Bala's recently released movie "Paradesi" is not just receiving accolades, but is also raking in good business at the box office.

The movie, which received an above average response on its release date (15 March) in many parts of Tamil Nadu, has collected ₹4.86 crore in its opening weekend in Tamil Nadu.  

"The ₹40 crore budget film collected approximately ₹4.86 crore in its opening weekend in Tamil Nadu," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

However, the response to the movie was relatively dull overseas including in the UK and the US. According to reports, "Paradesi" has managed to fetch only ₹16.08 lakh at the UK box office, while it has raked in ₹22.48 lakh in the US during the opening weekend.

"Paradesi" is a period drama movie based on real life incidents set in the pre-independent era. The film deals with the enslaved tea plantation workers living in Munnar in late 1930s. It is an adaptation from "Eriyum Panikadu", a Tamil translation of the 1969 novel "Red Tea" by Paul Harris Daniel.

The film stars Adharvaa Murali in the role of Ottuperuki, the main protoganist. Actresses Vedika and Dhansikaa feature in significant roles in the movie.  

Director Bala is known for his intense, hard-hitting films. The actors in his movies - be it Suriya, Vikram, Arya, Vishal, Pooja - have all given their best performances.

Vikram won the national award (best actor) for his role as Chithan in "Pithamagan." Bala bagged the best director award for "Naan Kadavul" in 2009.

"Paradesi" too has struck gold at the 60th National Awards announced two days ago. Poornima Ramaswamy was conferred the Best Costume Design award for giving an authentic look to the film.

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