Paradesi Teaser Brutality - In defence of Director Bala (Part 2)

Bala's goodwill built over 14 years came crashing in one day. Many Tamil directors and well known actors have condemned Bala (Read Part 1). Here is our findings based on our discussion with experts who analyzed frame-by-frame and  stunt directors who explained the behind-the-scene details.

It is public knowledge that Bala is a tough task-master. But, many felt that the teaser video has now exposed the dark side in him. Our summary findings based on expert opinions points quite to the contrary. As you closely break-down all the shots (shown above) involving director Bala, here are the 4 major types of mild to moderate abuse you will witness on the teaser video,

1. Verbal Abuses

There are a few shots involving verbal abuses showing director Bala losing his cool. It is not clear whether he is enacting a scene or really getting upset. Regardless, it is not uncommon for people blowing off some steam in high pressure work environments. These shots in the teaser are intelligently interspersed for additional impact.

2. Light Physical Abuse 

One can see Bala kicking the chair and hitting other actors with his hand. Most of these shots probably show Bala acting out a scene. The shots look more intense due to the grim lighting and enhanced sound effects. It is unlikely the person on the receiving end may have been physically hurt or insulted as a result.

3. Flogging with Stick 

Bala repeatedly flogging the actors is probably one scene that created the maximum visceral reactions among viewers. When inquiring a stunt director, he revealed that it is common practice that such canes, batons or sticks are usually made out of thin PVC tube padded with thick sponge and covered with a layer of bamboo or wood skin, which makes it look real. As one can notice in the first shot, the stick clearly bends sharply and regains shape. The reaction of the woman getting caned may make one believe that the cane probably was soft. These caning shots appear intense probably due to 18 frames per second (fps) accentuated by enhanced sound effects.

4. Moderate Physical Abuse

There is one shot where Bala kicks the workers in the Tea estate. Out of the 45 seconds, these 2 seconds are probably the only ones that weaken Bala's position the most. Even while enacting such scenes, it is customary for stunt masters to act it out based on director's instructions on other stunt men formally trained to handle kicks and punches. In this scene, the director kicking the actor is primarily a risk from a stunt union violation perspective. Similar to other shots, the impact of the kick is augmented by cleverly disguising the shots with grim BGM, sharp editing, intense b/w shots and faster frames per second.

Paradesi Reality Teaser - A Marketing Ploy?

It appears to be a marketing ploy by Bala to shock-and-awe the audience. This reality teaser has helped spike up the buzz levels multi-fold after concerns of low booking inquiries at theatres. Bala has succeeded in his mission to certain extent. But, did anybody within Paradesi team inform Bala that this teaser backfired resulting in a strong uproar against the movie as many are planning to boycott the movie while even his ardent fans feel terribly let-down by such inhumane treatment.

With time fast running out prior to release, let us hope Bala will be able to convincingly explain his intentions regarding the teaser video and turn the tide back in his favour.