Will try to avoid spoilers as much as I can.
The film's milieu , which is set in pre-independent India about capitalists and religious fascists oppressing the poor and downtrodden , pretty much what's happening in today's world as well.
The film, ironically is less in the violence quotient ( unlike how it was projected in the Reality teaser) but high on the emotional quotient. As a matter of fact the reality teaser was more violent than the film itself.
Unlike other the Director's previous films , this one does not have glorified violence or the ultimate show down in the end with blood, gore and death. Bala has chosen to be true to the characters of the film, right till the end and has made no compromises for commercial purposes.
The film is not entertaining but it sure is hard-hitting and has an impact, to overcome which you will need a dozen beers and two joints.
The interval shot with the hand of a dying man in focus made me realize that even melancholy can give me goosebumps, with tears gathering around the corner of the eye.
In a corner of my heart, I did expect a violent ending but the cinematic genius personified - Bala, surprised one and all . He showed that there are things which cause more grief and sorrow than death itself. Climax was brilliant!!!
As expected the Atheist in Bala does take a dig or two at the pestilence of evangelical Christians and God-men who are exploiting the already exploited plantation slaves.
Chezian's cinematography is definitely one of the best in recent times and is spot on in capturing the poignancy and despair.
The gloomy color tone of the movie did show the plantations of Ooty/kodaikanal really morbid unlike other movies where they would use the same location for/as the common man's foreign location song.
GV Prakash's background score was good but his songs were really a let-down, considering the directors previous films.
As expected acting was brilliant and the director proves once again, that when you are the best in what you do, you will deliver irrespective of whom you work with.
It's been a while since a movie had this kind of effect on me , Bottom line is that Paradesi is a film which gives you the pleasure of being sad. Please do watch and experience for yourselves.
"Don't hate it when you don't understand it"..
Adios.
