Before the Rains: A Journey Through Time and Emotion

Hej, folks! Let’s chat about something a bit special today: “Before the Rains.” You know, it’s one of those films that sneaks up on you—the kind that asks for just a quiet evening and maybe a cup of coffee (or fika, if we’re keeping it svensk).

So, this cinematic gem directed by Santosh Sivan, it’s got a bit o’ Bollywood flair but doesn’t shy away from touching some deep, often painful themes. The film boasts the presence of Linus Roache, who you might know from “Batman Begins,” and the always brilliant Rahul Bose. Got to say, their chemistry is like watching a dance, where every step means something.

Now, Santosh Sivan, the guy’s practically a legend in Indian cinema. He’s got this painter’s eye, I think. Every frame is like a postcard—lush greens against the earthy roads, kinda reminded me of a summer trip I took to Skåne once, where the fields seemed to whisper secrets.

But it’s not all roses and summer sun. There’s conflict—a clash between British colonial arrogance and Indian tradition. And here, my friends, is where the film digs in. It made me reflect on how we, Swedes, pride ourselves on understanding cultures. But do we? Really got me thinking during midsummer, sharing this thought over a plate of sill.

Yet, honestly, some bits were slow as a sluggish Stockholm winter morning. Times I’ve caught myself wondering if they’d skipped a page in the script. Those repetitive inner struggles felt almost too introspective, like an Ingmar Bergman film during his more experimental years—might lose some folks there.

In the end, though, “Before the Rains” is like that old family album from the attic. Some pictures make you smile, others make you ponder. It’s not flawless, but hey, neither are we! And that’s what makes it a rich conversation starter. Just maybe have some patience, and a cinnamon bun, to go with the journey.

Check the trailer below