Paradesi Reality Teaser Creates Uproar - PART 1

Raven

 Even for ardent fans of Bala who like hard-hitting movies, the ‘reality teaser' was too much to take in. What Bala has done in ‘Paradesi’ looks like a very brutal way of extracting the best from the actors. Even if it is his way of extracting the best from his actors, using that video to promote the film looks highly questionable and also sets a bad example for upcoming directors.

Many were taken aback and had vented out their anger on social networking sites. In fact, the teaser created a lot of negative buzz about the movie with just 2 days prior to release. Not just the fans, even the celebrities have openly expressed their displeasure against Bala.

• Director Arivazhagan - “Reality teaser - in cinema, if there is a right for animal welfare, then what about human rights? This is not reality. It might be the way to direct but not the way to do as business.”

• Udhayanidhi Stalin - “I decided not to watch the reality movie! I should be building temples for Rajesh sir and S.R.Prabhakan sir.”

• Director CS Amudhan - “After the recent reality video, I am sure my cast is framing my photo & hanging in living-room.” 

• Director Balaji Mohan - “Paradesi 'reality' teaser sets a bad example to young future filmmakers who consider Bala sir as an idol. This isn’t the way to make films. Humbly request Paradesi team to takedown this 'reality' teaser as it spoils the chance this film has to take Tamil Cinema more national & global.”

• Dhayanidhi Alagiri - “I'm a big fan of Bala sir. He is an icon to the Tamil industry, but I really don’t know what to say after seeing that video, very disturbed!” 

• Director Karthik Subbaraj - “Heard it's a film made about human slaves. But the making looks more scarier!” 

• Editor Praveen KL - “Such a shame seeing actors getting beaten up for the sake of cinema. Absurd and totally not worth it.” 

• Editor TS Suresh - “When making a film like Anjali, will you ever think of hurting a child artist physically? I think filming Anjali is tougher than Paradesi” 

• RJ Balaji - “Just saw Paradesi teaser! Nadicha avangallukay appdina. Enga Thatha mela satyama Paradesiyum 120 Rubaaiyum panna maatane!”

• Siddharth - "A video of a director hitting his actors in the name of reality is going viral.Can we please have one of actors beating the hell out of him?"

• Director Thiru - Reality SUCKS!!

Vedhika, the female lead in Paradesi, tried to defend the video by tweeting “Tweeple its just the making video where sir is enacting the shot. Its very evident.” However, her reply looks very unconvincing and got drowned in the uproar.

Bala's goodwill in the industry goes for a toss

Surely, the teaser has created the much needed buzz, albeit negative, before the film’s release. But, it is disheartening to see such a renowned iconic film-maker like Bala yielding to cheap gimmicks to get more people to the theatres. We would just hope that none of the youngsters would take this video as a rule book to make realistic films. We sincerely hope that 'Paradesi' has more to offer for cinema lovers than what was shown in the video.

Also Read Part 2 - In Defence of Bala