Mohanlal's 'Paradeshi' about Malayalis hit by partition

Oct 11, 2007, 15:54 GMT

Kozhikode, Oct 11 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's upcoming film 'Paradeshi', which releases Friday, is set against the backdrop of partition, how it affected Malayalis and the alienation of people in their own country.

The keenly awaited movie is about Valiayakathu Moosa (Mohanlal) who moves to Karachi at a young age to look after his huge family. But the whole scenario changes after India's partition in 1947 and Moosa finds himself stuck in Pakistan.

He finally manages to join his family back in Kerala - but on a Pakistani passport. 'Paradeshi', which literally means alien, dwells on the trials and tribulations of Moosa and the many like him who are forced to stay as aliens in their own land.

He lives in Kerala on consecutive one-year extensions, with perpetual uncertainty and tension.

Mohanlal told reporters here that he had done his best to portray Moosa realistically.

'I have done it in the best possible manner and now it is up to the people to come and see it. And I am expecting many people to watch the movie,' Mohanlal said.

The movie, which has actress Shweta Menon in the female lead, has been directed by award-winning filmmaker P.T. Kunjumohammed.

'This is not just a story of a particular place; instead it is one of harsh realities that people like Moosa face in several parts of the world where they live as alien in their own land for no fault of theirs,' said Kunjumohammed.

The director is known for his offbeat themes. Kunjumohammed's earlier films that have won him accolades include 'Aswathama', 'Maghreeb' and 'Garshome'.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service