“I will always cherish the role of 'Moosa' in the film Paradesi. The making of such films is very important for the survival of good cinema, “said Mohanlal yesterday at a press conference at the Thiruvanthapuram Press Club.

“It was only after acting in the movie that I realized the depth of the character. I just want to make a good film and forget about its commercial concerns. I believe that a film such as this cannot be made with an award in mind and so I don’t give any importance for 'Pardesi', not finding a place in the Indian Panorama list”, added the actor who also produced the film.

The film's director P.T. Kunhumohammed who was also present explained that the film was the fruit of hard work spanning four to five years with the shooting itself taking around a year.

“I have tried to keep the film's narrative very simple, so that even a common man can understand it. If a viewer does not understand the movie, it is entirely my fault," says the director.

Meanwhile the film 'Pardesi' is not showing any signs of picking up in collections. In most of the release centres the film is registering less than 10-20percent collections.

The film's snailish pace of narration seems to be in the way for mass audience to embrace the film.