Watch Before the Rains

Before the Rains is a historical drama movie directed by Santosh Sivan and released in 2007. The movie features a talented cast including Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, and Nandita Das who deliver magnificent performances throughout the movie. The film, set in 1930s South India, tells a story of forbidden love and betrayal during the British Raj.

The main character in the movie is Henry Moores (played by Linus Roache), a wealthy British businessman and the manager of a tea plantation in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Henry has spent many years in India and has established himself as a respected member of the community, enjoying the benefits of his position and the privileges that come with it. However, his life is about to change as he begins to fall in love with Sajani (played by Nandita Das), a married Indian woman who works as his housemaid.

As their relationship evolves secretly, tensions begin to rise around them as the British administration is working on a new road that will bring new prospects to the region. However, to build the road, the workers will have to pass through a sacred forest, which is forbidden by local tradition. The situation is highly charged, and passions run high when the workers begin to defy the villagers' requests to stop construction. The conflict rises to a climax and takes a severe toll on the villagers, the authorities, and on Henry, who finds himself trapped between his love for Sajani and his loyalty to the British administration.

Rahul Bose stars as T.K., a local man who works for Henry Moores and who becomes his protégé. T.K. is an intelligent and sensitive man who's caught between two worlds, he's devoted to Henry, but also to his family and community. When the conflict between the British administration and the villagers intensifies, T.K. has to make a dramatic decision that will challenge Henry's ideas of loyalty, friendship, and justice.

The cinematography of this movie is breathtaking, with the lush green landscapes of Kerala and the colorful costumes of the villagers, creating a stunning visual effect. The movie's pace is slow, allowing the viewer to take in the details of the scenery and immerse themselves in the exotic setting of the story. The musical score is also notable, featuring a mix of Indian classical music and some Western compositions that complement the movie's emotional content.

Before the Rains is a movie that delves deeply into the themes of love, betrayal, and colonialism, exposing the tensions between the Brits and the Indian people, and the hardships faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo. The movie manages to blend the social and political commentary with a touching love story that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The performances in this movie are captivating, with Linus Roache delivering a masterful portrayal of a man torn between his personal desires and his duty to his country. Nandita Das is equally impressive as Sajani, showcasing her talent as an actress with her poignant portrayal of a woman struggling to break free from her cultural constraints. Rahul Bose brings complexity and depth to the character of T.K., creating a memorable performance that adds a lot to the film's sociopolitical context.

Overall, Before the Rains is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the complexities of relationships, both personal and political, against the backdrop of colonial India. It is a timeless love story that reflects on the human condition and the struggles people face when they attempt to fulfill their dreams of love and freedom. A must-see movie for anyone who enjoys stories that touch the heart and provoke the mind.

Before the Rains is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 47.