Paradesi (2013 film)

Paradesi (transl. Vagabond) is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language historical drama film written, produced and directed by Bala. The film starrs Atharvaa, Vedhika, and Dhansika, with Jerry and Riythvika in supporting roles. It is based on Eriyum Panikadu, a Tamil translation of the 1969 English novel Red Tea by Paul Harris Daniel. Set during the British Raj, the film revolves around an unemployed villager who is misled into bonded labour at a tea plantation after being promised generous accommodation and wages by a Kangani, who tyranically rules it.

The music of Paradesi was composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, with cinematography by Chezhiyan and editing by Kishore Te and L. V. K. Das. The film was released on 15 March 2013 to positive reviews from critics. It won the National Film Award for Best Costume Design, and three Filmfare Awards South: Best Tamil Director (Bala), Best Tamil Actor (Atharvaa) and Best Tamil Supporting Actress (Dhansika).