Once, Malayalam movie songs were filmed on locations either in Kerala, Ooty, Kodaikanal or Pollachi. But today, things have changed drastically. The exotic locales of foreign countries are chosen not just for Tamil and Hindi films, they are extensively chosen even by Malayalam film-makers and have become the trend now.

This trend was first introduced to Malayalam with Kamal's Swapnakoodu, which had a few songs filmed in Europe -- in Vienna old city, Salsburg, Meeraben gardens, Visionbrun palace and other places. In fact, the locations had nothing to do with the story. Consequently, this trend was picked up by many directors and actors in Malayalam and has become a 'necessity'.

Earlier, Tamil films had one or two song sequences in foreign locations. But today, all big budget Tamil movies are shot widely abroad. Ajith-starrer Billa, Unnale Unnale, Vegam and Kamal Haasan's Dasavathaaram are recent examples.

Nearly 35% of Dasavathaaram has been shot abroad, Kamal Haasan reveales after its release. Director Shankar and cinematographer Rathinevelu had visited Australia, Vienna, Brazil, Rio De Janeiro and Hanoi to fix locations before beginning shooting for Rajinikanth's Robot.

Films of actors like Suriya, Vikram, Vijay and Prasanna are also being shot abroad. Industry sources say that Ilayadalapathy Vijay is set to fly to Italy for Villu directed by Prabhu Deva. Vikram starrer Kanthaswamy directed by Susi Ganesan is being shot in Mexico. Suriya's Ayyan is also being shot abroad.

Why do directors go abroad for picturization, when we have so many beautiful locations in India? Is picturization abroad part of some money-making or money-laundering strategy? We really don't know. But please feel free to give your views by blog.