Tamil Master Bala Returns To Big Screen Drama With PARADESI. We Have The First Trailer.

You may not recognize his name, but Tamil director Bala made something of an international splash back in 2009 with his film Naan Kadavul (I am God). The film was featured on these very pages and played at Fantastic Fest 2010, so Bala is not an entirely unknown quantity to the genre film world. Still, not many Tamil filmmakers make it out of the region in general. Bala's last film was a comedy titled Avan Ivan that tanked at the box office and left critics cold, however, Paradesi looks to be taking a much firmer stance, and so far it looks pretty damned good.

Here are a few words about the film from a website which claims to be official:

Director Bala has his own ways of naming his films and more often than not surprises his friends, fans and critics by his choice of titles for his films.  Some time back, a scribe met him soon after he completed the critically acclaimed Naan Kadavul, which also won him later the national award for 'best director'.
 
When the scribe asked Bala as to what would be the title of his next film, Bala casually asked why it shouldn't be Avan Ivan and later, as it turned out, it became the title of his next film which starred Vishal and Aarya in lead roles.  Even as he is busy with the making of his upcoming film Eriyum Thanal, it is said that he has decided to change the title to Paradesi (foreigner).
 
Based on the popular Malayalam novel Eriyum Panikkadu, Bala started shooting for Eriyum Thanal a few weeks back.  He is said to be under the impression that Paradesi
 
It remains to be seen, however, as to whether Bala makes any formal announcement about the change of the title.  The film, as already reported, stars Atharva and Vedhika in lead roles with Pooja and Uma Riyaz Khan doing significant roles. might turn out to be a better title than Eriyum Thanal.  It has many meanings in Tamil and usually refers to a wanderer who doesn't have a permanent shelter and considers all the places he visits as belonging to him.

Paradesi opens on December 21st, and I have advance word that the filmmakers didn't present any effort to have it subtitled. However, I have every intention of covering it if at all possible. I'll go armed with my trusty Tamil friend and we'll give you the lowdown.

The trailer is pretty sharp looking. Apparently the film is about crying, at least if you believe this footage. Check it out for yourself.