BEFORE THE RAINS

Year: 2007
USA: Roadside Attractions / Kerala Productions
UK: Metrodome Distribution
Cast: Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das, Jennifer Ehle, John Standing, Leopold Benedict, Indrajith Sukumaran, Lal Paul, Lakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Thilakan, Aadil Aswar, Ganapathy S. Ganapathy, Ejji K Umamahesh, Dr Ambikathmajan, Gopalakrishnan, Asharaf Moidu, Akhila, Mani Kumaranalloor, Krishnan Potti, Sthis Poduval
Director: Santosh Sivan
Countries: India / UK / USA
USA & UK: 97 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for violent content and a scene of sexuality
UK Certificate: 12A contains moderate violence
USA Release Date: 9 May 2008 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 25 July 2008 (Limited Release)
UK DVD Release Date: 2 March 2009


Synopsis

Set in 1930s southern India against the backdrop of a growing nationalist movement, BEFORE THE RAINS is the English language debut of acclaimed Indian director Santosh Sivan (THE TERRORIST, ASOKA). An idealistic young Indian man (Rahul Bose) finds himself torn between his ambitions for the future and his loyalty to the past when people in his village learn of an affair between his British boss (Linus Roache) and a village woman (Nandita Das).

Henry Moores (Linus Roache) has big plans to establish a spice plantation in Kerala. But his plans require a new road to be cleared through the vast hills, which will require money and manpower to bring the plan to fruition. It's his right-hand man, T.K. (Rahul Bose), who has the job of securing the trust of the local villagers.

Despite being married his house servant, Sajani (Nandita Das), who he is irresistibly attracted to, becomes his lover. Unfortunately their close relationship is witnessed by two local boys, which places Sajani in a difficult position as she has a husband. How long will it be before her betrayal becomes known?

When Henry's wife, Laura (Jennifer Ehle) and son arrive from England, Sajani will not be cast to one side so easily and her life is put in peril as she is threatened with death in her own village, so she turns to T.K. for help and Henry for refuge, but can his power and privilege still protect him?

DVD EXTRAS

Exclusive director and cast interviews
Exclusive DVD commentary with Linus Roache & Santosh Sivan
5.1 Audio
Theatrical trailer