a landmark film for Tamil cinema.