Rain has played a special role in many films around the world. Although it is often seen as part of many stories, filmmakers have used it as a tool to tell stories that affect people and events.In films like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘Seven Samurai’, the rain added depth to the main scenes and became an important part of the story.In South Indian cinema especially rain often has more meanings than its natural form.
‘Vaishali’
Among the best examples is Vaishali, directed by Bharathan and written by MT Vasudevan Nair. Set in the drought-stricken kingdom of Anga, the film revolves around a desperate attempt to bring rain to the land.The future of the kingdom depends on the arrival of the wise Rishyasringa. They believe that they have the power to end the drought. Vaishali was given the task of bringing him to the kingdom.In this film, the lack of rain symbolizes suffering and helplessness. People are waiting for relief. The land remains empty. When the rain comes, it changes the fate of the kingdom. The song ‘Dum dum dum dundubhinaadam’ is one of the best dance songs shot in the rain, in Mollywood.Based on a story from the Mahabharata, the film remains one of the most popular mythological dramas in Malayalam cinema.
‘Perumazhakalam’
Kamal’s ‘Perumazhakalam’ offers rain in a different way. Monsoon shows the depression of the characters.The story follows Raziya and Ganga. All the characters go through grief, guilt, forgiveness, and difficult choices. As written in the title, the constant rain is a reflection of the pain that is taken by the characters.The emotional drama features Meera Jasmine, Kavya Madhavan, Dileep, Vineeth, and Biju Menon in the lead roles. The film was praised by critics and audiences alike for its complex storyline and action.
‘Alaipayuthey’ and ‘Mouna Ragam’
Mani Ratnam often uses rain as a useful tool in films.Rain is closely related to the sentiment of young love in ‘Alaipayuthey’. This story is about two people. They go from love to marriage and face life’s challenges together. The rains hit at many important times. The emotional drama features R Madhavan, Shalini, Vivek, Jayasudha and Swarnamalya in lead roles.Mani Ratnam’s other famous ‘Mouna Ragam’ uses rain to express feelings that have not been expressed. The story of this film is about Divya. He finds it difficult to reconcile his past life with his present life. The film has Revathi, Mohan, Karthik and others in major roles.